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06/03/2006
Belfast arts receive £9m boost
The Old Museum Arts Centre is to benefit from over £9 million public funding investment for new purpose built premises.
The Arts Centre, which has outgrown its current location in College Square North, will be situated in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and will house a 350-seat theatre plus a smaller 150-seat studio, as well as increased exhibition, rehearsal and workshop space.
Making the announcement Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister David Hanson said: "The development of a new Arts Centre in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter underpins the cultural renaissance that is taking place in Belfast. It also emphasises Government's strategy to encourage arts and culture to lead the way in Belfast's social and economic regeneration.
"This momentous announcement will build on the Old Museum Arts Centre's wonderful track record and move them on to a new level. It is the biggest addition to the cultural heart of Belfast since the Odyssey opened in 2001."
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has committed £4 million, the Arts Council has committed £4.25 million and Laganside the value of the site.
The Old Museum Arts Centre has set itself the challenge of raising £1 million through fundraising over the next four years.
The Minister added: "This new facility will improve the cultural provision throughout the city and will greatly enhance the quality of life for the people of Belfast. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Old Museum Arts Centre to grow and develop and I believe it will provide confidence for the private sector to invest in the area thereby securing the long-term and economic benefits," he said.
Paying tribute to the work and staff of the Centre the Minister said: "The Old Museum Arts Centre is widely recognised as Northern Ireland's leading contemporary arts centre, with an ethos of celebrating and promoting local and international work not previously performed in Northern Ireland. I would like to place on record my appreciation of their contribution to the arts and cultural life of Belfast and beyond."
(SP/GB)
The Arts Centre, which has outgrown its current location in College Square North, will be situated in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and will house a 350-seat theatre plus a smaller 150-seat studio, as well as increased exhibition, rehearsal and workshop space.
Making the announcement Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister David Hanson said: "The development of a new Arts Centre in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter underpins the cultural renaissance that is taking place in Belfast. It also emphasises Government's strategy to encourage arts and culture to lead the way in Belfast's social and economic regeneration.
"This momentous announcement will build on the Old Museum Arts Centre's wonderful track record and move them on to a new level. It is the biggest addition to the cultural heart of Belfast since the Odyssey opened in 2001."
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has committed £4 million, the Arts Council has committed £4.25 million and Laganside the value of the site.
The Old Museum Arts Centre has set itself the challenge of raising £1 million through fundraising over the next four years.
The Minister added: "This new facility will improve the cultural provision throughout the city and will greatly enhance the quality of life for the people of Belfast. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Old Museum Arts Centre to grow and develop and I believe it will provide confidence for the private sector to invest in the area thereby securing the long-term and economic benefits," he said.
Paying tribute to the work and staff of the Centre the Minister said: "The Old Museum Arts Centre is widely recognised as Northern Ireland's leading contemporary arts centre, with an ethos of celebrating and promoting local and international work not previously performed in Northern Ireland. I would like to place on record my appreciation of their contribution to the arts and cultural life of Belfast and beyond."
(SP/GB)
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April Opening For Revamped Arts Centre
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, performance spaces and photography studios.
06 August 2021
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Returns
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has announced its return from 02-12 September with a programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre and more.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
