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Attwood announces £300,000 funding boost for Laganside Arts Events

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has launched a £300,000 funding package aimed at encouraging arts, cultural and community based events in Belfast’s Laganside area.
~ Wednesday, 16 March 2011

This funding covers activities taking place between April 2011 and end of March 2012.

Alex Attwood said: “This is good news for the arts in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. These events help promote Belfast as an exciting tourist destination, while also benefiting people in local communities. It is essential to recognise the important role they play in giving the city a positive vibrant image.

“Today marks the opening of the application process for this year’s events and community funding. I would encourage any organisation interested in organising events in this unique area to come forward with proposals to deliver a lively, attractive and welcoming environment for the local community and visitors.”

The two main grants are:

  • The Laganside Events Grant. This is aimed at supporting events that contribute to the regeneration of the Laganside area. The event needs to encourage local involvement and community and business participation and contribute to the attraction of visitors to the area.
  • The Community Activity Grant. This supports community initiatives and offers grants of up to £300 for community based events. The events must address the needs of the Laganside local community and continue to bring life to the area.

There are a number of event spaces available for use in the Laganside area including Custom House Square, Writers Square, Cotton Court Piazza, and the River Lagan.

Details on how to apply for the grants and a copy of the map of the Laganside area are available from the Department’s Belfast City Centre Regeneration Directorate on tel: 028 9027 7653; email: laganside@dsdni.gov.uk or by writing to Jill McMullan, Department for Social Development, Belfast City Centre Regeneration Directorate, 2nd Floor, Lesley House, 25 -27 Wellington Place, Belfast, BT1 6GD. Further details are also available on the Department’s website: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/laganside-grants.htm

Notes to editors:

  1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.