b'Connect magazine invited Irish Arts Center FROM ITS HUMBLE ORIGINS in a three-story walk-up more than forty years ago, the Irish Arts Center is now wellExecutive Director Aidan Connolly to share on its way towards building a state-of-the-art new home thatwill provide a landmark cultural platform for Ireland and IrishthestoryoftheCenterandtheexcitingAmerica in the 21st century. For decades the current Irish ArtsCenter has served as an intimate and inviting cultural hubdevelopments they are undergoing as they where people of all backgrounds can bask in the warm glow ofIrish arts and culture. The new Irish Arts Center and the seek to build a new home in New York City.workthatinhabitsitwillhelprestoreIrelandsgreat reputation by reminding New Yorkers and Americans of allstripes what the Irish are best known forour creativity andinnovation, our passion and work ethic, our sense of welcomeand sense of humor.As a locus for dialogue and a foundationfor a new Irish American culture that both honors the past andlooks affirmatively and outwardly towards the future, Irish Arts Center is poised to represent the evolving global Irishcommunity in a manner commensuratewiththesuccessIrelandandIrishAmerica have achieved on the worldstage. It is not just audiences who gainfromathrivingIrishArtsCenter. AccordingtorenownedRiverdancecomposerBillWhelan,IrishArts Centers capacity to change the arc inthe careers of many artists, performers,dancers,writers,paintersand musiciansisenormous.Andifthe vision for its future is supportedthenthe sphere of its influence will increaseproportionately.Thelistofartists affiliated with the Irish Arts Center isdiverseandextensive:fromworld-renownedactorsandestablished directors such as Gabriel Byrne, LiamNeeson, Terry George and Jim Sheridanto emerging theatre-makers such as PatKinevane and Deirdre Kinahan; fromRenowned composer Bill Whelan and violin virtuoso Athena Tergis address the audience internationallyacclaimedmusiciansafter a performance in Irish Arts Centers Masters in CollaborationSeriessuch as Bono, Paul Brady, Martin Hayes and Mick Moloneytoup-and-comingsinger/songwriterssuchasJulieFeeney, Declan ORourke, and Wallis Bird. Fueled by the profound generosity of donors, Irish Artsis growing into a leading cultural brand, rooted in excellenceand innovation, which competes with the best, most intimatecultural experiences New York has to offer. Thanks in no smallpart to the enduring support of The American Ireland Fundand its dedicated members, Irish Arts Center is expanding itsreach and impact like never before.connect 2013 | 26'