This article is from page 20 of the 2012-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
ONE of Clare’s largest entertainment venues would be forced to “close its doors” if it did not receive local authority funding, a meeting has heard.
Director of Glór, Gemma Carcaterra told last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council that it was also “imperative” that Glór maintain its current staffing levels in order to be in a good position when the economy picks up.
She said the biggest challenge fac- ing Glór is the management of limited resources.
Ms Carcaterra said that Glór must also lessen its reliance on local authority funding in the future. Glór employs 33 people and has an annual turnover of € 1.25 million.
The Ennis venue receives funding from Clare local authorities and the Arts Council.
In a presentation to councillors, Ms Carcaeterra said Glór makes a net contribution of € 850,000 per year to the local economy.
Following questions from Cllr Brian Meaney (GP), Ms Carcaeterra said that Glór’s end of year financial position would be “very positive”. She said that it was her understanding that Glór does not have an outstanding financial liability.
Town manager Gerard Dollard said, “We’re not starting out with historical debt. It’s about how we fund Glór into the future.”
Cllr Meaney said it was important that at a time when the council is facing difficult budgetary choices, the exact financial position of Glór is known.
Ms Carcaterra also confirmed that Café Noir, the company running café facilities at the venue, pays a small rent to Glór.
She described the three-year partnership with Café Noir as “crucial” to ensuring there is life in the venue throughout the day.
Originally from the midlands in England, Ms Carcaterra has worked as director of Glór for the past 12 months.
She told the meeting that 600,000 people had passed through the doors of Glór since it opened in 2001. 35,000 people attended 255 events in Glór in 2011. A breakdown of the figures shows that 5,000 attended music events; 6,000 attended theatre shows while 9,150 schoolchildren, teachers and parents visited the venue.
Ms Carcaeterra also praised staff, describing them as “highly knowledgeable, professional and loyal”.
Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) praised the work of Glór staff, saying Ms Carcaterra is implementing an “ambitious plan”.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the council had contributed on average € 240,000 per year to Glór since it opened in 2001. He said the venue should play a central role in events for The Gathering next year.