Our new studio space is officially open and will Honour the Legacy of Moya Brennan
On Monday, 13 July 2026, we officially opened our new studio space, marking an exciting new chapter in our continued commitment to supporting artists, creativity and community engagement across the North West.
The special event welcomed artists, public representatives, supporters of the theatre and members of the local community to celebrate the completion of the new facility, which will provide a dedicated, flexible space for rehearsals, workshops, performances, education programmes and artistic development. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments from Mac’s Deli and enjoyed the new space before the official opening.
Guests were welcomed by Theatre Director Patricia McBride, who spoke about the significance of the new studio and its potential to nurture creativity, support emerging artists and expand the theatre’s community and education programmes.
Chairman of the Board, Gerry McMonagle, reflected on the vision and collaboration that brought the project to fruition, thanking the many individuals, organisations and funding partners whose support made the development possible.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue, who acknowledged the importance of continued investment in cultural infrastructure and recognised the vital role An Grianán Theatre plays as a creative hub for Donegal and the wider region.
A highlight of the afternoon was the premiere of a specially commissioned musical work by composer and performer Laura Sheeran. The piece, commissioned through the Percent for Art Scheme, was written especially to mark the opening of the new studio and received its first public performance during the ceremony; the piece will act as the house music within the studio space.
The occasion became even more poignant with the announcement that the new studio will be known as the Moya Brennan Studio, in honour of the late Moya Brennan, whose enduring support for An Grianán Theatre spanned many years. A much-loved artist and cherished friend of the theatre, Moya graced our stage almost every year, creating unforgettable performances and maintaining a close connection with audiences across Donegal. Her commitment to the theatre and to the arts made her a fitting person to be honoured in this lasting way.
Moya’s husband, Tim Jarvis, officially opened the new studio by cutting the ceremonial ribbon with Minister McConalogue; the Brennan and Jarvis family will attend a naming ceremony later in the year to mark the occasion.
The project was made possible by funding from the Department of Culture Communications and Sport with match funding from the Donegal County Council. A special thanks to the capital project team which was led by Mac Gabhann’s architects who designed and built the studio and new accessible box office, John Russell Construction, Sammon QS and Ipsum Engineering and all the other subcontractors and workers on the project.
The Moya Brennan Studio represents a significant investment in the future of the arts in Donegal and reinforces An Grianán Theatre’s commitment to providing high-quality facilities that support creativity, collaboration and lifelong engagement with the arts. The new studio is the highlight of extensive renovations that the theatre has carried out recently including a new accessible reception desk, new flooring throughout the foyers, new auditorium seating and carpet.
Photo Credit: Stevie Toye – LogoPix
