Continued need for venue post CoC13 is admitted

She said the continued need for The Venue beyong 2013 is being considered by her Department as part of legacy planning beyond Londonderry’s year in the cultural spotlight.

Foyle MLA Mark H. Durkan asked what action her Department has taken to ensure that The Venue is secured as a permanent arena after the 2013 City of Culture year.

She responded: “I recognise that The Venue 2013, funded primarily by Department of Social Development (DSD), is an essential space for hosting medium and large scale events included in the City of Culture Cultural Programme during 2013.

“My main focus in terms of the City of Culture is to deliver a lasting legacy for local people.”

Previously the Minister has said this legacy must involve wages rising, jobs being created in poorer areas, a more equal city, better relations between Protestants and Catholics and happier citizens otherwise UK City of Culture 2013 will have been a failure.

Now she says The Venue in Ebrington may be retained as part of plans to achieve this legacy.

“The continued need for The Venue will be considered as part of this legacy planning,” she stated. “It is worth noting that my Department has invested significantly in the development of arts infrastructure in Derry over the last ten years with the refurbishment of the Playhouse, Waterside Theatre, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and the Gasyard Centre. The Millennium Theatre is also one of the largest theatres in Ireland.”

The Venue has hosted several major events in 2013 including the Ulster boxing championship finals, the Sons and Daughters concert, One Big Weekend, Buena Vista Social Club, Elvis Costello, Chic, CultureTech, Status Quo and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann