A €1.2m investment has been unveiled for Cork's Triskel Arts Centre, to help strengthen its artistic programme ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2028.
The centre offers a vibrant programme of live music, arthouse cinema and contemporary visual exhibits all year round.
By 2028, the goal is to be a sustainable, digitally advanced hub that celebrates diverse voices and showcases high-calibre Irish and international work.
The strategic plan includes a €1.2m capital investment programme and a target to raise an additional €100,000 annually in revenue funding.
An unaccompanied rendition of a song called 'Smuggling the Tin' was performed by 17-year-old Rosie McCarthy, who is part of a collaboration between the Triskel Arts Centre and the Cork Traveller Women's Network, called Passing on the Songs.
The project is rooted in the oral tradition of passing music and song onto the next generations.
Rosie said: "So it's an old song, and I suppose every family has got different versions of it, because songs weren't really written down, you know, but I learned this song off Thomas McCarthy a few years ago, and it's documented now.
"He learned them from his mother and now he's written them down. The song talks about a few different things. It talks about the horses too which are a very big part of the Traveller culture."
Rosie laughs as she says she could sing before she could talk.
"Yeah singing means everything to me and all my family love to sing as well. There would always be a sing song for every occasion."
She credits Triskel Arts Centre with giving her the confidence to pursue her dream of a singing career.
"Thanks to Triskel and the Women Traveller Movement who have their headquarters here, I've been able to perform at events in this beautiful space, which was originally an old church. It led to me performing at the National Concert Hall in 2024," she said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin watched the performances before officially launching the strategic plan for Triskel Arts Centre.
"I am delighted to launch this transformational strategic plan for Triskel Arts Centre which delivers enhanced facilities while also supporting more artists and arts workers. This significant investment builds on the wider roadmap for the arts and cultural sector in Cork as we look to further develop a vibrant and innovative area," he said.
Tony Sheehan has been Artistic Director of Triskel Arts Centre since 2006 and has led the transformation of the organisation from a small arts centre to significant cultural hub, incorporating Christchurch, which was annexed to Triskel in 2011 after its restoration by Cork City Council.
He said the investment funding would be invaluable to the future development of the centre.
"Our 50th anniversary is in 2028 and this plan will be a launchpad for the next 50 years of artistic innovation.
"Triskel has always been a vibrant, independent, and forward-looking arts organisation - unafraid of change and dedicated to nurturing the very best of the arts in Cork.
We want to deepen audience engagement through innovative programming and enhanced digital experiences that broaden access and participation"
Chair of Triskel Arts Centre Paula Cogan said: "This Strategic Plan reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring Triskel remains a vital force in Cork’s cultural life.
"As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are focused on building a sustainable, technologically advanced, and environmentally responsible future for the Centre. Our vision is for Triskel to continue inspiring creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence for generations to come."
