Northern Ireland Arts Council establishes new programme

IFACCA/Artshub, 01 February 2005
United Kingdom

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with the Community Relations Council, have established a new arts programme to encourage greater understanding and respect for cultural diversity in Northern Ireland. The programme – jointly funded by the bodies – will help black and ethnic minority groups, as well as community and volunteer organisations develop their capacity to engage with the arts. Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council says, ‘The arts have a lengthy and constructive history of participation in the development of an inclusive society in Northern Ireland, and are ideally placed to help counter rising levels of racial division. The new programme that we have developed in partnership with the Community Relations Council creates further opportunities for the arts to make a telling contribution towards a better Northern Ireland for all.’ Funding of up to £10,000 per project will be available for successful project applications. Applicants must insure that their projects help promote greater awareness and understanding of the contribution made to wider society by the arts and cultural expressions of black and minority communities. Fees for performers, trainers and facilitators, hire of venues, crèche provision, resource materials and equipment, and procurement of translation services are all eligible for funding under the programme. It will also help establish inter-cultural understanding, tolerance, and networks of trust and co-operation in Northern Ireland. A range of collaborative projects between black and ethnic minority and local communities are planned. Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said, ‘Ongoing racist violence has shown that the task of making and sustaining better relationships in Northern Ireland is more complex than simply addressing the longstanding sectarian divide. If we are to tackle hate crime and racist violence, it is imperative that we find ways to meet one another in all of our diversity. The arts offer real opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to engage with one another, to communicate core values and to identify both differences and common ground. The Promoting Inter-Culturalism programme is a real contribution to good relations in Northern Ireland.’ The two deadline dates for applications to the Promoting Inter-Culturalism Programme are: Monday 31st January 2005 and Thursday 25th February 2005. For more information, including application details, CLICK HERE.

Show latest news, more from February 2005.