Opera House unveils five-year strategy

“Cork Opera House is for everybody, and we take that very seriously,” its CEO said at the launch of the historic venue’s strategic plan 2025–2030 last night.

The event, which was attended by Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, saw the launch of a 40-page document outlining the venue’s main objectives for the coming five years.

Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlín Gleeson told The Echo the strategic plan laid out a vision for the future which would build on the venue’s rich heritage.

She said: 

“We have six strategic objectives in total, the first of which looks at developing our programme and making sure that we’re inclusive of everyone; the second is about building our community and including young people and marginalised communities in the work that we do and helping broaden out our work to be inclusive of everybody.

“This is our 170th year, and we’re taking the moment to look at our legacy, and how we can build on that legacy.”

Ms Gleeson said Cork Opera House would continue to prioritise its people, ensuring wellbeing and job satisfaction amongst its staff, and to accommodate diverse audiences and artists.

She said infrastructure was a priority, adding that the venue was “on the hunt for a rehearsal space” for in-house productions.

Finally, she said, another key objective was keeping “very good and stable finances” to continue to ensure Cork Opera House’s future.

Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Rose Desmond, who is chairperson of the Cork Opera House strategic planning committee, said the strategic plan was very important as it mapped the venue’s plans for the coming five years.

“Institutions like the Opera House don’t just exist by chance, we have to ensure their future and ensure their success, and it’s a cornerstone of the creative and artistic and cultural world here in the city of Cork and beyond, in the wider region,” said Ms Desmond.

“We’ve taken the time to make sure that we have a robust strategy to take us through the next five years.”

Among the objectives cited for the coming years are a focus on large-scale shows, musicals, and traditional theatre; and prioritising classic repertoire and nurturing opera talent through the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist programme.

The document also promises a commitment to working with local festivals and artists over the next five years, while also working to develop ticket pricing structures in support of artists, allowing them to experience performances at the Cork Opera House without financial barriers.