Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 April 2010
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
Crescent Arts Centre Restoration Complete
The newly refurbished Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast has been re-opened, following an 18-month restoration project. The £7.2m scheme involved a refurbishment and restoration, which has preserved the exterior façade of the Grade II listed building. The refurbished centre includes an extension that increases the accommodation by approximately 900m2.
25 April 2003
Hurricane play gets go-ahead despite arson attack
The staff at the Old Museum arts centre in Belfast are today in the middle of a clean up operation after a random arson attack on the building. Fortunately the fire was contained within a small office at the back of the building after petrol was poured through a window on Wednesday.
Hurricane play gets go-ahead despite arson attack
The staff at the Old Museum arts centre in Belfast are today in the middle of a clean up operation after a random arson attack on the building. Fortunately the fire was contained within a small office at the back of the building after petrol was poured through a window on Wednesday.
18 May 2011
Crescents Arts Centre Scoops Award
A revitalised arts centre was the star of the show at a prestigious awards event today as it was named Northern Ireland's building project of the year.
Crescents Arts Centre Scoops Award
A revitalised arts centre was the star of the show at a prestigious awards event today as it was named Northern Ireland's building project of the year.
23 November 2009
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.
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.
16 February 2011
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
'Testers' Try Out NI Arts' Scene
More than 4,000 'testers' have sampled NI's rich, cultural arts scene for the very first time, thanks to Test Drive the Arts NI. Celebrating its first birthday this month, Test Drive the Arts has helped pack-out theatres and venues as newcomers to the arts experienced some of the hottest shows.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
