Council to administer 'Mute Meadow'

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland have confirmed that they will assume responsibility for project management, underwrite any cost overrun which is unlikely and advance funding so that there is minimal impact on the council’s cash flow.

The 800,000 Mute Meadow Public Art scheme will be located at the Ebrington site sweeping down to the River Foyle.

It is being billed as a major symbol of regeneration and change and as representing a creative and forward looking Londonderry.

Derry City Council recently received a request from Professor Declan McGonagle on behalf of the North West Cultural Challenge Fund to adopt the Foyle Public Art upon its completion.

A meeting of the Derry City council Development Committee heard yesterday how local regeneration firm Ilex asked Derry City Council to consider undertaking the administration of the above project which has secured 800,000 of funding from DCAL.

The request followed the withdrawal of Safle, the appointed provider of consultancy and project management services to the project, as a result of the decision of the Arts Council Wales to discontinue their funding.

A report by the Town Clerk to the Council Development Committee advised: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland have confirmed that they will assume responsibility for project management, underwrite any cost overrun which is unlikely and advance funding so that there is minimal impact on the Council’s cash flow.

“To ensure that the project is completed by 31st March, 2011, in order to draw down DCAL funding approval I approved, under delegated authority, to administer the remaining project spend of 610,000 subject to acceptance of letter of offer from the Arts Council.”