Derry arts group launch innovative good relations project
Creatively building peace and having fun! That was how Oliver Green, Artistic Director with Greater Shantallow Community Arts described the wonderful end of programme celebration of GSCAs 'Building A Home for All' TBUC Good Relations project which has be kindly supported by the NI Executive Offices Central Good Relations Fund.
This amazing project which utilised participants active engagement in Community Arts as a vehicle for building strong community relations introducing marginalised and isolated people from all backgrounds, to a new and welcoming Shared Space at Studio Community Arts Centre bringing our communities together to enjoy the magic and creative experiences that the arts can uniquely offer.
Speaking today, Gareth McAlinden, GSCA’s Good Relations project co-ordinator said: “It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming all these amazing people from every section of our community to Studio 2 and to introduce them to an innovative programme of weekly inspiring arts workshops and to have witnessed their developing new skills and interests, watching the forging of new friendships and being inspired by the willingness of our communities to come together to enjoy their individual and collective creativity and cultural expression which only the arts can allow.
“We are so delighted to welcome all our special guests here today to join with us in this joyful celebration and to hear at first hand from our amazing participants who have inspired the success of our Building A Home for All project!”
Speaking at the event, Dr Denis McMahon, Permanent Secretary for the TEO said: “Projects such as 'Building a Home for All' capture in the most compelling way our vision of a united society for all.
Dr. Denis McMahon, Executive Permanent Secretary for the Department, on a visit to Studio 2 with members of the Creative Writing Group. Included are Mayor Sandra Duffy with from left, Anne Tohill, Head of Good Relations, Ollie Green, Studio 2 Gareth McAlinden, and on right Lisa Murray. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
“I am pleased that The Executive Office was able to support this important project through the Central Good Relations Fund.
“It’s a tribute to Greater Shantallow Community Arts that they have used that funding to create a space that is being used and enjoyed by the whole community.”