£100k buys new gear to further fill artistic void

THE manager of Londonderry’s Void Gallery, Maoliosa Boyle, says a £100k grant from the Department of Social Development (DSD) has allowed her create an equipment bank to allow more artists and citizens experience and engage with contemporary art.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Apr 2013, 09:34 BST
Void Manager Maoliosa Boyle, Ilexs Cultural Broker Caoimhin Corrigan watch on as student Hannah Martin tries out some of the interactive equipment in the artists workshop which was granted to Void by Ilex through the Department for Social Developments UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.Void Manager Maoliosa Boyle, Ilexs Cultural Broker Caoimhin Corrigan watch on as student Hannah Martin tries out some of the interactive equipment in the artists workshop which was granted to Void by Ilex through the Department for Social Developments UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.
Void Manager Maoliosa Boyle, Ilexs Cultural Broker Caoimhin Corrigan watch on as student Hannah Martin tries out some of the interactive equipment in the artists workshop which was granted to Void by Ilex through the Department for Social Developments UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.

Void has upgraded its Patrick Street facility and purchased a range of audio/visual and digital equipment thanks to the £100k grant from the DSD City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund which was administered by Ilex.

Void Manager and Curator Maoliosa Boyle said: “This funding has allowed Void to purchase new computers, software, video cameras and stills cameras for the Gallery Art School and 2013 projects.

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“This has enabled staff, students and audiences to gain new skills in digital media and assisted them in the creation of new work.

“The facilities are also available to the general public and local artists and we have been able to deliver classes and training in specific areas.

“We were also able to create an equipment bank that local artists, students and organisations can access, allowing a wider, more diverse audience to experience and engage with contemporary art”.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: “My Department’s investment in this equipment and furniture will provide improved facilities for the existing users of Void gallery and will allow a range of external organisations and cultural practitioners to make use of the space to host their activities.”

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Ilex’s Cultural Broker Caoimhin Corrigan said: “As a result of this investment, Void is better placed to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the ongoing regeneration of our city.

“This digital equipment will enable the gallery to drive forward a range of community and school engagement projects, and will also enhance visitors’ experience during exhibitions and installations including the Artist’s Garden project”.