A £300,000 funding package aimed at encouraging arts, cultural and community events in Belfast's Laganside area has been announced by the Assembly's Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie.

This funding covers activities taking place from April 1 2008 – March 31 2009. It will continue the legacy of the Laganside Corporation which previously provided funding of this kind and will ensure that the area continues to offer a lively, attractive and welcoming environment to the local community, businesses and tourists.

Margaret Ritchie commented: "Since the wrapping up of Laganside Corporation in March 2007, my Department gave a commitment that it would continue to manage the funding for arts and community activities within the area. DSD has honoured this commitment and today marks the opening of the application process for this year's fund, amounting to £300,000. I would encourage any organisation interested in organising events in this unique and vibrant area to come forward with proposals."

-- Advertisement --

There are two main grants. The Laganside Events Grant is aimed at supporting events that contribute to the regeneration of the Laganside area, encourage local involvement, community and business participation and contribute to the attraction of visitors to the area. The Community Activity Grant supports community initiatives offering grants of up to £300 for community based events that address the needs of the Laganside local community and continue to bring life to the area.

There are a number of event spaces available for use in the Laganside area including Custom House Square, Writers Square, Cotton Court Piazza, Barrow Square and the River Lagan.

Minister Ritchie continued: "Events continue to play a key role in sustaining life and vitality within the area and the city. They provide real benefits including economic benefits social well-being and they present a positive image for Belfast, promoting the city as an exciting tourist destination. I recognise the value of the arts, cultural and community sectors and my Department will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the Laganside area continues to be a real success."

The Department for Social Development's Belfast City Centre Regeneration Directorate (BCCRD) will continue to administer the grants. Discussions are ongoing with Belfast City Council regarding future administration of the two grant schemes.

Details on how to apply for either of the two grants and a copy of the map of the Laganside area are available from the BCCRD on tel: 028 9027 7653, online at [email protected] or by writing to Jill McMullan, Department for Social Development, Belfast City Centre Regeneration Directorate, 2nd Floor, McKelvey House, 25 -27 Wellington Place, Belfast, BT1 6GD.

(GK/JM)