Studio honouring Mo Mowlam opens in Derry

The newly-refurbished cinematic arts studio at Ulster University’s Derry campus has been named after former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Labour politician, the late Mo Mowlam.

The studio was officially opened on Friday (3rd March) ahead of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, which Mo Mowlam oversaw as then-Secretary of State.

The university’s launch of the studio in her name and unveiling of a new mural is a celebration of Mo Mowlam’s lasting impact and legacy.

It’s the first in a programme of events Ulster University is organising for the peace agreement’s anniversary.  

Those in attendance at the official opening included Mo’s stepdaughter, director and producer Henrietta Norton; current leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer; current Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Kyle; and former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Louise Haigh.

The dedicated space in the Walled City’s much-loved Foyle Arts Centre has been transformed into a fit-for-purpose studio which will enable Ulster University’s Cinematic Arts students to harness their creative talents and develop their skills in a controlled environment, replicating a professional film studio.

Opening the Mo Mowlam Studio, Ulster University Provost Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan said: “We are delighted to open the doors of the newly-refurbished Mo Mowlam Studio and unveil our new mural, paying homage to the legacy of an inspirational leader who played an instrumental role in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement some 25 years ago.

“Just one in a programme of events we will be announcing shortly and hosting across our three campuses and beyond, today’s launch here in Derry highlights Ulster University’s continued commitment to the North West, the arts and culture of the region, and to our students leveraging the power of film to inspire social change. 

"This truly is an investment in the futures of our young people – the post-Good Friday Agreement generation.”

Freddie and Henrietta Norton, Mo Mowlam's stepchildren in attendance at the launch of the Mo Mowlam Studio, commented: “We are incredibly proud and grateful to see the life and legacy of our wonderful stepmum, Mo Mowlam, celebrated at Ulster University in Derry. 

Sophie Hetherington, UU Graphic Design and Illustration student who created the mural

"Before going into politics, Mo was an academic and teacher. She believed in the power of education to transform people's lives and make the world a better place. And as a politician, she placed great value and importance on ensuring the voices of everyone were heard, especially young people in Northern Ireland.

“The Mo Mowlam Studio is an educational space which brings students together, enables them to find their voice and express themselves, and invests in their futures - there could not be a more fitting tribute.”

The project will serve as a boost to the screen industry in NI - a thriving sector that has emerged in the years since the Good Friday Agreement, and promises to continue to put NI on the world stage as a leader in the creative industries.

 The donation has been used to create a space that will enhance the practical learning experience of Ulster University’s cinematic arts students and is testament to Mo’s lasting legacy of investing in young people, long after the signing of the peace agreement.  

The additional new specialist teaching space reflects a shared commitment to accessing higher education and the opportunity to support creative excellence for students in their chosen subject.

Speaking at the event, Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, added: “Mo Mowlam was a true political force with an unwavering dedication to peace. Her political skill, courage and charisma brought people together from all sides, and as part of the last Labour government, she helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement.

“Mo loved the people of Northern Ireland, and was passionate about securing better opportunities for the next generation.

"I’m honoured to see her legacy celebrated with the opening of the Mo Mowlam Studio at Ulster University's campus in Derry today. 

"It will support the University's Cinematic Arts students for years to come, and is an investment in Northern Ireland's creative industries.

Sir Keir Starmer addresses cinematic arts students at Ulster University Derry.

“On behalf of the Labour Party, I thank the staff and students at Ulster University, and everyone who has made this brilliant project possible.”

Starmer's comments come after he attended St Columb's College and stated he believed The Windsor Framework “gives enough” to end the Stormont stalemate.

Starmer was questioned by school students as part of an event organised by the John and Pat Hume Foundation.

He said he hoped that with time and space the new UK-EU deal would pave the way for the return of the power sharing institutions.

Sir Keir Starmer, Henrietta and Freddie Norton join Cinematic Arts students and their professor, Victoria McCollum at the opening of the newly-refurbished cinematic arts studio at Ulster University’s Derry campus, named after former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the late Mo Mowlam.

He added: "It’s very important for communities and political parties here to be comfortable with the progress that we make, and when I was here working 20 years or so ago, I was always reticent about being the person who came along to tell people in Northern Ireland what I thought they ought to think.

“But I do genuinely think that this is a real opportunity, I felt that before we even saw the text, over the last month/six weeks I could feel that the UK and EU were moving closer together. This is a good thing, I’m a great believer in bridge building and bringing people together."

Year 2 Graphic Design and Illustration student at Ulster University Sophie Hetherington said she was honoured to create the mural.  

She said: "Graphic Design isn’t just a degree to me, it’s something I love and have so much interest in and aspire to learn more about it every day.

"I am so honoured to be given this opportunity to create this mural in honour of Mo Mowlam. Mo Mowlam was such an inspiring woman and to say I have created this mural, to represent her, is such an amazing experience for me.” 

The newly-refurbished studio was made possible by funds raised by the Labour Party Irish Society.