Re-imaging Communities Roadshows

• racism
• Re-imaging Communities
• roadshows

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland will run a series of seminars, highlighting the ways in which communities can apply for funding to re-image their local area. The re-imaging programme aims to help all communities in urban and rural areas tackle the visible signs of sectarianism and racism and to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

The three year programme was first announced on 10th July 2006 and exactly one year on, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, announced that the first £500,000 had been allocated to 34 community based projects as part of the £3.3 million Re-imaging Communities Programme.

The seminars will be held at;

• Monday 8th October – Houstons Mill, Broughshane
• Tuesday 9th October – Strule Arts Centre, Omagh
• Wednesday 10th October – Creggan Country park, Derry
• Monday 15th October – NICVA, Belfast
• Tuesday 16th October – Fermanagh House, Enniskillen
• Wednesday 17th October – Marketplace Theatre, Armagh

Arts Council Chairman, Rosemary Kelly, commented on the importance of working collaboratively to shape positive regeneration:

“The Arts Council has been heartened by the many applications received from across Northern Ireland and we are running seminars to encourage all communities to put forward a submission for funding.”

“During the course of the year, as a consequence of the Re-imaging Communities Programme, artists and communities have become connected, some for the first time, but all with a focus on positively re-shaping our society and changing how we are seen by ourselves and others.”

“In a very meaningful way we can all contribute to the regeneration of our neighbourhoods, our local economy and culture. We would encourage all communities to attend our roadshows to learn about how their local area could benefit from funding. Art has a key role to play in promoting community cohesion and we encourage the continuing positive regeneration that is taking place across the region.”

The consortium supporting the new Re-Imaging Communities Programme is an initiative led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.  It comprises the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Department for Social Development, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the International Fund for Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Community Relations Council and SOLACE.

A selection of images of the Projects is available at:
http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/reimaging/projects.htm

Further details on the Re-imaging Communities Programme can be obtained from Jane McKee at the Arts Council on (028) 9038 5200 or by emailing : jmckee@artscouncil-ni.org