RUA RED Unveiled as South Dublin County Council officially opens its New County Arts Centre.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 3rd FEBRUARY 2009

RUA RED Unveiled

South Dublin launches unparalleled 9.5 million cutting-edge centre for the arts

The centre will open officially on 5th February 2009, with four days of exciting cultural activities. Mayor Marie Corr will open RUA RED in the presence of Minister Cullen TD, which represents a 9.5 million investment by South Dublin County Council to develop a new cultural quarter within Tallaght.

Director of RUA RED Karen Phillips said: Our aim is to become self-sustaining. This will allow us to support ambitious new projects within the centre and become a home to support both charitable and commercial organisations in achieving artistic excellence at all levels.The centre, a dynamic home for the creation and enjoyment of the arts, is the result of six years of planning, consultation and construction. RUA RED boasts two high spec galleries, 70 seater performance

space, art workshop, music rooms, rehearsal room, incubators, offices and artist studios.

RUA RED opens with a packed weekend of free events organised in collaboration with its anchor tenant Tallaght Community Arts and other partner organisations. The weekend will give the public an opportunity to tour the much-anticipated building and participate in a variety of dance, drama and art activities that may form part of longer-term programming for the centre. There is something for everyone with hands on art workshops starting for ages 5+ to sizzling salsa tasters for adults who are young at heart! Young people will be thrilled by dance classes in our bright

rehearsal studio and inspired by all the new people they meet at our drama tasters.

Tasters are also available for adults at the weekend along with the chance to compose your own music

using the latest computer software. You can enjoy a great night of jazz on Thursday or bluegrass on

Sunday with concerts from Trihornophone and David Olney.

The inaugural exhibition Housewarming, curated by Ruairi OCuiv and Cliodhna Shaffrey, runs until 21^st March and showcases both the vast gallery space and the work of 8 renowned artists.

Full details of the events can be found on the website: www.ruared.ie

Karen Phillips added: This is a state of the art building, with some of the best facilities on the island,which is only fitting for a centre that will host the best in local, national and international arts. If you would like more information please contact Carolyn Jones, Development Officer for RUA RED at

cjones@ruared.ie or by telephone on 01 424 6700

RUA RED

South Dublin Arts Centre

Tallaght

Dublin 24

E events@ruared.ie

T 01 451 5860

W www.ruared.ie