Mr Poots was delivering his first major speech on the value of arts and culture to Northern Ireland as he joined fellow Minister Margaret Ritchie at the opening of the £3.4 million Alley Arts and Conference Centre in Strabane.
Mr Poots said: “While many would lament the loss of the former mart on the site, many more will join me in congratulating Strabane District Council for their foresight, vision and energy in delivering this exciting new project.
“By providing modern cultural facilities, you are helping individuals realise their ambitions and reach their potential, whether their talent is in acting, music, dance or any other discipline. And for those who prefer to be entertained, there is plenty on offer here in the Alley to do just that.”
Commenting on the contribution made by her Department, Margaret Ritchie said: “The devolved administration has provided an opportunity for a new beginning and a chance to bring lasting peace and prosperity to Northern Ireland. My Department has a key role to play in this by reviving communities and bringing new life to towns and villages.
"This work and the contribution it can make to making life better for disadvantaged people and communities, is symbolised by this new arts centre and other work we are doing in Strabane.
“I am committed to work with all interests to build healthy, vibrant communities that leave behind the divisions of the past. Success can only come if all parties, both within and outside Government, work together in ways that benefit the entire community. I am particularly pleased to be attending this event with my Ministerial colleague Edwin Poots in our first joint engagement.”
Mr Poots said that the importance of the arts and the creative industries to the Northern Ireland economy is very significant with over 34,000 people in the sector and numbers growing every day.
He continued: “Indeed, culture tourism has been identified as the fastest growing sector in the tourism market and no one should be surprised by that fact. It is often the quality of the country’s arts and culture that makes our overseas visits special and memorable.
“For Northern Ireland to stand out from the crowd and to be an attractive destination for tourists we need places like the Alley to showcase our creative and talented people.
“This Centre will also provide a great opportunity for local community and voluntary groups in the district that currently operate from community and church halls to develop and grow.
“Arts and culture also have an important and positive role to play in the education and health of our people, in achieving social inclusion and developing communities, reconciliation and economic growth.”
Mr Poots thanked all the funding partners saying: “All of these objectives can most effectively be delivered by Government working in partnership with other stakeholders towards common goals and this approach is reflected in the funding of this splendid project. I congratulate them all.”
This view was echoed by Margaret Ritchie, who concluded: “Urban regeneration and renewal is fundamentally about people and their quality of life. Successful regeneration brings vitality to areas, enhances social cohesion and develops self-confident communities. My Department fully recognises that arts and cultural activity have an important role to play in this process.
“This new arts and cultural centre will help renew the physical appearance of Strabane and promote the cultural life of the town. Coupled with the other regeneration initiatives that my department has supported in the town centre, such as the new ASDA store and sporting facilities at Melvin Park, this will contribute to renewed confidence in Strabane.”
The Centre will be further enhanced by a new courtyard which is being developed by DSD and the District Council. It will feature new lighting, paving and street furniture to complement the quality of the building and provide a comfortable and welcoming public space. Central to the courtyard will be a piece of public art. Martin Heron, a Cookstown artist, has been awarded the contract to design the artwork. The proposed design is for a pig which relates to the old pork and butter market that was originally on the site.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Media queries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258901 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk or DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9078, email Kathryn.campbell@dsdni.gov.uk
2. The project funding was delivered as follows:
Arts Council of Northern Ireland - £750,000
Department of Social Development – Total delivered £1.04m made up of:
- Integrated Development Fund - £434,000
- Executive Programme Fund -£291,000
- Integrated Development Fund to create courtyard - £316,000
Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment
Building Sustainable Prosperity - £375,000
The Foundation for Sport and the Arts - £ £120,000
The remaining funding came from Strabane District Council
3. The purpose of the Integrated Development Fund (IDF) administered by OFMDFM is to provide additional support to strong, wide-ranging partnerships, in a small number of areas, to develop and rejuvenate selected pilot areas and communities in an integrated way.
4. The Centre provides the following facilities:
- a flexible multi-purpose performance space with seating for 250 people
- dressing rooms and a green room
- foyer with integrated exhibition facilities and a box office
- public spaces for cafeteria and bar use
5. The Centre was designed by Glen Howell Architects in association with Alan Jones Architects.
