New entrance features for Lisanelly
30/07/2010
Zoe Wood aged 6 and Jade Wood aged 9 are pictured at one of two new sculptures that act as beacons for hope for Gortview and Killybrack Estates.
Also pictured is from left Ann Ward, Arts Council NI, Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Siobhan
McDermott, Lisanelly Regeneration Group.
Presseye.com - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th July 2010.
Picture by Matt Mackey/Presseye.com - Belfast.
Two large pieces of artwork were today (Tuesday 27th July) officially unveiled at the entrance of Gortview and Killybrack Close, Omagh by Denis Rooney, CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland as part of the Re-imaging Communities Programme.
The Programme which is led by the Arts Council Northern Ireland through the Shared Communities Consortium, 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 £21,950 project has been delivered by Lisanelly Regeneration Group with the assistance of artist Alan Burke and is being used to symbolise the huge strides the Gortview and Killybrack community has already undertaken to build a peaceful place to live where everyone is accepted and respected.
Denis Rooney, CBE, International Fund for Ireland, said: “The International Fund for Ireland is one of the key funders of the Re-imaging Communities Programme and today’s event marks a very important phase in the regeneration of the Gortview and Killybrack estates
“The artwork, which visually depicts the joining of hands, is symbolic of the type of community Lisanelly Regeneration Group has worked hard to build, where everyone is valued and respected and where diversity is celebrated. I cannot think of a more fitting depiction for what the Group has already achieved.”
The Re-imaging Programme is funded by the Shared Communities Consortium, lead by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and comprising, International Fund for Ireland, OFMDFM, DSD, DCAL, Community Relations Council, PSNI, SOLACE (Society of Local Authority and Chief Executives), the NI Housing Executive and the Department of Justice.
Siobhan McDermott, Chairperson of Lisanelly Regeneration Group, said: “These pieces of art represent the last few steps of a journey that Lisanelly Regeneration Group and the local community at Gortview / Killybrack Close started more than ten years ago. Our action plan was to essentially rebrand the area, strengthen community relations and instil a sense of pride as well as bringing about the environmental improvement of the estate.
“There is no doubt that this has been achieved and therefore it is fitting that members of the local community of all ages, abilities and backgrounds worked together on the design of the entrance features. They are appropriate symbols of Gortview / Killybrack Close’s status as a welcoming, supportive, diverse, tolerant and vibrant area to live, work and bring up a family.
“The two identical pieces of art are relevant, timeless and sophisticated and we have huge admiration and gratitude for Alan Burke’s work. He has totally captured the images of the community minds.
“In addition our community facility GK House is the hub of activity that it was designed to be and we continue to consult with local residents to ensure their involvement in all projects and programmes, educational or social to meet their needs.
Commenting on the project Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Chair of the Shared Communities Consortium, said: “The Re-imaging communities programme is committed to building a shared future for Northern Ireland that is founded on partnership, equality and mutual respect.
“The completion of these two new artworks is the result of the community’s joint efforts. Working together with a local artist they have created a focal point for the people of Gortview and Killybrack Close which has enriched the environment and provided an opportunity for residents to work together towards one common objective.”
Sylvia Gordon, Director of Groundwork NI, stated: “We are delighted to see everyone’s hard work over the past year finally come to life through the unveiling of these beautiful sculptural pieces at the gateway to Gortview and Killybrack Close. The dedication shown from all parties involved in this Re-imaging project is clearly demonstrated and the art installation will remain as testament to the people of both areas who are keen to demonstrate their willingness to build a shared and more inclusive society for everyone”
Artist Alan Burke worked closely with local residents to formulate the ideas for the artworks. He said: “These sculptures were strongly inspired by the community’s wishes to portray a welcoming spirit within a culturally diverse area. The hands reaching out in friendship in good times and bad are a universal symbol of friendship and empathy.
The hands were hand carved in relief from solid blocks of Kilkenny limestone with an inlayed tree on the reverse, with etched Bronze leaves. The leaves contain words thought to be representative of the sense of community by the groups involved. The tree itself could be seen to symbolize regeneration and continual growth.”
