The Context
The American Bar dates back to the 1860’s, with the pub always being called ‘The American’. Why? No one knows exactly…but being on Belfast’s dockside, it would have had links to the Americas through shipping, trade and emigration. The new chapter commenced in October 2016, and the pub is once more alive with impromptu music sessions, poetry and gigs over two floors.
Pintsized Productions is a group of emerging professionals collaborating with established artists and engaging audiences. The company creates pintsized projects in alternative venues, showcasing exceptional talent. They produce an excellent programme of theatre that engages and improves appreciation of the arts for audiences old and new in Northern Ireland.
Having reopened a number of years ago, the owner of The American Bar wanted his establishment to stand out. With a deep appreciation for the arts, he wanted to find a way to support the local cultural scene, whilst also putting his bar on the map, to introduce it to new customers...
The Solution
Pedro Donald, owner of The American Bar, is an ardent support of the Arts in his locality. Having appreciated Pintsized Productions for a number of years, he announced The American Bar as a new sponsor at their 10th Birthday Celebrations in December 2018.
The American Bar has provided a rehearsal and performance space for all Pintsized productions, installing black curtains on the stage to allude to a theatre space. It also hosts fundraisers and acts as a private venue for Board Meetings and their AGM. As a result of this natural affinity, Pintsized are now established as the official in-house theatre company at the American Bar.
With the support of The American Bar and Arts & Business NI Investment Programme, Pintsized Productions toured Kieran Knowles’ play ‘31 Hours’, a challenging and topical play which reflects societal issues regarding mental health and suicide: every 31 hours someone takes their own life by jumping in front of a train and victims are ten times more likely to be a man. ‘31 Hours’ is the story of four men who clean up after rail suicides. The tour began at The American Bar in August 2019 and afterwards toured to various constituencies throughout Northern Ireland, where suicide rates are at their highest.
Through its partnership with Pintsized Productions, The American Bar is becoming an increasingly prominent arts venue; playing host to local talent has helped them in attracting new customers and assisting in the Arts regeneration of its immediate locale Sailortown, positioning the area as a thriving cultural sector. A new 30-storey apartment block has been proposed for the area, adding to the importance of nearby venues for arts, entertainment and hospitality for residents. With this in mind, the partners have already started strategic planning to create weekly/monthly events to position The American Bar as a venue for leisure and recreation.
“As a long term supporter of the arts scene in Belfast, and now being in a position to be able to give something back, I am only too happy to do so. Pubs, to me, are so much more than just places to have a drink, they are places for gigs, sessions, readings, films, exhibitions... and of course theatre!”
Pedro Donald, Owner, The American Bar
"Having Pedro and The American Bar as our sponsors makes so much of a difference to us as a Theatre Company. We have a spacious and welcoming environment to hold auditions, committee meetings, fundraisers, rehearsals and performances. The staff and Pedro are always so helpful and accommodating to our needs, and with their support we are always guaranteed a free space to rehearse and perform. With "31 Hours" we brought an extremely relevant and hard-hitting show to various groups and communities across NI, and for The American Bar in particular we were able to hold our press night, have a Sold Out Performance and also welcome new and regular customers to the bar itself. Thank you so much Pedro for your continued help and encouragement not only for us as a company but to the arts sector as a whole."
Nuala Donnelly, Artistic Director, Pintsized Productions
