St. Canice’s Credit Union funds new Learning Centre in Kilkenny

Both St. Canice’s Credit Union and Butler Gallery are delighted to announce that the Credit Union has awarded Community Connect funding to Butler Gallery for their new Learning Centre which will open in May 2020, in their new premises in Evans’ Home, one of Kilkenny’s most historic and iconic buildings.

Butler Gallery’s pioneering Learning & Engagement Programme currently provides over 4,500 children and adults access to art through events, public workshops, school programmes and community-based projects. The programme places a strong emphasis on creative learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and access to participation in artist-led activities. At Evans’ Home, Butler Gallery expects numbers to the Learning Centre to increase by over 30% within year one.

Speaking about the partnership with St. Canice’s Credit Union, Hollie Kearns, Learning and Engagement Curator at Butler Gallery said she was thrilled at the prospect of working closely with St. Canice’s Credit Union.

“We are so excited about the move to Evans’ Home and really looking forward to welcoming all St. Canice’s Credit Union Members to Butler Gallery. All funds donated through the St. Canice’s Credit Union Community Connect Fund will help to fit out Butler Gallery’s dedicated Learning Centre. We’ll be using the funding to purchase essential materials and supplies and ensure we can provide art education and creative learning opportunities to as many people in our community as possible. We are so grateful to receive this support at such a crucial time and these funds will keep on giving back to the people of Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Tipperary and beyond, for many years to come”.

Roisín Gilroy, Head of Marketing from St. Canice’s CU, outlined how the Credit Union is involved in a huge range of community organisations and events, all made possible through loans that members take out.

“As a not for profit co-operative, all money made via lending by St. Canice’s goes back to members and the community, rather than unknown shareholders. We are hugely competitive when it comes to loan rates and would ask the local community if they are going to borrow to check us out, give us a chance, we may surprise you. We lend up to €75,000 unsecured and offer mortgages up to €350,000. Supporting projects like the Learning Centre in Butler Gallery will only continue because of lending to the community we support. That’s the Credit Union difference.”

For further information on community support and loans from St. Canice’s Credit Union contact their Member Service Centre on (056) 77 22 042.

ABOUT EVANS’ HOME:
At Evans’ Home Butler Gallery will unveil its important and unseen collection of 20th century Irish art. Overlooking the River Nore at the heart of Kilkenny City, at Evans’ Home, Butler Gallery will have four collection galleries; an entire wing dedicated to the work of renowned artists Tony O’Malley & Jane O’Malley; a large contemporary art gallery; a learning centre; an interpretation room, a media gallery; three beautiful gardens and a café.

€5.6million has already been secured for the capital development phase with support from Kilkenny County Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Fáilte Ireland. In order to complete the campaign, a final €250,000 (4.5% of the overall capital cost) must be raised. These additional funds will ensure artists’ work is seen by as many people as possible and presented in welcoming and interactive spaces, while also ensuring more learning opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.