Board members of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland yesterday (Wednesday 14th October) travelled to Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown to meet with local artists, arts organisations, district council officers and key political decision makers. Among those present were Councilor Meta Crozier, Mayor of Craigavon, as well as representatives from Armagh City and District Council, Armagh Rhymers, and Tommy Makem Festival of Traditional Song.
The evening reception for clients and guests created the opportunity for members of the arts community to meet with Board members and to discuss the ongoing development of the arts in the area. The reception followed one of its monthly Board meetings, which the Arts Council holds twice a year in venues outside of Belfast.
Rosemary Kelly OBE, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: “Tonight’s event has presented a great opportunity to meet with our clients in an informal atmosphere, and to share information about some of the projects which are happening locally.
This splendid venue for the meeting, The Millennium Court Art Centre, was one of the first buildings to benefit from the Arts Council’s Capital Buildings Programme; and in the decade which has followed we have now achieved our vision to provide an arts facility within 20 miles of every person living in Northern Ireland.
There is a wealth of artistic talent in this area and the array of organisations present here this evening reflects the true diversity of the local arts sector. The Arts Council is helping to nurture and support this talent and is committed in its support of local arts organisations and artists, recognising the important role they play in the region’s cultural and economic regeneration.”