Cultural city on the cusp of change

LONDONDERRY'S bid for UK City of Culture 2013 signals a city that is on the cusp of change according to Derry City Council.

A collective call for ideas and support was made during a meeting with local stakeholders in the city on Wednesday.

The bid will hopefully build local confidence, reach inner city communities, create international appeal, boost tourism and create new sustainable jobs.

"The opportunities are endless," explained Aideen McGinley, Chief Executive of Ilex, "We have already received so many innovative ideas as to the type of cultural experience we could offer in 2013.

"Today is about ensuring the programme is as rich and diverse as possible. The journey of change for the city is well under way and with everyone's support, we can develop this bid further and deliver this accolade for the city."

The Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Derry City Council, Valerie Watts explained: "We understand the creative connections between the many disciplines involved in developing and delivering a successful bid.

"To support the bid process we have set up a Cultural Partnership Forum to represent the range of creative genre that exists or is developing and today we are calling for individuals to bring forward additional creative ideas and be part of this bid process.

"It's a unique opportunity and one that will create a lasting legacy for the city and Northern Ireland."

Mayor Paul Fleming welcoming the contribution from the many stakeholders who already have advanced ideas and creative thinking for the bid said: "Everyone has a role in contributing to advancing this bid. There is a strong sense of talent and commitment to our city and region. The City of Culture presents an ideal opportunity to capture and showcase talent and creativity."

The executive summary of the proposals to date outlines the city's vision to make culture accessible to all, reviving local and international cultural connections and unlocking creativity through celebration and inquiry programmes around people, place and past to future.

Some of the outline programmes ideas include travelling exhibitions, an enhanced festival programme, a Biennale of contemporary visual arts, a series of outdoor concerts, participation events for singing performance and public art and a series of children events for creative play.

The city has significant cultural assets with over 600,000 people taking part in cultural activity per annum and over 11million being contributed to the local economy. The City is also looking for organisations and individuals to come forward to work in partnership with the city to develop and deliver the cultural programme.

Information on how to get involved are detailed on the www.cityofculture2013.com website and members of the public are invited to post their comments and views on the bid at [email protected].

Related topics: