Belfast City Council's arts consultation is extended

Belfast City Council has extended the deadline for feedback on its new culture and arts plan until February 28 2003 in order to ensure the consultation process is as comprehensive as possible.

The consultation process started in June 2002 and the draft plan, entitled ‘Culture and Arts – The Spirit of the City’, outlines the range of programmes and initiatives which Council will implement over the next four years.

The draft plan adopts an inclusive idea of culture as an expression of identity, a source of inspiration and learning and a force for personal and social development. Belfast City Council says that it recognizes that culture and arts are fundamental to society in terms of expression and enjoyment, but also as an impetus and mechanism for development.

The range of potential programmes includes: festivals; development projects; cultural diversity projects; audience development; support for local community heritage and arts projects; cultural tourism initiatives; international culture; and arts promotion and skills development programmes.

Councillor Nelson McCausland, Chair of the Council’s Development (Arts) Sub-Committee claimed that the consultation had been "one of the widest in the United Kingdom".

He added: "I have been delighted to see the range and diversity of those people and interest groups who have contributed to the focus groups and workshops to date. By extending the feedback deadline we want to ensure that we have effectively consulted both with cultural practitioners and members of the public. We want to make sure that we are getting the balance right. This is a great opportunity for everyone to input into how cultural development in the City will move forward.”

(GMcG)