A new Integrated Cultural Strategy aims to put arts and culture at the heart of Belfasts bid to become a major cultural capital by 2010. Produced by Belfast City Council in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the strategy encourages arts organisations and public, private, community and voluntary groups to work together with the goal of achieving international recognition for the City.
Amongst the strategys many aims are the promotion of strategic leadership through attracting new talent, developing the skills of arts practitioners in Belfast, attracting bigger audiences, creating wealth by increasing the number of high profile cultural landmarks and improving the quality of life in the city. Commenting on the strategy, Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Bernie Kelly, said, It sets an ambitious programme for strong, sustainable and joined-up cultural development. At the end of the first year an annual action plan will be produced, timetabling the work to be done by all the partners.
Another boost to Belfasts ambitions has come with the news that the Lyric Theatres campaign to raise funds for a new building on the banks of the River Lagan has received a £1m donation from businessman Dr Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel. The donation is said to be the biggest personal gift ever made to an arts organisation in Northern Ireland.