IFI launch major funding campaign

The Irish Film Institute (IFI) have embarked on a major fundraising initiative in advance of a vast refurbishment project in August.

Situated in Temple Bar, the IFI was founded back in 1992 and aims to screen the very best of both Irish and international cinemas. Since opening its doors, it has seen over four million visitors and hosted a number of events featuring cinematic legends Juliette Binoche, Daniel Day-Lewis, Kenneth Branagh, Mike Leigh, Carol Morley and Jim Sheridan.

The building is an 18th century former Quaker Meeting House. Due to the age of the building, it is in need of renovation along with the foyer roof, ongoing maintenance and structural costs are also substantial. The refurbishment plans to introduce premium seats with extended leg room, new carpets and acoustic panelling.

IFI director Ross Keane says, "We pride ourselves in delivering programmes of excellence, but we now need our facilities to match these high standards."

"As a registered charity and not-for-profit, we are looking to the public and our loyal audience to assist us in undertaking these critical works," he continues. "... We hope that these improvements will help drive our box office income which, in turn, gets reinvested back into our various education programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds, and helps us to preserve Ireland’s National Film Collection."

The self-titled "Home of Film in Ireland" is appealing to the general public, its friends and its members to financially support the institute through text and online donations.

Although principally funded from the Arts Council, the IFI are urging that they "desperately need further support to complete the works".

They have offered individuals and businesses a chance to put their names to seats in the IFI's Cinema One which is soon to undergo renovation, as part of the Name Your Seat drive.

Donations can be given here, by texting IFI to 50300 to give €4, or via Name Your Seat.