ABOUT US

Founded in 1972, the Irish Arts Center is the leading non-profit institution in New York bringing the very best of Irish arts and culture to audiences of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.     Located in the heart of Manhattan’s historic “Hell’s Kitchen”, the Irish Arts Center is one of the largest and most inclusive Irish cultural organizations in the United States.  More than 35,000 people of all ages and ethnicities participated directly in Irish Arts Center programs in 2006, plus many more through print and broadcast media coverage of our theatrical and musical engagements, education programs, festivals, and special events.

Our 99-seat Donaghy Theatre is one of New York’s most treasured, intimate spaces to see live music, Off-Broadway theatre, dance, and film.   Our gallery is host to some of Ireland and America’s most exciting new visual artists, and stimulating cultural exhibitions.  The Center is also home to one of New York’s top cultural education programs for children and adults of all ethnicities, taught by our resident experts in Irish music, language and dance.

Over the years, the Irish Arts Center has established itself as a “cultural Ellis Island” for emigrating Irish artists across several disciplines, especially music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, many of whom have gone on to great national and international success after beginning their careers with us.  The Center provides a home for established Irish artists and performers to reach – and build – a New York audience, providing a welcome opportunity for Irish and non-Irish alike to enjoy authentic, first-class Irish entertainment.  Since 1972, the Center has offered a cultural home away from home for such cultural luminaries as Robert Ballagh, Marie Jones, Jimmy Murphy, Mark O’Rowe, Ronnie Drew, Mike Hanrahan, The Chieftains, The Nualas, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Terry George, Eamon O’Doherty, Donal O’Kelly, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Milo O’Shea, Jim Sheridan, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson and many, many more.