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.

“The fantastic range of art and craft displays, superb drama, singing and dance performances at Studio  2 today highlight just how important the arts can be in breaking down barriers and bringing people from  different community backgrounds together.

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.”