£3.3 million Community Re-Imaging Programme launched in south Belfast 

Communities across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a £3.3 million investment aimed at tackling the visible signs of sectarianism and racism in our communities. The new three-year funding programme was launched today (Monday, July 10th at 11.00am) by Culture Minister Maria Eagle MP, Social Development Minister David Hanson MP and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland at the Belfast Wheel, a bronze sculpture in King William Park, south Belfast, built with cross-community support.

Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, MP (right) and Minister for Culture, Maria Eagle, MP (left) launch £3.3m Re-Imaging Communities fund with Rosemary Kelly, Chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The consortium supporting the new Re-Imaging Communities Programme includes the Department for Social Development, The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Community Relations Council, Housing Executive, the International Fund for Ireland, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Arts Council Chairman, Rosemary Kelly paid tribute to the partners in the initiativeand added, “The Arts Council is delighted to be taking the lead role in delivering this important programme which places creative regeneration at the heart of work in local community neighbourhoods. The Re-Imaging Communities Programme will help all communities in both urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland to focus on broader expressions of civic and cultural identity and to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.”

The Re-Imaging Communities Programme will support a wide range of community-led projects, offering grants of up to £5,000 for small projects and up to £50,000 for larger-scale projects. There will be community development workers on hand to help develop organisations in those areas which find it hard to access this type of funding.

Any local community group with an idea that fits with their local council’s Good Relations Strategy can apply for funding. Projects that have the support of another public authority will also be considered.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Re-Imaging Communities Programme should contact the Arts Council on Tel: (028) 90385200

Click here for Programme Booklet ( PDF )

Guidance notes and application forms will be available from September 2006