The Community Calls for an Arts & Culture Centre

northwesterndevpar
Jul 7
2 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Conducted an Arts, Culture & Entertainment Survey #1 [June 2025], Documenting a complete list of all Public & Private groups offering Arts, Culture & Entertainment workshops/classes currently in Donegal Town, as a means to define an overarching Arts. Culture & Entertainment strategy for Donegal Town.

742 voices. One shared vision.

Donegal Town is ready for something big, something bold, inclusive, and creative. A recent community survey carried out by the Northwestern Development Partnership gathered insights from 742 locals, and the message is clear: Donegal wants a dedicated Arts, Culture & Entertainment Centre.

This wasn’t just a tick-box exercise, people across all ages, backgrounds, and townlands shared thoughtful, passionate feedback. Here's what we learned:

Strong Community Engagement

Most survey respondents already attend arts events, often monthly or during festivals. From theatre and music to film and heritage, Donegal people are active participants in cultural life. They’re not just ready for more, they’re hungry for it.

Breaking Down the Barriers

Even the most passionate supporters face real obstacles:

They often don’t hear about events in time
Transport and distance make it hard to get there
Some events are too expensive
Many spaces aren’t accessible for those with mobility or sensory needs
Parents can’t find childcare or family-friendly scheduling

A purpose-built arts centre could remove these barriers, making creativity more accessible to everyone.

Local Creatives Are Eager to Get Involved

Artists, musicians, writers, performers, and cultural workers from the area responded with enthusiasm. Many offered to:

Run workshops
Exhibit their work
Perform or collaborate on community events
Mentor young people

This isn't just a call for space, it's a call for connection, collaboration, and creativity.

A Home for Donegal's Story

A recurring theme throughout the responses was identity.

When asked about the idea of a permanent exhibition celebrating Donegal’s arts, crafts, Irish language, music, and folklore, the feedback was nearly unanimous: “Vital”, “Long overdue”, “Essential for our identity”

People want a place that captures who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going.

In Their Own Words

“Donegal has so much untapped talent all it needs is a home.” “There’s no central place that captures who we are. This could be it.” “This centre could be an anchor for young people, a place to feel seen and supported.”

These aren’t just quotes, they’re a mandate.

What Happens Next?

The survey is more than data. It's a roadmap.

Donegal Town is community-led and proudly local and this Centre could be the heart that brings everyone together: from toddlers painting in workshops, to grandparents watching a film, to musicians hosting céilís that spill out into the streets.

742 people spoke. Let’s make sure we’re listening.