2013: what’s the idea?

‘Your 2013: What’s the Big Idea?’ conference aims to stimulate imaginative ideas and creative thinking on how art and culture can be used to explore the major themes of 2013 - ‘Joyous Celebration’ and ‘Purposeful Inquiry.’

‘Your 2013’ is a joint Culture Company and Derry City council initiative and will pose a variety of quesitons such as: what are the new stories that the citizens of the walled city wish to tell the world; how do we capture and communicate these stories through creative art? how can we collectively mark the 400th anniversary of the building of the city walls; how can we use the architectural landmarks of the city as a canvas for cultural events in 2013; what creative responses can we generate to the legacy of the past?

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of Culture Company commented: “2013 offers unique opportunities to explore the history and shared heritage of this city and tell a new story to the world.

“Culture Company is seeking ambitious ideas that will ignite the imagination and inspire creativity in every community in the city. We have already received a host of ideas and project proposals and we are looking forward to sharing some of these ideas with the community and generating a lively debate.”

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said he felt the conference was an excellent way of allowing the public to engage directly with the Culture Company about what they think should happen during 2013 to ensure delivery of community led events that will have a lasting legacy for future generations.

Attendance at this free conference is encouraged from across all communities and cultures represented locally. The event is scheduled to take place from 9.15am - 3.15pm. Advance registration is required.

To register for the conference each participant must complete a registration form which is available from Sue Divin, Good Relations Officer at Derry City Council T: 028 7134 5160 or email: [email protected]

Completed registration forms must be returned no later than Monday 17th October to Brian Anthony as indicated on the form.