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Breaking of ground ceremony marks exciting step in new £17.56M MAC Centre
An official breaking of ground ceremony took place today (Thursday 21 January 2010) to mark the start of construction work on Belfast’s new £17.56 million MAC arts centre.
Speaking at the event, Rosemary Kelly OBE, Chairman, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “The Arts Council has set aside £5.25 million to support the development of the new MAC and I would like to congratulate its Board and staff on taking a crucial step forward in the development of this exciting new arts venue today. The new state-of-the-art centre will be a very important addition to the arts infrastructure in Northern Ireland, providing an essential ingredient in the regeneration of Belfast. The MAC will provide excellent facilities for artists and will expand the range of venues where local communities and visitors can participate and have access to a wide range of arts activities and events in a vibrant new building.”
The new MAC will be six stories high and will boast two theatres, a large visual space, dance and rehearsal studios, café and public access areas. This multi-million pound arts venue, which is due to open in 2011 has been planned to keep pace with the artistic expectations of a modern society; and designed to make a real contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of Northern Ireland.
Having recently achieved the Arts Council’s long-term ambition of providing access to an arts facility within 20 miles of every person living in Northern Ireland, the Arts Council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure have turned their focus on improving facilities in Belfast.
Arts Minister Nelson McCausland said: “Today marks the beginning of a new and exciting phase in the continued development of our arts infrastructure, not just in Belfast but throughout Northern Ireland.
"The Northern Ireland Executive, through my Department, has committed over £10million in funding for the new MAC. When complete, this landmark building will significantly improve the cultural, artistic and creative life in this area of Belfast and beyond."
Joris Minne, OMAC Chairman, who has played a key role in the development of this project, says: “Northern Ireland is a creative place with a huge reservoir of industrial, business and artistic talent. Apart from being a place of culture and entertainment the MAC will help position the arts here as a job-generating industry by providing a centre of excellence which can help people get on the first rung of a career in the creative industries.”
In addition to Arts Council support, the project has attracted significant capital investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department for Social Development.
• Principal public funders:
Arts Council of Northern Ireland - £5.25 million
Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure - £10.76 million
Department for Social Development - £550,000
Belfast City Council - £560,000
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