Re-imaging Programme helps communities to take first step |
07/03/2008
The Arts Council today announced the latest allocation of £505,469 to 18 community based projects across Northern Ireland as part of the £3.3 million Re-imaging Communities Programme, (on behalf of the Shared Communities Consortium). This programme places artists in the heart of communities to work with local people to tackle visible signs of sectarianism and racism to create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
The funding addresses a broad range of communities in urban and rural areas including £50,000 awarded to north Belfast based, Cliftonville Community Group to re-image the entrance to Cliftonville Community Centre, located within an interface area. £44,850 has also been awarded to the Cathedral Youth Club in Londonderry for the creation of a sculpture and community garden.
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Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council and Chair of the Shared Communities Consortium delivering the Re-imaging Communities Programme said, “Art has a key role to play in promoting community cohesion. Re-imaging is not always an easy process given the particular issues facing some communities. For some it is the first step in a longer-term progression that will lead to regeneration; for others it is building upon change that has been going on for longer. What is important, however, is that the Re-Imaging Communities Programme is there to support those visionary local people in our communities as they take steps towards transforming their neighbourhoods.”
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The first awards made through the Re-imaging Communities programme are now coming to fruition. This includes £18,000 awarded to the Greater Village Regeneration Trust’s Streetscape project. An element of this project includes replacing the divisive paramilitary mural, the Grim Reaper with a traditional ‘King William of Orange’ painting, an artwork that reflects the Orange culture of the community. West Belfast based, An Nasc has also received an award of £50,000 for a piece of public art that will celebrate the Irish language and its shared roots in Irish heritage. The physical presence of this artwork aims to build community confidence and reinforce the Irish language as a rich cultural asset within local economic and social regeneration.
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Ms McDonough concludes, “In a very meaningful way all of the funded projects mark a shift in attitude in the area and a developing trust between the different agencies, local organisations and the community that will continue to grow.”
Further details on the Re-imaging Communities Programme can be obtained from the Arts Council on (028) 9038 5200.
Re- imaging Communities Programme details
• The Re-Imaging Communities Programme is a three year pilot programme which was launched on 10th July 2006 by David Hanson MP and Maria Eagle MP. The programme opened for application in October 2006 and supports a wide range of community-led projects, offering grants of up to £15,000 for small projects and up to £50,000 for larger-scale projects. Community development workers are on hand to help develop organisations in those areas which find it hard to access this type of funding.
• When launched in 2006 the Re-imaging Communities Programme aimed to transform 60-80 community-based projects within the three year period. However due to the initiative’s success, the Shared Communities Consortium is hopeful that funding for the three year programme will extend past 2009. To date it has received an overwhelming response with funds of £1.5 million allocated to 77 projects.
• Any local community group with an idea that fits within existing plans for their communities can apply for funding. Projects that have the support of another public authority will also be considered.
• The programme is also open to Councils and it will assist them in the delivery of their Good Relations’ Strategies.
• The Shared Communities Consortium supporting the new Re-Imaging Communities Programme is led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It comprises the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Department for Social Development, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the International Fund for Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Community Relations Council and SOLACE.
• GVRT Re-Imaging Communities projects:
The Re-imaging Communities Programme is supporting the Greater Village Regeneration Trust with four arts-led projects that will contribute to the transformation and re-fashioning of a number of paramilitary murals, emblems and memorials in the south Belfast area. Total cost of the four projects is £57,895.
Reflect (£14,200) – Mosaic by artist Eleanor Wheeler and sculpture by Alan Cargo, both with poppies motif, sited in a community garden in Roden Street – Completed.
Now & Then (£11,975) - Cross-community project between residents of Donegall Road and St. James’ area of south Belfast, creating crafted street furniture celebrating the common achievements of both communities (artist: Dr. Eleanor Wheeler) – Due for completion summer 2008.
Hope (£13,620) - piece of public art by Alan Cargo which will replace a paramilitary memorial and will reflect the contribution that women made during the world wars – Due for completion summer 2008.
Streetscapes (£18,100) - artist, John Darren Sutton worked with the community to create four pieces of art representing alternative images that celebrate the culture and identity of the area – one of the projects involves the replacing of the ‘Grim Reaper’ paramilitary mural with a traditional artwork on canvas of ‘King William of Orange’ as a traditional figure which reflects the Orange culture of that community and the village area - Completed.
Cliftonville Community Group
The £50,000 project will take place at six sites in and around Cliftonville Community Centre in North Belfast.
This community centre is situated very close to an interface in North Belfast. Through this project the community will work with professional artists to create mosaics, community murals, remove unsightly graffiti and enhance existing fencing with design work that will reflect the aspirations and hopes of the young people who use the centre on a regular basis.
AWARDS MADE IN RECENT RE-IMAGING FUNDING ROUND
Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership, Creggan Derry - Eastway Roundabout,
Creggan - £46,500
Creation of a sculpture for a roundabout located near the entrance of the municipal City Cemetery. The sculpture will replace negative graffiti, flags and billboard type notices. This project will help to build community relations and create a more welcoming environment for all to pass through the area.
Creggan Enterprises Ltd. Creggan, Derry - Eastway Wall Art Project - £48,400
Commissioning of a large scale multi-media mural project that will connect professional artists with the local community to create a more welcoming environment in this area of the City of Derry
Cathedral Youth Club, Fountain Estate, Londonderry - Pathway of Life - £44,850
Creation of a sculpture and community garden that will reflect the aspirations and hopes of the whole community. Part of this project will see the removal of two paramilitary murals which will be replaced with positive local imagery.
CAW 2000, Limavady Road, Londonderry - Our Space - £33,335
Re-imaging of a bonfire site with a beacon feature. A disused site overlooking this area will be transformed into a communal space through landscaping and the creation of a sculpture that the whole community can feel ownership of.
An Nasc, Falls Road, Belfast - An Ceiliuradh/Celebration - £50,000
Commissioning of a large scale piece of public art that will celebrate the Irish language and its shared roots in Irish heritage.
Belfast City Council - £51,500
Commissioning a number of projects in the city of Belfast, all of which will contribute to the ongoing transformation of our local neighbourhoods and communities.
Manor Street/Cliftonville Community Group, North Belfast - Re-imaging
Lower Cliftonville - £50,000
Re-imaging of the entrance to Cliftonville Community Centre, which is located on an interface. This project will help to create a positive environment for all who use the centre and will promote the area as a safer space.
Armagh City & District Council, through rural Armagh - Under the Juniper Tree - £42,150
Cross community project that will bring together 14 rural villages from within the Armagh City and District Council area through a unique community based project which will help to develop community relations and community cohesion.
Armagh City & District Council, Dalton Estate, Armagh City - Dalton Entrance
Project - £15,250
Removal of a paramilitary image and negative graffiti which will be replaced with artwork that will celebrate the art of play. This project will involve local school children and users of the nearby GAA club.
Armagh City & District Council, Orangefield Estate, Armagh City - Orangefield Mural Project – £11,150
Re-definition of a mural by young people from the Orangefield estate that will enable them to express their culture and identity in a positive manner.
Dungannon & South Tyrone Council, Ballygawley Road Estate, Dungannon - Ballygawley Road Estate - £12,550
Engaging with a local visual artist and a creative writer to rename the estate and to create an entrance feature that will promote the community in a positive light.
Dungannon & South Tyrone Council, Coalisland - Coalisland Town Centre - £22,550
Commissioning of public artwork that will replace redundant imagery in the town centre and will contribute to the regeneration of Coalisland.
Dungannon & South Tyrone Council, Lisnahull Estate, Dungannon - O'Neill Park, Lisnahull - £7,864
Removal of graffiti and involvement of young people to create artwork that will celebrate the wider community. This project will see the removal of political graffiti from the local GAA parameter wall.
Dungannon & South Tyrone Council, Augher, Fivemiletown & Ballygawley. - Clogher Valley Sculptures - £37,900
Creation of three sculptures in each of the villages of Augher, Fivemiletown and Ballygawley that will bring these communities together to explore culture and creativity, using the arts as a tool for dialogue and helping to build good relations.
Hillhall Regeneration Group, Hillhall, Lisburn - Hillhall Community Garden - £14,500
Removal of territorial colour in the estate and creation of a shared community space in the heart of the estate. This project will complement the work already taking place in the area by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Long Tower Youth & Community Centre, Bogside, Derry - Brandywell Sporting
Legends - £11,000
This project will involve young people from the area who will work with a professional artist to create a large scale mural that will celebrate the sporting achievements of local people. Graffiti and negative imagery will be removed and the participation of the young people will help to build self-esteem and community confidence.
Arellian Nursery School, Donegall Road, South Belfast. - Positive Relations - £4,570
Creation of a sculpture through a series of workshops that will help to promote understanding of the rich cultural diversity of South Belfast.
Images
To download a high resolution image of the 'Grim Reaper' mural click here
To download a high resolution image of the 'King William of Orange' mural click here
To download a high resolution image of the 'CAW 2000 bonfire site' mural click here
To download a high resolution image of the 'CAW 2000 artists impression' click here
