Dance Cork Firkin Crane Calls on Public to Become Friends of Iconic Shandon Venue

Dance Cork Firkin Crane has launched a renewed drive to grow its Friends membership scheme, calling on audiences, artists and supporters across Cork to help secure the future of one of Ireland's most important cultural institutions.

The appeal forms part of continued investment in the organisation and its historic Shandon home as it enters what it describes as an ambitious new phase of artistic and organisational development. General memberships start from €100, with a dedicated Artist Friend tier available at €50 for full and part-time professional artists.

Housed in the protected Firkin Crane building, which dates from 1855, the organisation holds the distinction of being Ireland's first dedicated dance house. Its facilities include a 235-seat theatre, four professional studios and artist residency programmes, supporting dance artists at every career stage while presenting work for Cork audiences and beyond.

Laurie Uprichard, Executive Artistic Director, said:

"The Firkin Crane has always been sustained through a combination of public support, artistic ambition and community belief. As we look to the future, becoming a Friend is one of the most meaningful ways people can be part of that story. It's about more than support; it's about connection, ownership and ensuring that dance continues to thrive in Cork."

Internationally acclaimed Irish choreographer Luke Murphy welcomed the initiative:

"Dance Cork Firkin Crane has been foundational for so many artists. It's a place that nurtures work, supports risk-taking and connects artists with audiences. Supporting it through initiatives like this is vital to ensuring that continues."

Jean Butler also highlighted the building's significance:

"It's such an iconic building and an extraordinary resource for dance artists. The opportunity for the public to support it directly through the Friends scheme is incredibly important."

Membership tiers include Ally (€100), Advocate (€250) and Ambassador (€500), each offering ticket discounts, invitations to special events and opportunities to engage more closely with the artistic programme. The Artist Friend tier at €50 offers professional artists a discounted studio hire rate of €5 per hour, up to 40 hours per year.

While recent investment has strengthened the building and secured its ongoing use, the organisation acknowledges the ongoing realities of maintaining a protected historic structure while delivering a national programme of work.

For more information or to sign up, visit dancecorkfirkincrane.ie or contact Box Office Manager Andrea at andrea@firkincrane.ie or 021 450 7487.