Painting a better future in Seymour Hill

Arts Minister, Nelson McCausland today visited the Seymour Hill estate, Dunmurry, to see mural projects involving the Seymour Hill and Conway Community Network.

The Minister viewed the most recent mural which features scenes of evacuees from the Belfast Blitz, American Servicemen based in the area and local man Billy Harbinson, who was a prisoner of war held in the infamous Colditz Castle. Funded by the Arts Council led Re-Imaging Communities programme, this mural replaces a paramilitary mural. The project also included the removal of territorial markings in the vicinity.

At the Hornbeam Road site of a new mural the Minister said: “In recent years Northern Ireland has developed many successful initiatives designed to replace murals that have depicted Northern Ireland’s troubled past with more neutral commemorative images designed to instil a more positive outlook for future generations.

“The Seymour Hill and Conway Community Network are to be congratulated on the excellent work they have done in improving the quality of the local environment, involving residents in the development of public art and celebrating the heritage of the area.”

Minister McCausland also visited another mural at Rowan Drive, which features Northern Ireland sporting icons Dame Mary Peters, George Best and Joey Dunlop. This project was carried out by local young people and supported by the South Eastern Education and Library Board, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Community Cohesion Unit and Lisburn Community Safety Partnership.

The Minister added: “All over the world murals have been catalysts for helping to create community pride and developing leadership for positive change. Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit the Cassiano Housing Development Murals in San Antonio, Texas, who have a similar mural replacement programme established to enhance the local community. Like the murals in Seymour Hill, they have demonstrated how powerful these pieces of art can be in creating a welcoming environment for everyone.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Re-Imaging Communities programme was developed by the Arts Council in response to the Government’s Shared Future Agenda and received additional funding under the Renewing Communities initiative.
2. The Re-Imaging Communities programme was launched in July 2006. The programme is delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and is overseen by the Shared Communities Consortium.
3. Lisburn City & District Council was awarded £14,580 in March 2007 to carry out a needs analysis for potential projects in the Lisburn Borough and Seymour Hill estate was one of those areas identified.
4. Seymour Hill & Conway Community Network was awarded £6,542 from Re-Imaging Communities in January 2009 and the project was launched in July that year.
5. The themes of the artwork were explored through community workshops with local artists Tim McCarthy and Robin Cordiner.
6. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 9051 5047 or email DCAL Press Office Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.