ACultural Landmark Opens in the North West

06/05/2009

Pictured L-R are: Caoimhín Ó Doibín, Chairperson, An Gaeláras, Caitríona Ruane, Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister and Rosemary Kelly, Chairman, Arts Council of Northern Ireland at the official opening of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, a £4million landmark Irish language, cultural and enterprise centre based in the city’s historic Great James Street area.

Speaking at the launch, Arts Council Chairman, Rosemary Kelly said, “The Arts Council has been a long term funder for the arts and arts organisations in the North West and the opening of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin celebrates a considerable milestone for the area. This cultural landmark will make a major contribution to the development of the arts in Northern Ireland, offering excellent facilities for artists and the public in a vibrant new building.”

The building has been supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Foras Na Gaeilge, Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, ILEX, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, International Fund for Ireland, European Union Peace & Reconciliation Programme, Department for Social Development, Ulster Community Investment Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The new centre includes a 200 seat theatre; classrooms; youth club; a 1,655 sq ft business incubation suite, housing three units; café and book store. All facilities will be open to both Irish and English speakers.