Triskel Arts Centre was founded in 1978, and moved to its current home in Tobin Street in 1986. Triskel celebrated its Thirtieth Anniversary in 2008. As Cork’s principal Arts Centre our mission has always been to commission, present, and promote the contemporary arts in Cork, and to ensure the arts are made available to as wide a public as possible.

In 2009 Triskel began a process of re-invention, partly because Christchurch, a beautiful 18th Century building, was to be restored by Cork City Council, linked to the existing building, and given to Triskel to manage. Triskel also began this process because it is important to continue to be relevant for artists, practitioners and the public at large.

On 15th April 2010, that became a reality when the new Complex was launched. Triskel now acts as a true Centre for the Arts. It houses the Theatre Development Centre, in the what was the “auditorium”. Managed by Corcadorca, it is a facility and a service for professional theatre makers where new work can be developed, tested, and presented in a professionally managed and sympathetic environment. The TDC is a place where the Theatre Community can meet to discuss ideas, issues, and to socialise.

The Main Gallery is now the home of The Black Mariah – an artist led project and exhibition space, focused on cultivating new audiences for contemporary art in Cork by facilitating and presenting innovative practices through forms of collaborative exchange. During 2009 the project was postponed due to increasing financial pressures constraining its progress and development. In the meantime collaboration between The Black Mariah and Triskel was initiated. This critical fostering by Triskel will allow for the continuing development of The Black Mariah concept.

PLUGD is one of the last independent independent record stores still trading in Ireland, and it moved to Triskel after being forced to close earlier last year. PLUGD were initially housed on the ground floor at the ESB Substation in Caroline Street and now occupy the second floor of the “old” Triskel, offering a wide range of music. PLUGD will also stock design and limited edition artworks, magazines, film, and books. Jim Horgan, owner, also designed the concept for the new Café GULP’D, housed on the ground floor and looking out onto the beautiful grounds of Christchurch.

Christchurch has been a remarkable development, and has transformed Triskel Arts Centre into one of the key venues in the arts in Ireland. Triskel moved to Tobin Street partly because it wished to access the Church someday. That Christchurch managed to be completed during a one of the worst recessions in the history of the State is a testament to the commitment to the arts of Cork City Council. Christchurch is now home to exhibitions, concerts, and since the 22nd May, a new Arthouse Cinema, which has received popular backing particulay after the loss of the much loved Kino cinema on Western Road.

The full development story of Christchurch can be read here: http://www.triskelartscentre.ie/christchurch/index.htm

Welcome to Triskel Christchurch.

Tony Sheehan
Artistic Director
Triskel Christchurch.