PBP East Derry concerned for future of arts in borough

Causeway Coast & Glens 08/01/2025: PBP (People Before Profit) East Derry branch is concerned to hear that Ulster University will be performing a review of the Riverside theatre. At a council meeting on Tuesday 07/01/2025, Paul Bartholemew,Vice-Chancellor of UU, confirmed a review of the Riverside theatre, and went on to say he could not provide ‘firm assurance’ about the future of the theatre. PBP believes that arts and cultural spaces are vital elements of any healthy community and deserve the same respect and attention as any other vital service.

The Riverside theatre has served as a space for local artists to showcase their talents, and a valuable local entertainment venue that contributed highly to the community  is quickly losing. We strongly hope that the theatre receives support and investment to maintain its presence in the area.

PBP believes it is the responsibility of any government or local authority to do all in its power to maintain local access to artistic and cultural spaces for the community.
Should funding from UU be cut, it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure the curtain doesn’t close on performing arts in Coleraine.

Local actress Sandra [Full name omitted], has told us “Given the large number of performing arts groups in the local area, it’s important that we maintain a local theatre.” She went on to add “The Riverside needs sufficient and stable funding from
government to maintain arts and culture within the community.”

About People Before Profit: People Before Profit (PBP), is Ireland’s largest eco-socialist party, we operate across the island of Ireland and fight for the rights and freedoms of the working class, both in government and on the streets through peaceful collective action. We stand for an end to the exploitation of workers, A future free of climate catastrophe, and the rights of marginalised groups in society.