Town Hall scheme helps support next generation of programmers

Galway’s Town Hall Theatre has selected Lucy Birmingham, Tara Mackin and Noel Minogue to take part in the Young Curators’  Programme for 2023-24.

This initiative,  which helps young people who wants to work in the arts, is run by the NASC network of regional theatres.

The Town Hall is part of that eight-strong NASC network, which also includes  the Lime Tree in Limerick, the Pavilion in Dún Laoghaire, Glór in Ennis, An Grianán in Donegal, Backstage in Longford, Dunamaise in Portlaoise, and Tralee’s Siamsa Tíre.

The three Galway participants will team up with other curators from around the country to programme a national festival that will be presented across the NASC theatres in June 2024.

The Young Curators’ Programme is targeted at young people aged between 18 and 25 who want to gain experience in working in the arts, especially people interested in venue and festival management and programming, explains Fergal McGrath of the Town Hall Theatre.

All were chosen via an Open Call process.

To be eligible to apply to the Town Hall, applicants had to live in Galway or have a strong connection with the city or county and its communities.

The three chosen showed a passion for the arts and for attending performances; enjoyed working with a small team; liked organising events and could commit for the year.

Now they will have an opportunity to programme and produce work, says Fergal. This could involve selecting a show that they’ve seen for inclusion in the Town Hall Theatre’s programme, or making a show in collaboration with their peers in other venues.

Throughout the year, the young curators from all eight venues will meet and network. They’ll also be mentored by industry professionals in marketing, touring and venue management, and will learn about negotiating deals, how to approach artists and companies, and how to manage budgets.

Pictured: Tara Mackin, Noel Minogue and Lucy Birmingham.