Greystones Culture Hub The Whale Theatre Appeals For Community And Council Support

The Whale Theatre contributes so much to the people of Greystones and beyond, but, running an arts and culture organization has plenty challenges as East Coast FM news has heard this week

The Whale Theatre in Greystones has long been a cornerstone of the local arts and culture scene in Wicklow, offering a space for performances, events, and community engagement.

Yet, despite its significance, the theatre faces ongoing financial challenges, highlighting the precarious position of similar art and cultural organisations across the country.

Aideen Walton, from the theatre's board, explained the current situation this week to East Coast FM radio news.

The theatre operates as a voluntary organization, with a voluntary board, one and two-thirds permanent employees, a number of volunteers, and casual staff.

Recently, three board members met with the Municipal District Council to present their case for support, emphasizing the theatre’s role in the community.

“There’s no end of goodwill coming from both the community and the councillors,” Ms. Walton said. “Many supported our proposal. Our goal was to ensure the council understood how the theatre operates and how we can manage going forward.”

At present, the Wales Theatre receives no public funding. Unlike other venues, such as the Mermaid Theatre—which benefits from council and Arts Council support—the Whale Theatre remains open primarily due to generous donations and fundraising events, including a major fundraiser held in October.

Ms. Walton noted that while these contributions are vital, they cover only a portion of the theatre’s annual overhead.

A common misconception, she added, is that ticket sales sustain the theatre itself. “Tickets cover the events, not the theatre’s operating costs,” she explained. “The overheads before opening our doors each day are substantial. In fact, nearly every theatre in the country receives some form of public funding or subsidy.”

The theatre is now seeking wider support, starting with the council, to secure funding from discretionary resources. Ms. Walton stressed that council support would not only help sustain the theatre but also lend credibility in discussions with the county council.

Despite limited resources, councillors responded positively to the theatre’s presentation. Strategic planning for the county highlights the importance of arts centers in communities with populations over 15,000.

Ms. Walton emphasised that Greystones and its surrounding areas—including Kilcoole, Newcastle and Delgany among others — have a substantial, growing population that deserves its own arts facility.

Importantly, the theatre does not seek new construction or refurbishment. “We have an existing, fully functional space,” Ms. Walton said. “We’re asking for it to be officially designated as an essential amenity for the community, which would make us eligible for public funding.”

Financially, the theatre requires between €3,500 and €4,000 per week to remain operational. These costs cover basic weekly operations, not ticketed events, which primarily fund performers.

To meet these requirements, the theatre plans to engage local businesses, individual donors, and the wider community.

“The majority of support we receive is voluntary, which is incredible,” Aideen Walton added. “People contribute their time, expertise, and skills. But without tangible support from the community, the theatre cannot survive.”

The Whales is also in the process of applying for charitable status, which would further strengthen its funding and community engagement. Aideen Walton emphasised that the theatre belongs to the community and must be supported collectively to ensure its sustainability.

As Greystones continues to grow, the Whale Theatre remains a vital hub for arts and culture. Securing both community and council backing is seen as essential to preserving this valued institution for generations to come.