Culture minister promises 2013 inclusivity

CULTURE Minister Carol Ní Chuilín has promised to work with the new Londonderry Culture Company to ensure inclusivity is a watchword come UK City of Culture 2013.

Speaking at the Stormont Assembly last week the Minister - embroiled in controversy over her appointment of convicted IRA killer Mary McArdle as a special advisor - said she would be happy to meet with a delegation from Londonderry to discuss UK City of Culture and the events and activities planned.

Although when she was asked by DUP MLA Gregory Campbell if she appreciated the substantial difficulties placed in the way of inclusion by “her appointment of a ministerial adviser who was convicted not of a mistake but of a coldblooded murder,” Ms Ní Chuilín said she would deal with that matter at another point.

She told the Assembly: “Plans for the 2013 City of Culture are being progressed by the Culture Company, Ilex Urban Regeneration Company and Derry City Council.

“Inclusivity was included in the successful bid and will be a guiding principle across the approach to programming. The board of the new Culture Company embodies the principle of inclusivity, as it includes representation from many disciplines and from across the community.”

Mr Campbell asked: “Does the Minister understand the concept of ensuring that the wider community is not just included but is content with occasions in which her Department will be involved, such as the United Kingdom City of Culture events?”

She replied: “In relation to inclusivity, I have asked officials to engage with the new Culture Company and stakeholders in Derry to support and develop proposals for events and projects associated with 2013.

“I intend to meet representatives of the Culture Company and other stakeholder organisations in the near future to hear how the plans for the year are developing.”

Foyle SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey asked if the Minister would be happy to meet a cross-party delegation from Londonderry “given the significance and importance of this event, and to maximise the tourism potential of the north-west.”

She replied that she would stating: “In short, I would be happy to meet a delegation from Derry City to discuss the City of Culture and the events and activities that will be rolled out. I look forward to that invitation.

She also spoke of the jobs and investment potential. She stated: “I look forward to seeing the plans for the City of Culture initiatives and events and to seeing what economic spin-offs can be derived as a collective, because that city and, indeed, the north-west, has been deprived of funding over many years.”

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín expressed concern over the £14.7million peace bridge development, which is due to open in just over a week’s time, asking what stage the Ebrington development had progressed to.

Ms Ní Chuilín said: “Ilex has produced a strategic outline case for the key cultural centre at the Ebrington site. When the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) submitted the strategic outline case to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in December 2010, DFP raised a number of issues.

“The strategic outline case is being revised by Ilex on the basis that the project will be taken forward in phases, with phase 1 being complete in time for the 2013

celebrations.

“Current indications on costs and other details have yet to be brought forward but will be in that plan. I am happy to pass on any additional information that Cathal or any other Member might need.”

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