Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford
For this month’s members’ spotlight, we’d like to congratulate long-time access>CINEMA member Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford on their 40th birthday.
The venue – which welcomes 35,000 visitors annually – continues to boast a diverse and exciting film programme, from concert films to family programming. It also has a long-standing, successful partnership with Waterford Film For All, which delivers cultural and independent cinema titles seasonally to Waterford city and surrounding communities. The venue’s state-of-the-art cinema facilities include a 4K projector.
As part of their birthday celebrations, on September 14th Garter Lane is hosting a special gala screening of the very first Irish language feature film – the 1978 crime drama Poitín. Directed and produced by Bob Quinn, written by Colm Bairéad and starring familiar faces such as Cyril Cusack and Donal McCann, the film is a remarkable, unsentimental response to the pastoral visions of rural Ireland that dominated cinema in the 20th century. It remains a vital chapter in Ireland’s cinematic history – especially now as the trailblazing predecessor to the recent wave of acclaimed Irish language films.
The gala screening at Garter Lane will include a reception and speeches highlighting the importance of film programming in the venue’s history. You can find out more and book tickets on Garter Lane’s website.
The team at Garter Lane explains: “Officially opened in 1984 by actor Niall Tóibín at 5 O’Connell St, Waterford, Garter Lane Arts Centre has been a consistent lynchpin in the region’s cultural and arts infrastructure ever since. Now spanning two Georgian buildings in the heart of Waterford City, the centre is known as being a base for creativity across many artistic disciplines.
“As part of our ongoing celebrations marking 40 years we are highlighting cinema programming at the arts centre with a number of events this September including the true Irish gem, Poitín, directed and produced by Bob Quinn, on Saturday 14 September. Not only is this film of great importance in the history of Irish cinema as the first Irish language film to be funded by the Arts Council, it also stars Niall Tóibín, who officially launched Garter Lane Arts Centre back in 1984.
“We work closely with access>CINEMA throughout the year and partner with locally based film society, Waterford Film For All, on their expertly curated and popular independent world cinema seasons. The next WFFA season starts 10 September. For updates on all events, theatre, cinema programme, friends membership and all booking details visit garterlane.ie.”
Best of luck to all the Garter Lane team during their birthday celebrations and WFFA’s upcoming Autumn film season (details of which will be announced soon).
Garter Lane is supported by the Arts Council, Waterford City & County Council, The Department of Social Protection, its Patrons and Friends.
Garter Lane Arts Centre
O’Connell Street
Waterford
X91 DX57
