A company is to be set up to deliver Derry’s City of Culture legacy, it has been announced.
Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.
The announcement was made by Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín who also revealed a Departent of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) office was to be set up to help the new body become establish.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to the Gasyard Centre in Derry’s Bogside during which she revealed her three year legacy plan to build on the success of City of Culture.
Carál Ní Chuilín said: “We have learnt a lot from the hugely successful year of City of Culture. As we move forward into 2014, I want to widen the focus out from Derry to Strabane, Limavady and Coleraine including co-operation with Donegal.
“With the new councils being established in 2015, it makes sense that all of the North West region benefits. I will therefore set up a company limited by guarantee to deliver City of Culture legacy programmes and activities. I will also set up a DCAL North West office to help the new body become established.”
Outlining the start-up package which will be available to get legacy projects up and running, the Minister said: “I have approved over £2 million for projects in this current financial year and I will make a bid through the Executive for funding to continue the department’s support in the next financial year.
“I will support the continuation of the Music Promise and Portrait of a City. I will fund Neighbourhood Renewal Areas to support the delivery of cultural strategies.
“I also want a feasibility study to be undertaken to consider venues for cultural hubs across the region. I have approved funding for the purchase of a Mobile Marquee which will enable deprived communities to host events such as the hugely popular tea dances. The new delivery company will also support and develop new initiatives.”
Looking forward to one of the highlights of the City of Culture Year, which is coming back, the Minister said: “Other Voices will return to Derry in February promising an even stronger programme than last year and I have approved the purchase of Eamonn O’Doherty’s iconic Armoured Pram which will become a catalyst to inspire creativity.”
Tags:
