dcal minister supports forum for local government and the arts

The Forum for Local Government and the Arts (FLGA) held their successful summer plenary event recently at the iconic MAC at St Anne’s Square, Belfast. We were delighted to have also hosted a FLGA meeting earlier this year, showcasing our achievements since opening in October 2010.

The FLGA supports all forms of Cultural practice across N Ireland and continues to play an instrumental role in raising awareness of the value of the arts and developing arts provision at local, community and regional level by building partnerships between local councilliors Arts managers and Arts activists.The FLGA membership spans the whole of the province and it continues to support the promotion and enjoyment of Cultural activity throughout the whole of N Ireland.

The FLGA Plenary event was significant in informing FLGA members of ongoing developments and to highlight the priorities for the year ahead. The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilin expressed her delight as guest speaker to address the FLGA membership, together with colleagues from NILGA, Culture Company and Arts and Business.

DCAL Minister, Carál Ni Chuilín said `The Arts and Creative Industries are important to us in so many ways. They have the ability to drive social and economic regeneration in our communities and contribute to our health and wellbeing. I was delighted to attend the plenary to support the work of the Forum for Local Government and the Arts. I am keen to see central and local government continuing to work in partnership with common goals for the arts and our creative industries.’

The FLGA has always been unique in its composition and united in its commitment to raising the profile of Arts and Culture throughout Northern Ireland. Working in partnership is pivotal. Through recognising the need to continue to be proactive in supporting opportunities for strategic partnership and creative exchange, the FLGA have been working across the province with key stakeholders and continue to welcome all opportunities to keep colleagues informed through conferences and plenaries, their website and newsletters.

Noelle Mc Alinden, Chair of The Forum for Local Government and The Arts FLGA acknowledged that ‘this is an exciting time for the sector. 2013 will bring with it challenges and opportunities as Northern Ireland continues to build on its international reputation, elevating Northern Ireland’s image on the international stage. However, future investment and increased funding needs to be sustainable, with increased opportunities to support the sector. Partnership is pivotal in securing a positive and creative future, enriching the lives of everyone, bringing communities together, harnessing creative and intellectual skills.The FLGA believe that by sharing a vision and redefining how best to use our joint resources, expertise and experience over the next few years, the strongest possible case can be made for the arts as a driver of economic and social change at the heart of local government.’

The Minister congratulated FLGA on their ambition and ongoing committment to connect, network, champion and celebrate the ongoing benefits of partnership working and the request to support and facilitate future opportunities to promote the potential of Culture Arts and Leisure accross Goverment Departments.

Desima Connolly, Arts & Cultural Services Officer, Limavady Borough Council, further added ‘Maintaining ongoing constructive engagement with the Forum for Local Government and the Arts as well as other national cultural agencies is vital in ensuring that we maximise quality cultural development opportunities for Limavady. Our local voluntary arts community is also represented on the FLGA with the presence of Ms Addis Blair of the Limavady Drama Club and the Roe Valley Arts and Heritage Committee, as well as an elected member, which not only enhances benefits for our local communities but also increases information and expertise sharing, promoting wider peer and government awareness of the wonderful cultural attributes of the Limavady borough, the North West area and of our dedication to cultural development.’

Pictured left to right  

Margaret Edgar, Ballymoney Borough Council/ Noelle McAlinden, Forum for Local Government and the Arts/  Malcolm Murchison, Coleraine Borough Council/ Carál Ní Chuilin, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure/ J. Mac Pollock, Ballymoney Borough Arts Committee/ Desima Connolly, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady Borough Council/ Harry McMahon, Coleraine Borough Arts Committee/ Addis Blair, Roe Valley Arts and Heritage Committee