Speaking today at Ilex Urban Regeneration Company, Londonderry, Minister Poots said: “I am pleased to announce that £800k has been allocated for an inspirational piece of public art that will reflect the spirit, creativity, history and diversity of this city and its people.
“There is a strong track record of high quality, internationally recognised visual arts programming in Londonderry. This project will be delivered by the Public Art Commission, known as Foyle Public Art and I am sure that the project will show Londonderry as a diverse and forward looking city.”
The Minister continued: “There has been much debate over whether public money should be used for public art. However, we only have to look at the impact the ‘Angel of the North’ in Gateshead or the ‘Guggenheim Museum’ in Bilbao had on the successful regeneration of those cities. My view is that it gives a city the edge, brings individuality, builds local pride, boosts tourism and can provide the momentum for regeneration in our cities.
“The significant investment in public art should be seen in the context of the Ilex regeneration strategy for the city. The investment will help to realise the benefits from the proposed strategic developments in the city such as the City Walls as a World Heritage Site and Ebrington as an Arts and Cultural cluster.”
The Minister later visited the Nerve Centre to announce £1.4million awards for the purchase of their existing building and the adjacent former Youth Hostel building on Magazine Street from the Inner City Trust.
The award consists of £1million from the Department’s North West Challenge Fund and £393k from the Integrated Development Fund, through the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, which is coordinated by Ilex urc.
The Minister said: “These are very significant awards to the Nerve Centre which reflect their pioneering work and very important contribution to the creative industries sector. This investment will help the Nerve Centre to consolidate their existing provision while the purchase of the adjacent building will help them to realise their ambitious expansion plans.”
The Nerve Centre intends to establish a new Digital Tourism Centre, where visitors can access the North West and Northern Ireland Irish Film Archives, and a creative industries support centre, called the HUB.
Bill Kirk, Chief Executive of Ilex urc said: "Creative industries have a significant role to play in growing the city's economic potential. They have been defined as those industries which originate from individual creativity, skill and talent and they have the potential to generate wealth and jobs. Since its inception in 1987 the Nerve Centre has continued to benefit the city through job creation while also building an international reputation for excellence. I would like to pay particular tribute to Pearse and his staff for the part they continue to play in advancing the city's social and economic regeneration programme.”
The Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson, Derry City Council welcomed the £11million investment for eight capital projects saying cultural organisations across the city who benefited from the North West Challenge Fund were central to regeneration; "This city presents a wealth of cultural opportunities and I welcome this investment and the joint partnership working between the various statutory agencies that has effectively deliver the funding and work to improve the quality of life in the city."
Notes to Editors:
1. On 13 December 2005, a £4million Challenge Fund for the arts and cultural sector in the North West was announced by the then Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP, as part of the Ilex Regeneration Plan for Derry City Council area. The Fund consists of £3m Integrated Development Fund (IDF) money, provided by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and £1million arts capital from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
2. Ministerial approval was received to distribute the fund in two strands; £3.2million for capital projects capable of making a significant contribution to regeneration and arts provision in the area and £0.8million for a piece of iconic artwork in the civic realm to mark the regeneration of the city.
3. A Steering Group, comprising representatives from DCAL, DSD, Arts Council, Ilex and Derry City Council was established to oversee distribution of the fund.
4. A Public Art Commissioning Panel was established to help deliver the public art project, known as the Foyle Public Arts, The panel is chaired by local man Professor Declan McGonagle.
5. On 1 June 2007 Minister Poots announced awards to other arts infrastructure projects in the Derry City Council areas as follows:
- Waterside Theatre - £770,000
- The Playhouse Theatre - £416,000
- An Gaeláras - £363,000
- The Gasyard - £312,000
- The Void Gallery - £137,000
- The Verbal Arts Centre - £45,000
6. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel: (028) 9025 8901; mobile 07717 732626 or email to press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
