Belfast arts organisation the MAC is starting 2023 with an exciting partnership with businesses at home and abroad, including legendary New York bar and ‘World’s Most Awarded Pub’, The Dead Rabbit. Friends of the MAC was launched in the St Anne’s Square venue last week ahead of a unique fundraising event in Manhattan this Thursday.
In addition to being an award-winning arts and social space, the MAC is also a charity. Through the Friends of the MAC membership scheme, businesses will support the work of one of Northern Ireland’s most progressive and forward thinking arts institutions, whilst enabling the MAC to continue its vital charity and community work. In return, the member companies will play an important role in supporting and protecting the arts in Belfast and will receive associated benefits including exclusive preview invites, staff and client entertainment opportunities and public association with the MAC.
MAC Chief Executive, Anne McReynolds called on businesses to support the charitable work of the MAC.
“Last year we celebrated our tenth anniversary. That was a chance to evaluate the amazing impact the MAC has had on Belfast and on Northern Ireland as a whole, not just on promoting and the celebrating the arts but on individuals and communities. We are now one of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions and an award-winning home for the arts and a champion for social change. Since 2012 we have welcomed over 2.6 million visitors to our galleries, theatres, event and social spaces and we connect with an active social media audience too.
“But the MAC is also a charity, we exist for everyone and we deliver on our inclusivity through our outreach work, through affordable ticket prices, through our free playroom for families, subsidised transport for school groups, and close partnerships with some of our socio-economically deprived communities here in North Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Last year alone the MAC worked with 50,574 people from our poorest neighbourhoods including people who are struggling with addiction, mental ill health, homelessness and children living in poverty.
“With the support of the business community at home and abroad we could do so much more to promote a sustainable and shared community in Northern Ireland. That is why the Friends of the MAC project is so important and I hope more businesses will get involved.”
At last week’s event, The Dead Rabbit was recognised for its generous donation to the MAC. This Thursday the Friends of the MAC goes global with a sister event in The Dead Rabbit, New York, kindly hosted by Geraldine Hughes and Conor Allen, to begin its U.S fundraising in earnest.
Other businesses which have already signed up to become Friends of the MAC are Gilbert Ash, Belfast Harbour, Pinsent Masons and Options Technology.
Details of the Friends of the MAC can be found at www.themaclive.com
Pictured are Jack McGarry from The Dead Rabbit and Áine McVerry from the MAC
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
