Arts Council members visit local cultural organisations

BOARD members of the Arts Council yesterday travelled to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Londonderry, to meet with local artists, arts organisations, district council officers and key politicians including DUP MLA William Hay

Also present was SDLP MP Mark Durkan as well as representatives from Derry City Council, and Arts Council funded organisations including Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, The Playhouse Theatre and Yes! Publications.

The evening reception for clients and guests created the opportunity for members of the arts community to meet with the Arts Council Board and to discuss the ongoing development of the arts in the area.

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The reception followed one of its monthly Board meetings, which the Arts Council holds twice a year in venues outside of Belfast.

Rosemary Kelly OBE, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: "Tonight's event has presented a great opportunity to meet with our clients in an informal atmosphere, and to share information about some of the projects which are happening locally.

"This splendid venue for the meeting, Cultrlann U Chanin is part of the significant capital investment the Arts Council has made in the North West, and in Northern Ireland as a whole.

"We plan to continue this investment in the coming year, with nearly 2.5 million for capital projects in Derry and a further 1 million for arts organisations in the area."

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The meeting also marked the occasion of the Londonderry City of Culture bid reaching the shortlist for the title of first UK City of Culture 2013.

Rosemary Kelly continued: "The North-West has a rich and varied cultural landscape which has been developing over many years and deserves to be recognised.

"If the bid is successful, it will lead to a change for Northern Ireland, not only from a social, economic and cultural perspective but also from the legacy that it will leave for years to come.

"There is a wealth of artistic talent in this area and the array of organisations present here this evening reflects the true diversity of the local arts sector.

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"The Arts Council is helping to nurture and support this talent and is committed in its support of local arts organisations and artists, recognising the important role they play in the region's cultural and economic regeneration."

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