The Arts Council welcomes funding to support |
05/06/2007
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland welcomes the announcement made today at the Waterside Theatre that 6 arts organisations in the North West area have been allocated funding through the North West Cultural Challenge Fund programme towards the regeneration of the area. These grants will enhance the funds already awarded by the Arts Council.
The Challenge Fund for the arts and cultural sector in the North West was introduced as part of the Ilex Regeneration Strategy for the Derry City Council area. The fund, totaling £4 million will contribute to wider regeneration and will also fund the commissioning of an iconic artwork to mark the restoration of the city. A steering group comprising members from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Department of Social Development, the Arts Council, Ilex and Derry City Council was established to oversee distribution of the fund.
Six local arts organizations have received funding. The Arts Council will manage the delivery of the capital projects to ensure that the City continues to develop its arts infrastructure. The organisations include: The Waterside Theatre (£777,000), The Playhouse Theatre (£416,000), An Gaeláras (£363,000), The Void Gallery (£137,000), The Gas Yard (£312,000) and The Verbal Arts Centre (£45,000).
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council commented on the £4 million award: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has been a long term revenue funder of these organizations and we are delighted that this funding will contribute to their sustainability.”
