Press Release

Riverside Art Project inspires Young People across the city

Thursday 5th June

Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver officially launched phase two of the Riverside Project today. The Riverside Art project is being delivered by Newbuildings Community Development Association, Riverview Residents Association and Lettershandoney and District Development Group in partnership with, the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and Derry City Council.

The project has been running for two years bringing together 30 young people, aged 13 - 16 years of age, from the local areas to develop proposals for two sculptures that will stand directly opposite each other on either side of the river.

The sculptures will reflect both communities shared historic involvement in the Salmon fishing industry in an effort to promote good relations and greater understanding between our two communities.

In addition to the sculptures the project will redevelop two currently derelict sites transforming them into community owned spaces that will become a resting place for walkers and cyclists and vantage points from which to enjoy spectacular views of the River Foyle.

Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver said he delighted to see how far this creative process has come and excited about the next phase of the project. He continued,

“This is a wonderful example of our young people acknowledging their history through the creative process and producing two truly inspirational pieces of public art. The symmetry of both sites on either side of the river is wonderful metaphor for an equal, balanced future for our city and future generations. I would like to congratulate everyone involved on their achievements so far and wish them good luck with the final phase of the project. ”

Commenting on the initiative RDC Project Officer Eamon McMullan congratulated the local groups for their wholehearted contribution to the project. “As part of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation RDC is delighted to have been able to again work with the Newbuildings CDA and its partner group to bring this novel project to fruition. We are certainly hopeful that the investment of £ 114,143 will allow the creation of a spectacular piece of cultural artwork of which all communities can be proud”.

Alison Wallace of Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association said ‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank the RDC, Derry City Council through their Parks Development Budget and the Loughs Agency for their contributions and support throughout the development and delivery of the project’.

The 30 young people participating in the project where heavily involved in all aspects of the project working with the project artist, Charlotte Howarth, on the artistic elements of the project and with Derry City Council’s Engineering Department on the design of the new viewing areas.

Ends

For further information contact Marketing and Communications, Derry City Council. Telephone 028 7137 6504.

Editors Notes:

RDC is an independent organisation working to ensure the collective needs and opportunities of rural areas can be realised. RDC works to promote positive and sustainable change helping to develop and regenerate rural areas for the better. Our Mission is to advance rural development; Our Vision is a living, working, sustainable and shared countryside; Our Core work is Providing objective, evidence based analysis; Delivering practical actions & solutions; Sharing best practice

RDC is agent of the International Fund for Ireland.

RDC works in association with Calor Gas to deliver Calor Village of the Year competition in Northern Ireland.

For further information contact Aileen Donnelly (Communications Officer)

Tel: 028 867 66980; Email: adonnelly@rdc.org.uk;

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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