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Straitéis Chultúir, Ealaíon agus OidhreachtaCulture, Arts and Heritage Strategy2020—2025

Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an DúinNewry, Mourne and Down District Council

Contents

Foreword 03

Introduction 04

ThePurposeofthisStrategy 05

ValueofCulture,ArtsandHeritage 08

TheStrategicContext 14

OurCurrentCulture,ArtsandHeritageOffering 18

TheResearch–WhatDidYouSay? 25

KeyInsights 29

TheBigChallengesandBiggerOpportunities 37

TheVision 41

2022:OurYearofAmbition 42

Delivery 43

NextSteps 44

www.newrymournedown.org 2Culture, Arts and Heritage Draft Strategy

Tátraidisiúnsaibhiragusiomráiteachagancheantarseoidtacalecultúr,nahealaíonaagusoidhreacht.Dábhrísin,tásérí–thábhachtachstraitéisabheithagainnaleagannamachtreoirphleanchunmuidinneathreorúagusachuraraneolasmaidirlecomhoibriúchunnahearnálachaáirithesinafheabhsúagustacúlefásgeilleagrachagustorthaísóisialta.

TáanstraitéisseoannchunanStraitéisAthghiniúnaGheilleagrachagusInfheistíochtaagusanStraitéisTurasóireachtaachomhlánú.BaineannsíleagustugannsítacaíochtdonacuspóirístraitéiseachalaistighdenPhleanPobailagusdonacuspóirístraitéiseachaabheassaPhleanCorparáideachdontréimhse2019–2023.

TáComhairleCeantairanIúir,MhúrnagusanDúinagforbairtmholtaíuaillmhianachafaoiláthairmaidirlehinfheistíocht£10milliúnidtionscadalathfhorbarthachunhallaBhaileanIúiragusTeachÉigseSheáinUíChuileannáinachurchuncinnmarshaoráidealaíona,

drámaíochtaaguschomhdhálaabheasaitheantagohidirnáisiúnta.

Isíanaidhmabheasleisaninfheistíochtseonáréimseníosleithneimeachtaíealaíonaaguscultúirachurarfáildochónaitheoiríáitiúla;curleisansoláthariontachealaíonaaguscultúiratáannfaoiláthairidTeachÉigseanDúin;agustioncharollmhórgeilleagrachachumadhdoghnóthaíáitiúlaagusdoncheantarmáguaird.

Chomhmaithlefásagusforbairtárdtitheéigseaspreagadh,táaidhmaganstraitéisseocláirtacaíochtaathabhairtisteachdoniliomadgrúpaídeonachaagusamaitéarachaaraibhróllárnachacumaidirlehimeachtaícultúir,ealaíonaagusoidhreachtaachurarfáilarfudanréigiúinseoleisnacianta.

Cuirimfáilteroimhfhorbairtnastraitéiseseoagustáméagtnúthleleathnúsoláthairealaíona,cultúiragusoidhreachtafudfadancheantairsachéadchúigblianaeile.

Réamhrá Foreword

Tá lúcháir orm Straitéis Chultúir, Ealaíon agus Oidhreachta de chuid Chomhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin a chur i láthair don chéad chúig bliana eile.

I am delighted to present our Culture, Arts and Heritage Strategy for Newry, Mourne and Down for the next five years.

Thisregionhasarichandcelebratedtraditionwhenitcomestoourculture,artsandheritage.Therefore,itisvitaltohaveastrategythatsetsoutablueprinttoguideandinformhowwewillworktogetherinordertoenhancethesesectorswhilstsupportingoureconomicgrowthandsocialoutcomes.

ThisstrategydoesnotexistinisolationandcomplementsourEconomicRegenerationandInvestmentStrategyandourTourismStrategy.ItalsoconnectswithandsupportsthestrategicobjectiveswithinthecurrentCommunityPlanandthestrategicprioritiesthatwillbeincludedinourforthcomingCorporatePlanfor2019–2023.

Newry,MourneandDownDistrictCounciliscurrentlyprogressingambitiousproposalstoinvest£10millionintoredevelopingNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentreintoaninternationally–recognisedarts,theatreandconferencefacility.

Thisinvestmentaimstoprovideagreaterrangeofartsandculturalactivityandeventsforlocalresidents,complementthefantasticartsandculturalofferingalreadyinplaceinDownArtsCentreandgenerateahugeeconomicimpactforlocalbusinessandthewiderdistrict.

Inadditiontodrivingthegrowthanddevelopmentofourartscentres,thisstrategyaimstointroduceprogrammesofsupportforthenumerousvoluntaryandamateurgroupsthathaveplayedanessentialroleindeliveringculture,artsandheritageactivitiesacrossthisregionformanyyears.

IwelcomethedevelopmentofthisstrategyandIlookforwardtoseeingthegrowthandenhancementofthearts,cultureandheritageofferingacrossthedistrictoverthenextfiveyears.

Cllr Charlie CaseyChairpersonNewry,MourneandDownDistrictCouncil


Fromourmythsandlegendsandthetalesofourpastthroughtothemodernexpressionofourculture,weareknownandcelebratedthroughthestories,musicandartthathasbeenhandeddownfromonegenerationtothenext.

Weareinspiredbythebeautyofourplaces.Ourdiversecultureandheritagedefinesoursenseofbeingandourconnectiontothisregion.

Thisstrategysetsoutsablueprinttoguideandinformhowwewillworktogethertoenhanceourarts,cultureandheritagesectors,withtheaimofsupportingoureconomicgrowthandsocialoutcomes.Thisisalivingdocumentthatwillserveasaplanningtooltoprovideaclearsetofprioritiesforthedevelopmentofarts,cultureandheritageprogrammesandinitiativesacrossthedistrictoverthenextfiveyears.

Our District is Unique

In our mountains, forests and coastline; throughout our rural landscapes, dotted with monuments and castles; in the chords of our music and awe–inspiring art; and in the vibrancy and enthusiasm of our people – this region is celebrated for our rich culture, arts and heritage.


The Purposeof this Strategy


Definitions and Scope

Culture, arts and heritage form an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. There are many definitions covering each of these terms:

OurCulture

TheArts

OurHeritage

...isaboutwhoweare,ourwayoflife,ourcumulativeknowledge,ourbehaviours,beliefsandvalues,andhowthesearepassedonfromonegenerationtothenext.

...arehowweexpressourculturethroughvariousmeans,includingperformingartsanddrama,visualarts,music,dance,craftandcreativeindustries,mediaandfilm,festivalsandevents,andourlanguageandliterature.

...connectsourlivestodaytothepastthroughourstories,buildingsandplaces,monumentsandruins,artefacts,ournaturalheritage,andthroughthetraditionsandmemorieshandeddownfromonegenerationtothenext.


Thisstrategysets out a visionofwherewewantourarts,cultureandheritageofferingtobeinfiveyears’timeandhowweproposeto work in partnershipwithourstakeholderstogetthere.

Overthenextfiveyears,thisstrategywillevolveandbesubjecttomeasurementandreviewagainstkeyindicatorsofspecificandtime–boundprogress.Afundamentalelementofthisstrategywillbetheformation of a new Arts and Culture Forum,composedofkeyindividualsandorganisationsthatrepresentthedifferentpartsofthesector.ThisForumwillactasthevoice of the sectorandwillbeengagedtosense–checkandinformtheCouncil’sprogressagainstthedeliveryofthisstrategy.

Ourdistricthasarichandbroadculture,heritageandartsofferingthatisintrinsic to this regionandthepeoplewholiveandworkhere.InSlieveGullion,Newry,Crotlieve,theMournes,SlieveCroob,RowallaneandDownpatrick,thereisarichanduniqueculturallifethatisprotected,celebratedandenhancedthrough groups and individualswhoarepassionateaboutthecommunitiesthattheyarepartofanddosomuchtoenrich.

Inourcommunitychoirs,dramagroups,craftcollectives,pipebands,localbranchesoftheComhaltas,communityartsgroups,heritagegroups,tourguidesandlocalambassadors,UlsterScotsgroups,Feiscommittees,schoolgroupsandthenumerousvoluntaryorganisations,thereispassion, vibrancy, commitment and diversitythatshouldbechampionedandcelebrated.Theworkofthoseindividualsandgroupsgoessofartodevelopawareness,reachnewaudiences,cultivatetalentandmakeapowerfulcontributiontowidersociety.

Itisoftenfromwithinthesegroupsthatourworld–class music, dance and art is cultivated.Itisfromourdanceschools,orchestra,theatregroupsandartclassesthatsomeofourmosttalentedyoungpeoplehavecome.Thosepeoplehavegoneontogracetheworldstageand,asaconsequence,

haveshonealightbackontothedistricttheycallhome.Thepositiveworkofthesegroupsenablesustopreserveourcommunityhistoryandidentityandtopromotesocial cohesion and understanding.

Suchgroupsdeliveractivitywithlimitedresources,buttheyreachandengageahugenumberofparticipantsandaudiencesinevery townland, village, and urban centrethroughoutthedistrict.

ThecumulativeimpactofthevariousactivitiesandprogrammesdeliveredeitherwithinCouncilvenuesorthroughoutthedistrictby passionate and committed individualsandgroupsgeneratesatangibleeconomicreturn.

Thereare,however,widerintangible returnsassociatedwiththehealth and well–beingofourcitizens,thesense of placeandeducationalattainmentofouryoungpeopleandtheinclusion and cohesionofourcommunities.Thosearetheareaswherethepotentialforreturnsfromthedevelopmentofourarts,cultureandheritageofferingthroughthisstrategyisgreatest.Thoseintangiblereturnsarepresentedinmoredetailonthenextpage.

Why do we need a Strategy? Our Community and Audiences

Thisdocumentisnotanendpoint:itisa new beginning and a foundationuponwhichtheCouncil’sinvestmentandsupportofannualprogrammesandactivitiescanbebased.


Value of Culture, Arts and Heritage


A wide range of studies have shown that participation in culture, arts and heritage enhances people’s lives, helps to build diverse communities and combats isolation and exclusion. It improves children’s prospects, it can boost the economy and it improves the international standing of a local area.

The following summarises just some of the evidence that investment in culture, arts and heritage adds value to health and well–being, community cohesion, education and the economy.


Health andWell–being

Therearenumerouspiecesofresearchthatevidencethe

positive impactthatthearts,cultureandheritagecanhaveonthephysical, mental and social well–being of older people.

more likely to report good health compared to those who had not.

Studies have found that visiting historical siteshadastatistically significant impact on well–being similartoattendingartsorculturalevents.

There is strong evidence that participation in the arts can contribute to community cohesion, reduce social exclusion and isolation, and/or make communities feel safer and stronger.

involvesconsiderationofacharacter’smotivationandbehaviour.Thisimprovestheabilityofpupilstounderstandotherperspectives.

Engagementinartsactivitiesoffer

includingphysical,mentalandsocialwell–being.

Participatinginorattendingcultural places or eventshasapositiveimpactonwell–being.

Artists enjoy higher job satisfaction than other employees.

Studiesoftheimpactofarchaeologicalexcavationonthewell–beingofstudentsandcommunitygroupshaveidentifiedthatparticipantwell–beingimprovedinrelationtothe‘physicality’,‘connectivity’,‘satisfaction’and‘social dynamics’gainedthroughexcavation.

Social isolation isassociatedwithhealthrisksinasimilarwaytosmokingandobesity.Olderindividualswhoaremoresociallyisolatedaremorelikelytoreportpoorhealth.Artsprojectshavebeenseentoreduce isolation among participants by up to

Can DiggingMake You Happy?

almost 60%

Thosewhohadattendedaculturalplaceoreventintheprevious12monthswere

more likely to report good health according to the Cultural Learning Alliance.

38%People who take part in the arts are

80%

Participation in drama

holisticbenefits


Society and Community Education

The arts can help

break down barriersbetweendifferentsocialgroups.

There is strong evidence that participation in the arts can contribute to community cohesion, reduce social exclusion and isolation, and make communities feel safer and stronger.

Participation in arts activities is associated with improvements in young people’s cognitive abilities and transferable skills.

Participationintheartscreatesmoreengagedcitizens.Youngpeoplewhoengagewiththeartsinschoolaretwiceaslikelytovolunteerand

more likely to vote than other young adults.

20%

Learningthroughartsandculturecanimprove attainment in Maths and Englishand

develop skills and behaviourthatleadchildrentodobetterinschool.

aBc

Acohortstudydemonstratedthatstudentsparticipatinginanartsprogrammehad

significantly higher grades in academic subjects such as English, Maths and Science.


Economic

TheculturalandcreativeindustriesarethefastestgrowingindustryintheUK.In2017thesectorgenerated

£130 billion

in taxes. And state–funded arts practitioners and organisations generated a turnover equivalent to more than twice what they received in grant aid.

€307 million

In 2011, the arts sector in the Republic of Ireland contributed

Gross Value Added (GVA) world-wide, representing 7% of the UK economy.

ofallspendingbyoverseasvisitorstotheUKinvolvedengagementwithartsandculture.

42%Investment by public sector in the arts and the historic environment contributes up to £4 to the local economy for every £1 spent.

£1

WorkingwithacreativecompanyleadstoincreasedinnovationinSMEsbeyondthecreativeindustries.

£4

Artsandculturecontributetolocaleconomiesbyattracting visitors, creating jobs and developing skills,attracting and retaining businesses and revitalising places.

Participants in amateur arts activities increase their employment potential through skills development and networking.


Although

29%of the audience at rural touring events are first time attenders, they attract loyal, regular attenders, playing an important role in rebalancing rural inequality for those interested in culture.

Place Making

Well designed arts and cultural venues

add considerable value to the built environment byattractingvisitors,generatingincreasedactivity,andhelpingtocreateplaceswherepeoplewanttolive.

Well managed outdoor arts events attract a demographically diverse audience that is representative of the local population, contribute to pride of place and encourage community cohesion.

involvescommunitiesdirectlyinallaspectsofdeliveryandhasbeenshowntohaveaprofoundeffectoncommunity development, social capacity and volunteer activity.

Rural Touring


The Strategic Context


ThisstrategyalsoaimstosupportthedeliveryofCouncilprioritiesintermsofimprovingthelocaleconomy,increasingemploymentandsupportinggoodrelationsandcommunityengagement.

Anambitiousvisionforthearts,cultureandheritagecannotbedeliveredbytheCouncilalone.Wehavedevelopedtheprioritiesandvisiondetailedwithinthisstrategyafteracomprehensiveconsultationwithawiderangeofindividuals,groupsandkeystakeholdersfromwithinthesector.Withouttheinputandcollectivepartnershipofthesestakeholders,thescaleofambitionandchangewewanttoachievewouldbeimpossible.InawiderNorthernIrelandcontext,anumberofbodiesandDepartmentshaveproducedstrategies,prioritiesandframeworks,whichwehavetakencognisanceofinthisstrategy(seeAppendix1).

This strategy does not exist in a vacuum and is intended to connect with and support the strategic objectives that are included in the Council’s forthcoming Corporate Plan (2019 to 2023) and within the current Community Plan.


• Acomprehensiveauditofourexistingarts,cultureandheritageoffering.

• Areviewofrelevantlocal,nationalandinternationalplansandpoliciesandengagementwiththekeyGovernmentagencieswithoverallresponsibilityforthedevelopmentandpromotionofarts,cultureandheritageinNorthernIreland.

• Anonlinepublicsurveytoidentifykeythemesandawidervisionforarts,cultureandheritageinthedistrict.

• Focusgroupsandworkshopswithartists,performers,communitystakeholdersandrepresentativesfromprivatesectorbusinessesandGovernmentagencies.

Weconsultedwithawiderangeoforganisations and stakeholders.Theirfeedbackhelpedustogaina360–degreeviewofthechallengesandopportunitiesforthedevelopmentofarts,cultureandheritageinNewry,MourneandDown.

A review of all available audience, finance and evaluation datafromallvenuesandmuseumswasundertakenandasummary socio–economic profilewasdeveloped.A strategic review of the internal and external environmentwasthenundertakenthroughaSWOTanalysiswithstaffandkeystakeholdersatallfocusgroupsessions.

Individual consultation sessionswereheldwith:CouncilstaffalignedtoeachoftheCouncilartsvenuesandmuseumsandthoseengagedinfestivals;electedmembers;statutoryorganisations;theCouncil’sCEOandDirectorofService;crossdepartmentalstaff;otherneighbouringcouncils,includingArdsandNorthDownBoroughCouncilandLouthCountyCouncil;andtheArtsCouncilofNorthernIreland.

Some 14 Sector and community–based consultation focus groupswereheldacrosstwofulldaysandeveningsinNewryandDownpatrick,toprovideopportunitiesfordifferentculture,artsandheritagegenresandartsandcraftspractitionerstoengageinthedevelopmentoftheplan.Thisincludedseparatefocus–groupsessionsonthefollowing:emergingartistsandprofessionalperformingartsencompassingmusic;theatreanddance;creativeindustries(includingcinematicandcraftsenterprises);danceandmusicincludingstageschools;visualartsandliterature;artsandculturalvenues(Council,communityandprivatevenuesusedforartsandheritage);artsforolderpeopleandartsforyoungpeople;festivals/communityfestivals;amateurartsincludingdramasocieties;historicalsocieties,neighbourhoodrenewalandruralcommunities;andlocalbusinesses.

Forthosewhowereunabletoattendthesesessions,a series of one–to–one meetings and telephone consultationswerealsoconducted.Aquestionnairewassharedwithkeystakeholderswhowereunabletoattendthefocusgroups.

Consultation – Getting Your Views

Togainaclearunderstandingofthepriorityareasandcriticalfeedbackofkeystakeholdersandthelocalcommunity,awide–rangingandcomprehensiveconsultationandresearchexercisewasundertakenaspartoftheprocessofdevelopingthisstrategy,whichincluded:


Onthebasisofthisin–depthconsultationandengagementprocessandthedesk top reviewonaudiencesandactivity,apaperwasproducedontheemergingprioritythemesandpotentialactionsundereach.A public engagement e–survey wasthensenttoallthoseconsultedaswellastothegeneralpublicthroughtheCouncil’scommunitydatabasetoseekfeedbackontheemergingthemesandactionsfortheculture,artsandheritagestrategyandtheviewsthatpeoplehadaboutavisionforthestrategy.This public engagement survey was completed by 93 key stakeholdersandinformedthedevelopmentofthefinaldraftstrategy.


Our Current Culture, Arts and Heritage Offering


To create a vision and plot a course to achieving that vision we need to know where we are starting from and what our arts, culture and heritage offering looks like today. The following is an overview of our existing service provision.


Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick:a164–seatauditorium,avisualartsgallery,anartist’sworkshopandtwoworkshop/meetingspacesthatpresentlivetheatre,musicandcomedyandattractlocalprofessionalandvoluntaryperformancegroupsaswellascuratedexhibitionsandawiderangeofartsclassesandworkshops.Itpresents50one–dayworkshopsand106classesfromJunetoSeptemberand22liveperformancesonFridaysandSaturdays.

Newry Town Hall:a470–seatauditorium,whichhosted15liveperformancesbetweenJuneandSeptember2018,withalargenumberofproductionsbylocalgroupsandcommercialpromoters.23differentgroupsandpromotershiredthevenuein2017/18.Thebuilding’sfabrichasrecentlyundergonesignificantrenovation,andtheCounciliscurrentlyprogressingvisionaryproposalsforthecreationofamulti–millionpoundinvestmentinNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentretointegrateanddevelopthecentresasaninternationally–recognisedtheatreandconferenceoffering.

Sean Hollywood Arts Centre:a130–seatauditoriumwithfixedseating,avisualartsgallery,arehearsalroomandtwoworkshop/meetingspaces,whichhostlivetheatreandmusicshows,mainlybylocalgroups.Itpresented16performancesbetweenJuneandSeptember2018.23differentgroupsandpromotershiredthevenuein2017/18.

Warrenpoint Town Hall:a365–seatauditoriumwithremovableseatingandtwomeetingroomsthatpresentlivetheatreandmusic,almostexclusivelybylocalvoluntarygroups.ItpresentedfourperformancesbetweenJuneandSeptember2018.Sevendifferentgroupsandpromotershiredthevenuein2017/18.Itisalsousedonanongoingbasisfornon–artsfocusedcommunityservices.

Arts and Entertainment


Inthesummermonths,anentertainmentprogrammeisprovidedaspartoftheNewcastle Summer SeasoninvariousbuildingsinandaroundNewcastle.Over5,000visitorsattendeachyearandtheresponsestocustomersurveysareverypositivefrombothrepeatandnewvisitorstothedistrict.

TheGreat Hall at the Downshire Estate inDownpatrickisusedmainlybyvoluntarygroupsforeventssuchasconcerts,musicals,andpantomimes,etc.OtherspacesusedforeventsincludetheAnnesleyHallinNewcastle,theOldCourtChapelinStrangfordandtheLodgeBusinessandCulturalCentreinCastlewellan.

Arts and Entertainment at other Venues


Down County Museumwasfoundedin1981andishousedintheCountyGoalofDown,whichopenedin1796.Ithasacollectionofover12,000objectsand50,000photographsandhas10exhibitiongalleries.ThecentralGovernor’sResidencebuildinghousesapermanentexhibitionentitled‘DownThroughTime’,whichfeaturesover1,100itemsthatrangefromprehistorictimestothepresentday.Visitorscanexperiencetheoriginalgaolcells,andthemuseum’scollectionsfocusonCountyDown’sdistinctivehistory,includingearlyChristianheritage,farmingandfishingandthehistoryofthegaolalongsideregulartemporaryexhibitions.Themuseum’seducationprogrammeofferstailoredvisitsandactivitiesforcommunitygroupsandprimaryschoolsanditsonlinelearningresourcesupportsKeyStage3studentstounderstandchangesinCountyDownfrom1900tothe1920sinanationalandinternationalcontext.

Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle: Bagenal’sCastlecomprisesasixteenthcenturyfortifiedhouseandadjoiningnineteenthcenturywarehouse.IthousesNewryandMourneMuseumandNewryVisitorInformationCentre.TheMuseum’sdiversecollectionsincludematerialrelatingtoprehistory,Newry’sCistercianfoundations,Ulster’sGaelicorderandthebuildingofamerchanttownandthefirstsummitlevelcanalintheBritishIsles.Visitorscanalsodiscoverthehistoryofthe‘GapoftheNorth’,thehistoricmountainpassbetweenUlsterandLeinsterlocatedtothesouthofNewry.Oneofthemainexhibitions,‘ABorderTown’sExperienceofthe20thCentury’,examineslocalattitudestomajorpoliticalandeconomiceventsofthe20thcentury.Therearealsopermanentexhibitionsonfarming,fishingandfolkloreintheMournesandSouthArmagh.Themuseum’seducationprogrammeincludeslessonsforschoolsaroundsixmaintopicsandaloanboxservicethatalsosupportsreminiscenceactivityinthecommunity,includinginhealthcaresettings.TheResideCollectionisanonlinedatabaseprovidedbythemuseumthatsupportsthestudyoflocalhistoryandgenealogy.

Heritage Centres

Entrytobothmuseumsisfree,andtheybothreceiveverypositivereviewsandfeedbackfromnewandrepeatvisitors.DownCountyMuseumhasachievedfour–stargradingthroughTourismNI’sQualityGradingSchemeforVisitorAttractions.BothmuseumsarealsoaccreditedontheMuseums,LibrariesandArchivesAccreditationScheme.


Newry,MourneandDowncontains17GradeA,83GradeB+and1,327GradeBlistedbuildings.TheRoyalSocietyfortheEncouragementofArts,ManufacturesandCommerce(RSA)indexplacesthedistrictthirdinaleaguetableofNIlocalauthorityareasintermsofhistoricbuiltenvironmentassetsandactivitiesaroundthoseassets.Thedistrictscoredhighestinhistoricbuiltenvironmentassetsandinactivityinparksandopenspaces.

TheDepartmentforCommunities’HistoricEnvironmentDivisionhasidentified41historicsitesandmonumentswithinthedistrictthatarestatecare.

Newry,MourneandDownisrankedthirdoutoftheelevenlocalauthorityareasforitslandscapeandnaturalheritageassetsandactivitieswith84,000km2ofAreasofOutstandingBeauty,13,000km2ofSpecialConservationAreas,16,000km2ofSitesofSpecialScientificinterestand443ancienttrees.

Culture,artsandheritagehaveakeyroletoplayindeliveringtheCouncil’sTourismStrategy.Akeystrengthidentifiedinthatstrategyisthedistrict’sextensiverangeoftourismeventsandfestivals,particularlythosewithastrongartisticandculturalfocusthatservetohighlighttheregion’suniqueheritage.

TourismisakeypillaroftheCouncil’sCorporatePlanandEconomicStrategy,andacrucialcomponentinrealisingthepotentialofthedistrict’stourismofferingisthesuccessoftheeventsandfestivalsthatarerun,hostedorfundedbytheCouncil.Inthe2019/20financialyear,39eventsandfestivalswilltakeplaceinthedistrict,includingtheshowpieceGiantAdventuresProgrammeofmajoreventsthattakeplaceannually.

Theeconomicimpactofthedistrict’smaintourismeventsin2018/19wascloseto£10million,emphasisingtheimportanceoftheircontinuedsuccesstothelocaleconomy.

Built and Natural Heritage Festivals and events


Thestrongprovisionin,andpassionfor,artsandculturalactivityhasbeendrivenbyawiderangeofgroupsandindividualsbasedinthelocalcommunitiesacrossthedistrict.

Thequalityof,andcommunitysupportfor,ourdistrict’samateurgroupshasmeanttheyhaveplayedanessentialroleinprovidingarts,heritageandculturalactivitiesoutinlocalcommunitiesandinCouncilvenues,particularlyinNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentre,formorethan75years.

Thatstronganddiverseartsandculturaloffering,drivenbygroupsandindividualswithinlocalcommunities,meansthereisacriticalmassofadvocatesandchampionsthatareactivelyengagingaudiencesandparticipantsacrossthedistrict.Anauditundertakenin2016identified235uniqueorganisationsproviding434differentarts,cultureandheritageprogrammesandactivitiesacrossthe

district.ItwasfoundthattheCouncil’sknowledgeof,anditsinteractionandengagementwith,thiswidevarietyofgroupsislimited,andanopportunitythereforeexiststobuildcloserpartnershipswithkeyproviders.

Fromtheresearchundertaken,itisevidentthat40%oftheartsandcultureofferingthatwasdeliveredbythe235organisationswasmostlycentredinNewry,NewcastleandDownpatrick.

Fromtheresearchundertakenaspartofthedevelopmentofthisstrategy,itappearsthat,althoughnumerouspartsofthedistrictpotentiallyhaveastrongarts,cultureorheritageoffering,thevisibilityoftheactivitiesthataretakingplaceislimited,andthisisparticularlythecaseinmoreruralareas.

Voluntary and Amateur Groups


The Research — What Did You Say? Thefollowingarethekeythemesandcommentsthatwereraisedbyawiderangeofstakeholdersandconsultationparticipantsinthedevelopmentofthisstrategy:


Strengthof Our Offering

Audience Engagement and Accessibility

Advocacy and Collaboration

• Our strength is our heritage in the

arts and culture right across the

district.

• We have so many assets: natural

and built heritage, venues and

culture.

• Our tourism sector has a role for

arts and heritage, focusing on

authenticity and epic moments.

• Fantastic events run and supported

by the Council like Footsteps in the

Forest and Wake the Giant.

• We have to stop arts, culture and

heritage being seen as elitist.

• We need to do more to connect

people to our arts, heritage and

cultural assets.

• Bottom up thinking is needed

– how do we support the local

groups reach out to the wider

community?

• We need to widen the reach of the

local arts centres.

• The sector’s voice isn’t loud

enough.

• Nobody is championing the arts in

this area.

• The Arts Committee was good but

was abandoned following RPA – it

should be reformed.

• Arts organisations don’t have

the opportunities to meet and

collaborate.

• Partnerships should be a priority.

• Get on board with local businesses

and venues to work together and

make it happen.

• The arts are a lifeline monitor.


Financial Pressures Council Support of the Sector

• Internal and external funding constraints are really biting.

• The method of obtaining funding is not a level playing field.

• Small businesses and crafts people have to make their own

way. I do not rely on the government for any assistance as it

doesn’t exist.

• There are so many opportunities for funding partnerships

out there – we need to actively hunt these opportunities.

• The main threat is lack of funding and inequality of access,

particularly for those whose life would be most enhanced

by opportunities to engage.

• We need to work with the Arts Council and the main

Belfast–based partnership organisations to seek support

and outreach.

• It’s great the Council is enthusiastic about arts, culture

and heritage.

• The Council is not prioritising the arts due to a lack of

understanding of the benefits – seen and unseen – of the

arts on economic and social well–being, and the health

and well–being of communities.

• The arts are valuable to the district’s social and economic

goals.

• Project organisers are the experts, not the Council. NMDDC

therefore need to support the district’s arts groups.

• The arts are a statutory duty but here they are actually run

by the amateur community.

• The Council has no strategy or enthusiasm for what the

arts groups offer to people of Newry, Mourne and Down.


MarketingCouncil Arts and Heritage Venues

• We have missed a lot of interesting

opportunities because we didn’t

know about them.

• You have to really go looking for

what’s on.

• We can achieve our vision through

coordinated planning of what is

on and how and to whom it is

communicated.

• We don’t have enough data on

audiences.

• This area needs a funded online

ticketing system and a proper

database.

• The websites are out of date.

• Can the facilities be better run through

another kind of structure?

• Hire charges are unrealistic.

• We present one event per month (with

a peak audience of 70) followed by

discussions but the room hire fee was

doubled so it’s becoming unsustainable.

• There’s very strong participation in

heritage sector (especially the museums)

but the sector is under–resourced and

under–appreciated.

• Down Arts Centre puts on a fantastic

theatre programme and workshops – it

should be replicated in our other centres

– to reach new audiences and get more

people to experience the arts.

• We need to free up our arts centres

to be run as modern, vibrant, creative

hubs that are attractive to new

audiences.

• A strength is the relationship

between the museums and local

historical societies.

• We need to attract more big

productions to Newry whilst building

the capacity and support of our

amateur groups that have been the

beating heart of the arts in Newry for

the past 30 years.

• The work the museum delivers is so

important to promoting good mental

health, and the community connection

to our past and place.

• Why don’t we host more big

conferences in the city? The Town Hall

is an amazing venue.


Key InsightsAsignificantvolumeofresearch,surveys,workshopsandconsultationhasbeenundertakeninthepasteightyears,whichhashelpedtobuildaclearpictureofthechallengesandopportunitiesnowfacingus.Thekeyfindingsandemergingthemesofthisworktodatearesummarisedinthissection.


• InresearchundertakenbytheCouncilin2018,basedonface–to–faceinterviewswith764residentsacrossthedistrict,just15%ofrespondentssaidtheyhadattendedorparticipatedinanarts,heritageorcultureactivityoreventinthepast12months.

• Respondentswithahigheraveragehouseholdincomeandthosewithahigherlevelofeducationalattainmentweremorelikelytoengageinanarts,heritageorcultureactivityorevent.

• Respondentswereaskedwhatwouldmotivatethemtoengage,with64%sayingthattheyneededmoreinformationabouteventsandactivities;40%sayingthattheyneededeventsandactivitiesthatweremorerelevanttothemandtheirfamilies;and16%sayingthatonlinebookingforeventsatCouncil–managedfacilitieswouldmotivatethem.

• Althoughnumerouspartsofdistrictappeartohavealimitedarts,cultureorheritageoffering,particularlyinmoreruralareas,thereisactuallyawiderangeofartsandculturalbasedactivitytakingplace,withthevisibilityofthisactivityoftenlimited.

• WhilstNewry,MourneandDown’s178,000residentsaredispersedacrossthethirdlargestcouncilareainNorthernIreland,anopportunityexiststoprovidegreateroutreachandaccessibilitytoarts,culturalandheritagebasedinitiativesandprogrammesinpartnershipswithlocalcommunitiesandthevoluntarysector.

• Theproportionofyoungpeopleunder16yearsofageaccountfor23%ofthepopulationinthedistrict,whichisahigherproportionthanthatinothercouncilareasofNI.Conversely,over–65saccountfor14%ofthepopulationofthedistrict.

• Prioritygroupsforaudiencedevelopmentincludefamilies,thoseinmoreruralareasandourolderpopulation.

1Our Residents – Accessing the Arts, Culture and Heritage

15%ofrespondentshadattendedorparticipatedinanarts,heritageorcultureactivityoreventinthepast12months.

64%ofrespondentssaidtheyneededmoreinformationabouteventsandactivities.

16%ofrespondentssaidthatonlinebookingforeventswouldmotivatethem.


• Althoughover133,000residentsandvisitorsattendedeventsandactivitiesinourartscentresinanaverageyear,animbalanceexistsacrossthedistrictintermsoftheprovisionandprogramminginourmainartscentresinNewryandDownpatrick.

• AreviewofaudienceinformationfromDownArtsCentreshowsthatitcontinuestooutperformothersimilarsizedvenuesacrossNorthernIreland,attractingpeoplewitha45–minutedrivetimetothevenue,includingsignificantnumbersfromBelfast.

• DownArtsCentreinvestssimilaramountsinitsprogrammetocomparablevenuesintheNorthandSouthofIreland,buttheSeanHollywoodArtsCentre,NewryTownHallandWarrenpointTownHallareunderprogrammedbecauseoftheircomparablysmallprogrammingbudget.

• Alackofamodernbox–officesystemhashadaconsiderablenegativeimpactonresidents’abilitytopurchaseticketsonlineandthevenues’abilitytopromoteeventsandaccesstimelyaudiencedata.Throughacriticalanalysisoftheresearchundertaken,itisclearthatNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentreareoneoftheonlyregionalartscentresacrossNorthernIrelandwithoutabox–officeticketingsystem,whichisasignificantdisadvantagewhenitcomestogrowingnewaudiencesandattractingtouringproductions.

• AlthoughDownArtsCentredoeshaveaccesstolimitedaudiencedata,itsboxofficesystemisdatedandnotfit–for–purpose.Thereisanopportunitytoappraiseandmodernisethemarketingandpromotionofourvenuesandvastlyimproveonlineaccessibilitytoticketsand,asaresult,thedataonaudienceinsight.

• Thelackoftimelyandaccurateinformationonfinancialperformanceandaudiencesisamajorchallengeinthefuturemanagementandgrowthofourartsvenueswithinthedistrict.

• Researchintoopportunitiestoincreaseourlocalresidents’motivationtoengagewiththeartshighlightedthat64%saidthattheyneededmoreinformationabouteventsandactivities;40%saidtheyneededeventsandactivitiesthatweremorerelevanttothemandtheirfamilies;and16%saidthatonlinebookingforeventsatCouncil–managedfacilitieswouldmotivatethem.Itisclearthatopportunitiesexisttoreviewandenhancethemarketinginfrastructure,resourcecapacityandmarketingbudgetsavailabletopromoteourartscentresandtoencouragegreateraudienceparticipation.

2Our Arts Centres

133,000residentsandvisitorsattendedeventsandactivitiesinanaverageyear.

40%ofrespondentssaidtheyneededeventsandactivitiesmorerelevanttothemandtheirfamilies.


• TheCounciliscurrentlyprogressingambitiousproposalstoinvest£10millionintheredevelopmentofNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentretotransformthemintoaninternationallyrecognisedarts,theatreandconferencefacilitythatwillattractnewaudiencestoNewry,provideagreaterdepthofartsandculturalactivityandeventsforlocalresidentsandgeneratehugeeconomicimpactsforlocalbusinessandthewiderdistrict.

• ThissignificantinvestmentispartofthewiderNewryCityCentreRegenerationPlanthatisbeingprogressedalongsidetheBelfastRegionCityDeal.

• ThroughthereimaginingandredevelopmentofNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentre,wehaveacollectiveopportunitytoappraisehowwedeliverourservicestomeetourcustomers’needs.

• Therearekeyquestionsthatneedtobeaddressed.HowcanwesupportthededicatedvoluntaryandamateurgroupsthathavedriventhedevelopmentoftheartsinNewryovernumerousdecadesintermsofbuildingtheircapacity?Weareseekingtoprovideaccesstostate–of–the–arttheatrefacilitiesandsupportthegrowthanddevelopmentofproductionsand

outputs.HowcanweachievethoseobjectiveswhilstcreatingamoderntheatreandartsfacilitythatprotectstherichbuiltandculturalheritagethatisintrinsictoNewryTownHallandrealisesthefulleconomicbenefitsthatthisnewfacilitywillprovide?Howcanweprovideamodern,innovativeandvibrantartscentrewithleadingtechnicalprovisionandaudiencegrowthtargetsthatisattractivetotouringproductionsofrelevantscale?

• Inourresearchandconsultation,thosearethemainareasofopportunitythathavebeenidentifiedinthedevelopmentofthetheatreandconferencefacilitiesatNewryTownHallandtheSeanHollywoodArtsCentre.

3Investment in Theatre Provision in Newry

£10 millionproposedinvestmentintheredevelopmentofNewryTownHall.


• Therearefourothervenuesthathave30minutedrivetimecatchmentareasthatoverlapwiththatofNewry,namelytheMarketPlaceTheatre,Armagh,IontasTheatre,Castleblayney,AnTainArtsCentre,Dundalk,and,toalesserextent,DroicheadArtsCentre,Drogheda.

• DownArtsCentresharesasubstantialportionofits30minutedrivetimecatchmentwiththeIslandArtsCentre,Lisburn,PorticoinPortaferryandothervenuesinBelfast.

4Arts Provision Outside the District

Newry

TheMarketPlaceArmagh

IontasTheatre,Castleblayney

AnTainArtsCentre,Dundalk

DroicheadArtsCentre,Drogheda

30minutedrivetime

Downpatrick

Portico,PortaferryIslandArtsCentre,Lisburn

Belfast


• Ourmuseumscontinuetoreachnewaudiences.OneofthemostpopularinitiativestoengagenewaudienceswasledbytheNorthernIrelandMuseumsCouncilin2018anddeliveredinpartnershiplocallybytheNewryandMourneMuseumatBagenal’sCastle.TheLateShiftwasaseriesofafter–darkeventsforadultsinmuseumsacrossNI.TheeventatBagenal’sCastlehadoneofthehighestsatisfactionratingsandahigherthanaveragenumberoffirst–timevisitorsat40%.85%saidtheeventchangedtheirperceptionofthemuseum,higherthaninanyoftheotherparticipatingmuseums.Similarly,thepercentagewhosaidthattheyhadbeenencouragedtofindoutmoreaboutlocalhistorywashigherforBagenal’sCastlethananyotherparticipatingmuseum.Theprogrammeshowsthepotentialforchangingperceptionsofarts,cultureandheritageinthedistrict.

• Ourmuseumsprovideahigh–qualityvisitorexperience,receiveverypositivereviewsfromvisitors,offerexcellenteducationprogrammesforlocalschoolgroupsandhaveastrongconnectiontoourlocalcommunitiesandhistoricalsocieties.However,accordingtoresearch,theproportionofourlocalresidentswhohavevisitedoneofourtwomuseumsislowerthanthecorrespondingfigurefortheotherdistrictsofNI.

• ThroughthedevelopmentofprogrammessuchastheMuseumLates,opportunitiesexisttoreachoutandgrownewaudiences,improvethelevelofvisitorengagement,and,asaconsequence,significantlyincreasethenumberofrepeatvisits.

• Ourmuseumscancontributetocommunitycohesion,andareductioninsocialexclusionandisolation;andcanhelpunderstandingandconnectionsbetweendifferentsocialgroups.OurmuseumsalreadydeliverahugevolumeofintangiblebenefitstoourlocalcommunitiesthroughtheireducationprogrammesandinitiativessuchastheLoanBoxservice,andtheResideCollectionoflocalhistoryandgenealogy.

• Itisclearthatanopportunityexiststoincreaseouroutreachtolocalcommunities,toengageandgrowouraudiencesandtodeliveranenhancedhealthandwell–beingprogrammethroughourmuseumandheritageservices.

• Outsideourmuseums,researchindicatesthatwhilstwehaveaverystrongbuiltheritageoffering,moreopportunityexiststoactivateandanimatetheseassetssothatmorevisitorsandlocalcommunitiescanbecomeinvolvedandexperiencetherichculturalheritageofthisdistrict.

• Inasimilarwaytoourmuseums,thebuiltandindustrialheritageofourdistrictcanprovidepracticalbenefitstolocalcommunitiesandrichexperiencesforourvisitorsthroughanincreasedconnectiontoourplaceandpeopleandinsightsgainedthroughpastnarratives.Enhancedaccesstoourheritageassetscansupportcommunitywell–being,civicprideandcommunitycohesionanddevelopment.

5Our Museums and Built Heritage

40%first–timevisitorstoBagenal’sCastleduringLateShiftevent.

85%ofrespondentssaidtheLateShifteventchangedtheirperceptionofNewryandMournemuseum.


• Visitorsatisfaction,civicprideandhugeeconomicimpactisgeneratedforourdistrictthroughthedeliveryoftheCouncil’s£1.2millionannualeventsprogramme.Theeconomicimpactofthedistrict’smaintourismeventsin2018/19wascloseto£10million,emphasisingtheimportanceoftheircontinuedsuccesstothelocaleconomy.Ofthevisitorswhoattendedourmajoreventsin2018/19,39%camefromoutsidethedistrict,including11%fromoutsideNorthernIreland.OfthevisitorswhocamefromoutsideNorthernIreland,thevastmajorityhadtravelledfromtheRepublicofIreland,highlightingtheimportanceofthedistrict’sproximitytotheborder.Furthermore,42%ofvisitorssaidthattheirperceptionoftheareahadimprovedasaresultoftheeventthattheyattended.

• Majorfestivalsandeventsplayaverysignificantroleinhelpingtoanimateourregion,ingeneratinggrowthinvisitornumbersandinengagingtouristsandlocalresidentsinouruniqueculturalheritageandinspirationalplaces.

• InadditiontotheseveralmajorfestivalshostedbytheCouncil,suchastheFestivalofFlight,FootstepsintheForest,WaketheGiantandtheannualSaintPatrick’sDayparadecelebrations,thedistrictishometoawiderangeofwell–establishedartsandculturalfestivalsthathavebeengrownanddevelopedbydedicatedcommitteesofvolunteersandartists,suchastheSOMAfestivalinCastlewellanandtheFiddler’s

GreenFestivalinRostrevor.TheUlsterPipeBandChampionshipsandUlsterFleadhwerealsohostedinthedistrictin2018and2019,providingeconomicreturnsandagrowthinvisitornumberstothedistrict.

• Morerecentlyestablishedfestivals,suchastheDownTimefestivalinDownpatrick,IúrCinnFleadhinNewry,GIJiveandReiversFestivalinKillkeelalsoservetoattractnewvisitors,engagenewaudiencesandgeneratecivicpridein,andeconomicimpactsfor,localcommunities.Theseculturalandarts–basedfestivalsandeventsareofascalewherethereisgrowthpotentialandthepotentialtoattractvisitorsfromoutsideofthedistricttostaylongerandspendmorewhilstthey’rehere.

• InadditiontotheCouncil’smajorheadlinefestivalsandthosewell–establishedtourismfestivalsandeventsrunbyvolunteercommitteesandartists,thereareahugenumberofcommunity–ledfestivalsandeventshostedintownsandvillagesacrossthedistrictatkeytimesoftheyear,suchasEaster,Midsummer,HalloweenandChristmas.

• Whilstitisclearthatthereisahugedepthandbreadthofculturalandartsfocusedtourismandcommunityeventsheldrightacrossthedistricteachyear,severalongoingchallengesexisttothefuturegrowthanddevelopmentofoureventsprogramme:

1. Headlineeventsandmajorfestivalsneedtoevolveandgrowovertimetomaintainaudienceinterest,engagelocalbusinessesandmeetanincreasingneedtoattractnewvisitorsfromoutsideofNorthernIrelandtovisitandstayinthedistrict.

2. Aclearunderstandinganddelineationisrequiredbetweenthedifferentlevelsoftourism,culturalbasedtourismandcommunityeventsthatarehostedacrossthedistricteachyear,including:

A. Theseverallarge–scaleCouncil–hostedsignaturefestivalsandevents.

B. Thefestivalsandeventsthatarehostedbydedicatedvoluntarycommittees,whichhavethegrowthpotentialtoattractvisitorsfromoutsideofthedistrictandencouragethemtostaylongerwhilsttheyarehere.

C. Thenumeroussmaller–scalecommunity–basedeventsthathelptoencouragecommunityengagementandgeneratecivicpride.

3. ClearrecommendationsonCouncilsupportmechanismsforthesethreetiersoffestivalsandeventsneedtobedeveloped,includingconsiderationsformulti–annualfundingandcapacitybuilding/mentoringsupportforthededicatedvoluntarycommitteesandartiststhatrunsomeofourbestculturalandarts–basedtourismeventsacrossthedistrict.

6Arts and Cultural Tourism Events


• Culture,artsandheritageactivityneedstobefurtherco–ordinatedwithcross–sectoragenciesandfocusedanddevelopedtomakeagreatercontributiontosocialdevelopment.

• In2016/17,over1,600arts-basedprogrammesandinitiativesweredeliveredintheNewry,MourneandDownDistrictbyorganisationsthatwereinreceiptoffundingfromtheArtsCouncilofNorthernIreland(ACNI).Ofthoseactivities,17%weredeliveredbyregularlyfundedorganisationsbasedinNewry,MourneandDownwhilst75%weredeliveredbyregularlyfundedorganisationsbasedinBelfast.

• InresponsetoACNI’sChallengeFund,Newry,MourneandDownDistrictCouncil(NMDDC)developedaseriesofeventsdesignedtoincreasecommunityengagement.Thoseeventswerelinkedtothetourismstrategythemeoftellingthestories,mythsandlegendsofthedistrict.ACNIfundingrepresented14%ofthetotal£1.07millionbudgeforthatprogrammeofeventsin2015/16.

• OpportunitiesexistforcloserengagementandcollaborationbetweentheCouncilandACNItoestablishmechanismsforgreatersupportandfundingofregionalarts–basedprogrammesandinitiativesoutsidethemajorurbancentreofBelfast.Thisisparticularlythecaseforconsideringfuturesupportofkeylocalartistsand

groupsthatareresponsiblefortheuniqueandrichartsandculturalofferingofthisdistrict.

• Throughthedevelopmentofthisstrategy,andincloseconsultationwithkeypartnersacrossGovernmentandtheheritagesector,itisclearthatopportunitiesshouldbeprogressedforgreaterengagementbetweentheCouncil,theHistoricEnvironmentDivisionofDfC,andTourismNItounlockthepotentialthatourbuiltheritagepresents.TherecentlypublishedProspectusforChange:AStrategicFrameworktoUnlockthePotentialofHeritage–ledTourisminNorthernIrelandsetsoutkeyprioritiesandaroadmapandvisionforthegrowthofheritagetourisminNorthernIrelandoverthenextfiveyears.

7Support and Coordination Across Government

1,600+arts–basedprogrammesdelivered.


The Big Challenges and Bigger Opportunities


In addition to the strengths and opportunities for enhancement of services and the development of the arts, culture and heritage sector in Newry, Mourne and Down, wider challenges and opportunities exist that will have an influence over the ability to develop and deliver a vision for the sector here. Some of these macro–scale challenges are highlighted overleaf.


• ThestrategyhasbeenproducedatatimewhenBrexitnegotiationsareongoinganduncertainty existsastothenatureandprecisedetailsoftheUK’splannedexitfromtheEU.Inaddition,uncertaintyexistsinNorthernIrelandwiththeabsenceoftheNIAssemblyandthelack of an agreed Programme for Governmentwithsetpriorities.

• Atthisuncertaintime,thearts,cultureandheritagesectorhasacriticalroletoplayinsupportingandstrengtheninghealth,educationandoureconomy.

• TheCouncilcurrently invests £2.5 million per annumindeliveringarts,cultureandheritageprogrammesandactivitieswithinourmuseums,artscentresandthroughourtourismevents.ButoutsideofCouncil–deliveredactivities,ahugenumberofgroupsandindividualsareresponsibleforengagingaudiencesandparticipantsinawiderangeofarts,cultureandheritageactivitiesonadailybasis.

• Groupsandindividualsneedsupportinordertochampion and availofincreasedfinancialsupportfromGovernment.Thereisaneedtosupport those groups and individualsthatbringarts,cultureandheritageactivitiesandprogrammestoourresidents.Thereisaneedtomakearts,cultureandheritagemore accessible to all.

• Thereisaneedtochampion, advocate for and support groupstoaddressfundingshortfallsandtogaingreaterrecognitionforthesegroupsintermsoftheirworktodeliverprogrammestoawiderangeofaudiencesandparticipantsacrossregionalandruralareas.

• Arts,cultureandheritagearecentraltothedeliveryofourtourism strategyandforthcomingeconomicstrategyforthedistrict.Moreopportunitiesareneededtoenabletheprivatesectortolinkeffectivelywitharts,culturalandheritageinitiativesandprogrammesandwithstakeholdersinthesectorinordertocreate new ways of sustainably developing our local economy andcommunities.

• TheNewryCityCentreRegenerationProject,whichincludesthemajorinvestmentintheatreandconferencefacilitiesinNewrydemonstrateshowcapitalinvestment in the arts, culture and heritagethroughamajorcapitalschemehasanimportantanddirect link to regeneration outcomesofoururbanareas.

Resource and Budget

Thegreatest challengewithincentralandlocalgovernmentandacrosstheprivateandvoluntarysectorsisthatofavailableresourceinpeopleandbudget.Budgetary pressureonourhealthandeducationsectorsgrowsyear–on–year,andthereisacontinuingneedtosupportthegrowthofnewjobswithinindustry,micro–businessesandSMEs.


• Therearegroupsofpeoplelivingacrossthedistrictwhoseaccesstoarts,cultureandheritageisaffectedbysocio-economicissuessuchasdeprivation, negative perceptions of the sector, and physical proximitytoCouncilvenues.Thosegroupsaffectedincludeolderpeople,peoplewithdisabilities,ruralcommunities,andyoungerpeople.

• Ruralvenuesforthepromotionofcultureandartscanbecostlytorunandthenecessaryinfrastructurethatisavailableforrural outreach programmes can be limited.Otherfactorsthatlimitaccessibilityneedtobeconsideredalso,includingticketpricesandthecostofparticipatinginculture,artsandheritageactivities.

• Thereisaneedtocreate outreach opportunitiesandtobringthearts,cultureandheritagetolifewithinourlocalcommunitiesand,indoingso,create economic, educational and health benefitsforourpeople.

Accessibility and Equality of Opportunity

Engagementwith,andaccessibilityto,thearts,cultureandheritageislimited for large sections of our location population.

Atthemostfundamentallevelisthepremisethattheopportunity to engageinandexperiencethearts,cultureandheritageshouldbeopentoall,regardlessofaperson’ssocio–economicbackground,educationalattainment,physicallocationoranyotherfactorsthatmayotherwiserestrictaccessibilityandequalityofopportunity.


The Vision

Thesectorcontributestoourdistrict’scommunity

cohesionandtosupportingahappyandhealthy

societyandprovidesacatalystforeconomicgrowth

byattractingnewaudiencesandvisitorstoour

district.

Weleveragenewinwardinvestmentthroughour

arts,cultureandheritagewhilstpreservingour

personalsenseofbeingandourconnectiontothe

placewecallhome.

By2022,allourcitizensandvisitorsenjoyadiverse

andinspiringartsandtheatreprogrammeinour

vibrant and innovative theatre and conference

centreatNewryTownHallandinDownArtsCentre.

Ourvoluntaryandamateurgroupshaveaccessto

state–of–the–arttheatrefacilitiesandaresupported

intheirgrowthanddevelopmenttoinspirenew

participantsandcontinuetopromotetherichcultural

heritageofthisdistricttonewaudiences.Allour

citizensacrossthedistrictcanaccessadiverseand

engagingartsandcultureoutreachprogramme

deliveredwithinourlocalcommunities.

In 2025, Newry, Mourne and Down has a rich cultural life that is celebrated and protected for future generations. Our culture, arts and heritage creates economic impact in our urban centres and brings benefits to all our rural communities across the district.


2022

AnewFlagshipInternationalFestivalhasbeencommissionedaspartofOurYearofAmbitiontocelebrateourworld–classmusic,danceandart.Thefestivalshinesalightonourorchestrainresidenceandonourtalentedyoungpeoplewhogracetheworldstage.

Ourarts,cultureandheritagesectordeliversmeasurablehealthandwell–beingbenefitstoourcitizens.Itsupportsthesenseofplaceandeducationalattainmentofouryoungpeopleandtheinclusionandcohesionofourcommunities.

Ourmuseumsdeliveradiverseandinspiringannualprogrammeofexhibitionsandeventsthathavereachednewaudiencesandattractedmorevisitorstocometothedistrict.

Anexcitingheritageactivationprogrammeisdeliveredannually,inspiringthecreationofnew,commerciallysustainablevisitorexperiencesthatanimateourheritagesitesandbringtolifethestories,mythsandlegendsofourdistrict.

Inadditiontoourflagshiptourismevents,aseriesofindigenousculturalandarts–basedfestivalsandeventshaveengagednewaudiences,generatedcivicprideandeconomicimpactintolocalcommunitiesbyattractinginternationalvisitorsfromoutsideofthedistricttostaylongerandspendmore.

OurArtsandCultureForumisattheheartofitallandisthevoiceofthesectorthatsense–checksandinformstheCouncil’sprogressagainstthedeliveryofthisstrategy.

Our Year of Ambition

2022: Our Year of Ambitionisacelebratoryyearofarts,cultureandheritageinourdistrict.Ayear–longprogrammeofculturalandartsinitiatives,eventsandactivitieswillbedeliveredacrosstheentiredistrict.ThisprogrammewillbecodesignedbytheCouncilandourcommunitychoirs,dramagroups,craftcollectives,pipebands,localbranchesoftheComhaltas,communityartsgroups,heritagegroups,tourguidesandlocalambassadors,Ulster–Scotsgroups,Feiscommittees,schoolgroupsandallthenumerousvoluntaryorganisationsthatdemonstratetheirpassion,vibrancy,commitmentanddiversityonadailybasis.


Delivery

The key themes of this strategy are the foundations upon which subsequent delivery plans, programmes, initiatives and grant schemes will be created and delivered over the next five years.

OurSector

OurArts and Heritage Centres

OurAudiences

OurCapacity and Growth

OurResidents and Visitors

Strengthenandsupportourculture,artsandheritagesector.

Reimagineandgrowourartsvenuesandmuseums.

Developbiggerandbroaderaudiencesacrossthedistrict.

Developskills,excellenceandopportunitiesinthearts,cultureandheritagesector.

Bringingourartsandculturalheritagetolifeforresidentsandvisitors.


Next Steps

A significant volume of research, surveys, workshops and consultations have been undertaken in the development of this draft strategy over a number of years. In this document, we have outlined the baseline of where we are today, detailed the immediate and long-term challenges we face and set out an ambitious vision of transformation for reimaging our arts, culture and heritage offering in 2025.


In September 2019, we will open a 12–week consultation on this draft strategy to give you, our citizens and stakeholders, an opportunity to tell us what you think.

This consultation will help us refine and

affirm the strategic direction of this blueprint

and will inform the action plans, resources,

and investment that will be required to

help us collectively reach our vision for the

development and growth of the sector over

the next five years.


Areas included in the scope of this strategy

Developmentofourartsfacilities,including:• NewryTownHall• SeanHollywoodArtsCentre• WarrenpointTownHall• DownArtsCentre

Workinginpartnershipwithkeystakeholderstoprotect,enhanceandpromoteourbuiltheritagethroughoutthedistrict.

Developmentandgrowthoftourismfestivalsandeventsthatpromoteandenhancethearts,cultureandheritageofthisdistrict.

Supportofkeyindividualsandgroupswhopromotetheartsandcultureofthisdistricttointernationalaudiences.

Developmentofourheritagecentres,including:• NewryandMourneMuseum

atBagenal’sCastle• DownCountyMuseum

Growthofaudiencesandtheparticipationofourcitizensinarts,cultureandheritageprogrammesandactivities:• Withinourheritageandarts

centres;andthrough• outreachprogrammeswithin

ourcommunities

Advocacyandsupportoftheindividualsandgroupswhodeliverarts,cultureandheritageprogrammesandactivitiestoourcitizensthroughoutthedistrict.

As the definition of each term is wide, for the purposes of this plan the following specific areas have been included within the scope of this strategy:


Areas not included in the scope of this strategy

InfrastructureorprogrammedevelopmentofArtsFacilitiesorHeritageCentresthatarenotoperatedormanagedbytheCouncil.

Developmentorfundingofpublicartincivicspaces.

Directfundingormanagementofstate–careheritageassets,monumentsandbuildings.

Programmesandactivitiestodevelop,promoteandprotectournaturalandbuiltheritagethatarecurrentlydeliveredthroughLandscapePartnershipsand/orAreaofOutstandingNaturalBeauty(AONB)Managementbodies.

Developmentorsupportofgroups,activitiesandprogrammesfocusedexclusivelyoneithercommunityengagement,sportsandleisureoreconomicdevelopmentandbusinessstart–upsorgrowth.

* Note – these specific areas of focus have been identified through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement exercise that was undertaken as part of the development of this strategy.

The following areas do not fall within the scope of this strategy, either because there are existing programmes or activities in place that address their development or because the areas listed on the previous page have been deemed to be the key priority areas that the Council should focus on in developing our Arts, Culture and Heritage offering within the district.*


Oifig an IúirNewry OfficeO’Hagan HouseMonaghan Row Newry BT35 8DJ

Ag freastal ar an Dún agus Ard Mhacha TheasServing Down and South Armagh

Oifig Dhún PádraigDownpatrick OfficeDownshire Civic CentreDownshire Estate, Ardglass Road Downpatrick BT30 6GQ

T: 0300 013 2233 (Council)T: 0300 200 7830 (Planning)E: [email protected] www.newrymournedown.org

culture, arts and heritage strategy 2020-2025 | nmddc...culture, arts and heritage strategy for...

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