Press Release

Fountain Community Art-Piece Unveiled

Monday 22nd October

The Mayor of Derry Alderman Drew Thompson, today formally unveiled a community art-piece within the Fountain Estate, which was attended by a range of groups within the community as well as other guests. Commissioned by Derry City Council, the art-piece is a high quality carving located wall of the recently regenerated Old City Fire Station on Hawkin Street.

The theme of the finished piece was developed in close consultation with a number of community groups within the Fountain, throughout the summer, which were facilitated by the Norfolk-based artist, Charlotte Howarth of Making Marks. The chosen theme is based upon ‘Children at Play’ reflecting the Fountain neighbourhood’s aspirations for a non-contentious future as well as mirroring images of the past. The art piece comprises a series of dancing figures with a unique encoded ‘message’, which reflects a message of hope for the future and pride in the local community.

Following agreement on the theme with the community groups involved, the lead artist Charlotte Howarth and her colleague Louise Tiplady started work on the carving in early September. The actual carving took four weeks to create and during the course of the work, it generated significant interest among locals and also tourists who were keen to even take photographs before it was completed.

The lead artist, Charlotte Howarth explained: “this has been a really exciting project to be involved with. The support from the local community was tremendous and I am glad to be associated with such a positive art-piece which reflects the history, culture and future aspirations of the neighbourhood. Also, judging from the intrigue generated by tourists, during its construction, I have no doubt it will be a popular attraction for the City”.

In unveiling the art-piece, the Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson stated: “The art piece is a striking artistic feature which celebrates the culture and identity of the Fountain community and further represents Council’s commitment to the overall regeneration of the Fountain Neighbourhood in addition to the completion of Old City Fire Station”.

William Houston Manager for the West Bank Initiative welcomed the art project as part of the overall regeneration of the Fountain area by stating that “the completed art piece will be an important community feature and presents a very positive image of the Fountain for both residents and visitors alike”.

Notes to Editors:

The art piece project is being funded by the Building Sustainable Prosperity programme under its Local Economic Development measure and is administrated by the Department for Enterprise Trade and Investment.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page