INTRODUCTION / HISTORY / PEOPLE / TCA BOARD
INTRODUCTION
TALLAGHT COMMUNITY ARTS (TCA) is a pro-active organisation working with local community groups to activate arts programmes in line with the needs of the wider Tallaght community: geographically, culturally and socially.
TCA’s work focuses on participatory arts, encouraging people of all ages to be involved in the making of art. Our work embraces gallery-based art, site-specific performance, open-air events and collaborative arts commissions.
Founded in July 1996, over the last decade, and in more than one location, the organisation has worked with countless artists as well as involving hundreds of individuals and community groups in Tallaght in the creation of artistic work.
In 2008, TCA moves to their new home as anchor tenant of the new South Dublin Arts Centre. This move will enable TCA to profile its commitment to a decentralised programme of projects and residencies being seeded, developed and delivered in and with local communities in Tallaght, which will be complemented by our programme of participatory arts practice and learning in the new South Dublin Arts Centre.
TCA’s aim is to work in partnership with local and national agencies in a cross-sector approach to sustainable community development, which puts people and culture at the centre.
Tallaght Community Arts is approved under Section 484 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for tax-deductible donations. Company Registration Number: 251538. Registered Charity Number: CHY 11678.
HISTORY
Tallaght Community Arts Centre opened to the public in July 1996, located in Virginia House, a restored 1837 farmhouse, near The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght. In 2003, the Virginia House site was sold in order to generate funds for the development of a purpose built arts centre for South Dublin County, located near the Luas at Tallaght Cross, in which the organisation would be based.
Over the last 12 years, TCA has cultivated and supported the arts and artists in Tallaght. Since 1996, the organisation has developed meaningful working relationships with a number of community initiatives and has been active in the areas of intercultural action and activities, Traveller projects, drug rehabilitation, youth at risk, lone parents, young probationer and children with learning difficulties.
Outreach and Learning Programmes for both children and adults have focused on using the arts as a tool for personal development, education and fun. TCA has a long working relationship with a number of national and secondary schools in South Dublin County and has teamed with a range of professional artists, writers and actors to facilitate quality arts projects within schools.
TCA has developed a strong partnership with IMMA’s ( Irish Museum of Modern Art) - National Programme, and together both organisations deliver a programme in Tallaght on an annual basis that promotes excellence, inclusiveness and accessibility to contemporary art at a national and international level.
In July 2003, we moved to a temporary site in Tallaght Village. The move offered many new opportunities for the public to engage in the arts, but inhibited the continued development of the artist-in-residence programme, which we anticipate will continue in the new venue.
We have continued to deliver an active arts programme from the Village Square venue, and our temporary home has facilitated a lively, multi-disciplinary arts and exhibitions programme, encompassing literature, music, visual arts, and performance. In addition, members of the community have actively participated in arts workshops and specific arts projects in a range of disciplines and areas of interest.
TCA has actively contributed to the development plans of the new South Dublin County Arts Centre and we look forward to the opportunities that the organisation’s move to its new custom-built home in late 2008 will bring.
PEOPLE
TCA DIRECTOR
Tony Fegan, theatre director and arts learning practitioner, took up his position as Director of Tallaght Community Arts in August 2007. Previously he was Director of Learning at Lift (London International Festival of Theatre) for 15 years where he established an international and intercultural learning programme with a major focus on participatory arts work with children and young people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds across London.
TCA BOARD
TCA BOARD
Mark Maguire (Chairperson) is the Curator of Education and Community Programmes at IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
John Conroy
Janice Fleming is a Director of Creely Fleming & Co, Registered Auditors and Management Consultants, established in 1996 and based in Tallaght.
Christine Ferguson
Cllr Joe Neville, a representative of the Tallaght Central Ward, was elected to South Dublin County Council in June 2004. He has a track record of service in the community and a special focus on drug awareness amongst both parents & teenagers.
Charlie O’Connor, T.D for Dublin South West is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights and also on Social & Family Affairs. He is Secretary to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party’s Committee on Social & Family Affairs and was a member of South Dublin County Council from 1994 until September 2003.