Director Michael T. Dawson welcomed the funding injection which enabled the project to be finished:
“We were looking for a suitable location for a dedicated campus and Balbriggan was suitable in so many ways, with its young and expanding population and excellent transport links to Belfast, Dublin and across the island. Together with the other Board members we were determined to not simply operate a standalone venue, but to have a regenerative and transformative impact on the local area.
“We have more than 100 people employed on site and alongside the students and with our live shows which we host in the Lark Concert Hall, there is always a vibrancy in the campus which spreads across Balbriggan. The town is becoming a destination for the arts and a symbol for the positive role art and culture can play in the economy and society.
“In piecing together the funding package to develop the IIMS, we were delighted to be partnered with Belfast Commercial Funding. The team was quick to understand our concept and quick to turn around our loan application. It has been a very positive and productive partnership so far.”
Ciaran McLaughlin, Head of Business Development at BCF said:
“The enthusiasm of Micheal and his colleagues is very clear and we are delighted to partner up with the Irish Institute of Music and Song. Any music and arts venue is a bespoke project, but ultimately this is an organisation and a venue which will operate commercially in order to thrive and meet its commitments as a social enterprise. It requires specialist advice, understanding and financial products which are simply not being provided by mainstream banks.
“We have been very active in the Irish market in recent years and have made loans to businesses and organisations in every county in Ireland. Where mainstream banks are failing to step-up to support their local economy, we will continue to do so and welcome new enquires from across the island.”
Since opening the IIMS the campus has already hosted events by the Department of Foreign affairs, Fingal Enterprise as well as corporate retreats for EY, HSE, Holles St. Hospital and over 25 different community groups.
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Gareth Graham, Chief Executive Belfast Commercial Funding, and Michael T Dawson, Director, IIMS.