Smith praises the 'Art of Down'

NIO Minister Angela Smith has praised Down District Council’s drive to raise awareness of the many arts and cultural activities in its area.

The Minister was speaking at the Arts Centre in Downpatrick, where she was launching ‘Art of Down’ – a new website which will contain details provided by those involved in the production and development of the arts in the district, including individuals, groups and businesses.

Mrs Smith said: "I am delighted that Down District Council is giving the arts such a high priority… I know that this area is renowned for its artists, its thriving amateur drama tradition and its active craft sector, and ‘Art of Down’, which is being referred to as the arts yellow pages, will help people to find their way around this lively arts scene.

"I am confident that developments such as this will help to ensure that more people are aware of what is available in Down District and the opportunities which exist to enable them to get involved in all sorts of arts and cultural activities."

The ‘Art of Down’ website will be serviced by the Council on behalf of the Down Arts Forum, an independent voluntary group dedicated to promoting and developing arts in the area.

Congratulating the organisation on its work, the Minister added: "The arts have the potential to make a real difference to the quality of life of every member in our community and there are often economic benefits too.

She also urge all those involved in the arts in the area to register their details with the Council’s Arts Service and spread the good news through the modern medium of the Internet.

Angela Smith was welcomed to Downpatrick by the Chair of Down District Council, Councillor Harvey Bicker, and by its Arts Officer, Cathie McKimm.

(GMcG)