Culture Factory is a voluntary group of young people who are attempting to establish a creative and social centre, not only for ourselves but for future generations of young people of Newbridge. The last census of Newbridge (2006) revealed that the population was 18,520. 40.5% were under 24, well above the national average of 34.6%. This figure does not take into account the rise in population since the last census or the surrounding areas that form part of the parish of Newbridge. This raises the estimated population of the town considerably. All this development has come at a price and as a result, there are no facilities, outside of sport for the young people of the town.
Our aim is to find a suitable premise and establish this as a dedicated alcohol free space for young people in the Newbridge area. In the building we shall provide facilities for live music, rehearsals, dance, film, pool, artistic teaching zones, meetings and an internet café. The space will promote a creative collaboration between artists & young people and a ‘Culture Factory’ for many young people who are excluded from what is traditionally regarded as the ‘arts sector’. This space will be open to all young people regardless of race, religion, sex etc.
We have been active in raising awareness of the dire lack of facilities for young people since 2007 and we have met every target that we have set. We have written, designed and funded a brochure, numerous leaflets (10,000), t-shirts and a film, worked with professional artists such as Super extra Bonus Party, Band on an Island, Nialler9, Joe Butler, Luka Bloom and Christy Moore and were kindly helped with grants from the Credit Union and the Town Council. To date we have been indorsed, supported and helped by Droichead Nua Town Council, Newbridge Chamber of Commerce, Newbridge Community Development, and Kildare Leader Partnership, the latter two organisations funded our business plan which will be launched in early 2010, this will enable us to go forward and be sustainable in the future.
