December 2023
Thrive launches 100 untold stories emphasising why arts and culture is crucial for society.
Thrive, the Northern Ireland charity which support arts, and heritage organisations to strengthen their relationship with audiences, has this week launched ‘Northern Ireland in 100 Stories’. The project is sharing findings from a year-long research project to better understand what arts and culture mean to the public. Funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Thrive wanted to bust the myth that the arts are only for certain types of people. To do this, they undertook research across all 11 council areas talking to over 100 people and hearing about their relationship with the arts. Those interviews covered what they enjoyed, where they went and why they bothered.
Thrive has brought this new research together to create the ‘Northern Ireland in 100 Stories’ booklet which features stories from each Council area. It is now telling the powerful stories from each area which underline the importance of arts to society. These included stories from Derry about how art helped forge friendships and grow confidence, stories from the Causeway region, about how art enables people to learn new things they otherwise wouldn’t know, including cultural differences and diversity, and further west in Fermanagh, conversations about how art helps people with mental health and wellbeing.
The stories show that arts and culture has a significant role and impact on peoples, from helping to break down barriers, bring communities together, improve and support mental health, and enrich our lives. Art has the opportunity to open minds, connect, share views and lose yourself in the moment. These key beliefs were borne out through the research and collation of the stories for ‘Northern Ireland in 100 Stories’. Thrive believe that the research will be valuable to the sector in the future in helping change minds and shape the debate on the role of arts.
Commenting on the year long project, and the creation of ‘Northern Ireland in 100 Stories’ Fiona Bell, CEO of Thrive, said; “This has been a wonderful, enriching and insightful project. Our team engaged with 100 people to discover and explore their relationship with arts and culture and understand what they’ve gained from being involved in arts and how it forms part of their DNA. Many told us the value arts has within their lives and it is evident many would be lost without it in its many, rich and varied forms.
Art is everywhere, its not just for the chosen few. Who hasn’t sang a sad song when they wanted to cry or watched their favourite film when they needed to be comforted. Arts in its many glorious forms is about all of us. It's about what it means to be human. They tell us that without arts and culture, life would be dull, bland and without imagination. We are enriched by its very exitance for everyone to tap into.” Fiona added.
Karly Greene, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, “The positive value and impact of the arts on individual lives and communities cannot be overstated and this qualitative research from Thrive reinforces that important message. The arts bring us together, inspire us and have the power to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. This booklet is a testament to that power - the arts can transform us and the places we live in for the better. Congratulations to Thrive for publishing this at a time when public funding for the arts in Northern Ireland is under so much pressure, I hope it’s read far and wide and raises awareness of the important role our artists and arts organisations have in our lives.”
To download a copy of the Northern Ireland in 100 stories booklet visit www.wewillthrive/100stories.
November 2023
Lisburn based McQuillan Companies unveils 3-year partnership with Ulster University Gaelic Academy to further advance education and sport.
Leading Construction and Waste Management business, McQuillan Companies, has this week announced a new 3-year sponsorship with Ulster University as part of its developing excellence in industry through education and sport. The sponsorship with Ulster running from 2023-2026 will see McQuillan Companies sponsor the Gaelic Academy which is this year celebrating 50 years, supporting its football, hurling, camogie and handball teams, and providing a kit van for use by the Academy over the 3 years.
Established over 125 years ago, McQuillan Companies portfolio includes civil engineering, demolition, quarrying, waste, environmental and facilities management, and works actively within the educational space to provide placement, graduate and recruitment opportunities to students coming from the local universities including Ulster and Queen’s Universities. The company is actively seeking to embed its business within university life, appreciating the importance of sport in working life and studies, and the need to find balance and wellbeing.
The 3-year sponsorship with Ulster is a further affirmation of McQuillan Companies desire to create a platform for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field, reinforcing the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, and enabling sport as an outlet for students away from studies to invest in their wellbeing. Ulster University Gaelic Academy has a rich history of success since it was established and has produced numerous accomplished award-winning players, coaches and managers over the years across camogie, hurling, handball and football. The support from McQuillan Companies' with the provision of a van will enable the Gaelic Academy to deliver its Talented Athlete Entry Scheme, designed to assist talented young sports performers in gaining access to a quality education at Ulster University whilst attaining success at the highest levels within their chosen sport. The vehicle will be used across visits to second level schools for engagement on the scheme, as well as for matches and training activities across the university Gaelic sports.
Commenting on the partnership with Ulster University Gaelic Academy, Ronan McQuillan, Director at McQuillan Companies, said; "We are delighted to create this partnership with Ulster University to support their Gaelic Academy as it develops its student-athletes in their pursuit of Gaelic sports alongside their respective studies.
As a large family business, we understand the importance of sport within education and life in general. We have members of staff who have represented the university as well as many more who have watched from the sidelines across many sports as family and friends. We see this partnership as an affirmation of our commitment to communities developing their young people, helping nurture excellence through sport and education, and supporting through sports the next generation of experts in their careers. Our company fully understands the need for sport and social activities to balance out learning, and this sponsorship with the university further reflects our shared commitment to fostering growth, leadership, and community engagement, and we are excited to see it develop and excel."
“Supporting the Academy deliver its Talented Athlete Entry Scheme through the provision of a vehicle reflects the importance of developing talent inside and outside of education, to create and support future professionals across all disciplines. The van will be used to help inform and recruit students for the next 3 academic years and will help the university bring its message to schools, as well as provide transport to games and training. It will be brilliant to see where the van gets to!” Ronan added.
Welcoming the partnership Dr John Farrell, President of Ulster University Gaelic Academy added; "We are delighted to have McQuillan Companies on board as sponsors of the university Gaelic Academy and are delighted with the new kit sponsorship and the kit van, which will be a great help for games and transport during the Gaelic season. This 3-year partnership is important to Ulster as it provides our student-athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to compete at the highest level in Gaelic here at the University, whilst at the same time supporting their academic attainments them through their studies."
The new Gaelic Academy sponsorship is a testament to McQuillan Companies' dedication to community involvement and its belief in the power of sports to inspire and drive positive change. By supporting the prestigious Gaelic Academy programme at Ulster University, McQuillan Companies aims to contribute to the overall development and success of student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits.
September 2022
Armagh Specialist Construction Supplier SDG raises £20,000 to support local charities.
Local Specialist Construction Supplies Company SDG this week handed over £20,000 to two local charities, Air Ambulance NI and Cancer Fund for Children. The presentation took place at SDG Head Office located at Tullygoonigan Industrial Estate. CEO Louise Skeath and members of staff presented £10,000 to each charity from fundraising events held throughout the year. Since 2021, SDG have held a number of events including a Dragon Race, abseil from the top of the Europa Hotel, a charity mountain climb up Slieve Donard and in July a Spinathon at the Head Office, which saw 40 participants cycle over 700 miles in one day. The £20,000 raised is as a result of the company, which celebrated 30 years in business in 2020, agreeing with staff to start a “Charity of the Year” initiative in 2021 to give something back to local communities.
Commenting on the charity initiatives held since 2021, Louise Skeath Chief Executive of SDG said;
“We started this charity fundraiser last summer and at the time with everyone starting to return to normal life again it felt even more important to support charities who are essential to our families and local communities. We are delighted with the final total raised and are thrilled to hand over two £10,000 cheques to Air Ambulance NI and Cancer Fund for Children. The final figure of £20,000 is credit to the support and ambition of staff, customers, suppliers, and neighbours here at Tullygoonigan who all pitched in to help raise the monies, so it’s a wonderful outcome for everyone, not least the two charities.”
Thanking SDG for the support for its works, Amy Henshaw, Regional Fundraising Coordinator for Air Ambulance NI said:
“Thank you so much to all the staff at SDG for your enthusiasm and hard work in supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) over the past year. We are truly delighted to have received such an amazing donation of £10,000 from the various events staff had taken part in and also organised such as the Dragon Boat Race and Spinathon. Through your outstanding contribution to AANI, you have kept the helicopter operational for almost two full days, which will potentially help 4 people in Northern Ireland who require urgent, critical care. As a charity, we heavily rely on charitable donations from local businesses, so thank you sincerely for this truly wonderful donation as without it, the team simply couldn’t fly.”
Welcoming the £10,000 donation, Mairead Rodgers, Corporate Fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children added:
“At Cancer Fund for Children, we were absolutely delighted to be chosen as one SDG’s charity partners for 2021. SDG have gone above and beyond throughout the year to raise funds through a variety of events and activities to help the support the aims of our charity. We exist to help ensure that no child faces cancer alone, and we simply could not do this without the incredible support of amazing businesses like SDG. We were thrilled to be able to work with their highly motivated team and are beyond grateful for their massive donation of £10,000.”
February 2015
25 February 2015.
Charity responds to latest death from homelessness in Belfast.
Extern, the leading social justice Charity has responded to the death of another person from homelessness in Belfast overnight. The Charity provides a homeless support service, which is funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in conjunction with Supporting People and the Belfast Trust. A dedicated social work outreach team provides specialist assessment and intensive support to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness and who have additional needs relating to mental and physical health, substance use, learning disability, offending, families and asylum.
Commenting on the role of the charity, in providing homeless support, Danny McQuillan, Director of Supporting Communities, said:
“The latest report of another young man found dead in the doorway of a shop in Belfast City Centre is another tragedy for people who are homeless. Since April 2015, Extern’s Multidisciplinary Homeless Support Team have responded to the needs of 1,122 individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless in the Greater Belfast Area, that’s an average of 110 a month. Last night, in addition to a full centre at the Ormeau Centre, we opened our doors to people who are homeless, and were able to support another person who came seeking help.”
“Extern meets people at their point of need. In addition to providing specialist assessment in the Housing Executive, we work across the sector, providing professional support to those who have multiple needs. We work alongside 16 different hostels and with outreach teams in the City Centre. We also provide 36 hostel beds in the city. Demand for our services has increased by over 50% in the last two years and underline the fact that homelessness is much more than just a housing issue,” Danny added.
For advice or support on homelessness, contact Extern on 02890 330433 or call in to the charity's offices on Brunswick Street beside the Travel Lodge hotel to speak with a member of staff.
January 2015
Belfast Dance Company Heads to London. Maiden Voyage Dance - Quartet for 15 Chairs
7th – 27th February 2015
“It was amazing! Visually exciting, fast music to keep pace with the dancing and comedy! Children laughed out loud and were captivated...”
Audience Member, Belfast Children’s Festival
"An ingeniously executed piece" Belfast Telegraph****
Maiden Voyage bring you Quartet for 15 Chairs a riotous game of musical movement for all the family full of music, dance and laughter that was the highlight from the 2014 Belfast Children’s Festival
The mischievous musical chairs are back! Let imaginations run wild and experience exactly how much mischief four dancers and 15 blue chairs can get up to onstage. Quartet for 15 Chairs is choreographed by Enrique Cabrera (Aracaldanza, Spain), a choreographer internationally renowned for his surreal and playful dance productions and is performed to an original score from Belfast Music Laurete Brian Irvine. This captivating comedic adventure will have you tapping your toes and wanting to join in.
Maiden Voyage have been invited to perform at the prestigous Queen Elizabeth Hall in London’s Southbank Centre. Audiences at home can catch performances in Belfast, Armagh, Lisburn, Downpatrick, and Limerick
Nicola Curry from Maiden Voyage Dance says,
“We are thrilled to have been invited to perform at South Bank Centre London and to perform Quartet for 15 Chairs for family audiences across Northern Ireland. It is fun, frantic, precise and mysterious and a wonderful way to introduce an audience of any age to the wonder of dance performance”
Gilly Campbell, Arts Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, says,
“We wish Maiden Voyage all the very best as they prepare to take Quartet for 15 Chairs to London. This fun and engaging performance will showcase one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting dance companies, alongside music from Belfast’s inaugural music laureate, in one of the Europe’s leading arts venues.”
Maiden Voyage are hosting “Stay and Play” sessions at selected venues in which children can stay behind following the show to play, recreate their favourite moments, and learn some choreography from the company dancers.
The company also offers the provision of audio described performances and touch tours for those who are blind or have visual impairments, providing unique access to this most visual of art-forms, as one previous user describes:
“I found the audio description really brilliant. I could understand all you were describing. It was just lovely to laugh, cheer and just feel part of the audience and I felt I was really engaged in what was happening too. I loved the whole thing.”
Choreography: Enrique Cabrera
Music: Bach, Brian Irvine
Lighting Design: Ciaran Bagnall
Costume Design: Llinos Griffiths
Dancers: Carmen Fuentes Guaza, Ryan O’Neill, David Ogle, Vasiliki Stasinaki
Photos: Luca Truffarelli
Maiden Voyage Dance would like to acknowledge the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
PERFORMANCE AND TICKET DETAILS:
Upstairs at the MAC, Belfast Queen Elizabeth Hall
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Feb Southbank Centre London
11am, 12pm, 3pm Sat 14 Feb @ 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm
Tickets £6, Family £20 Sun 15 Feb @ 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm
www.themaclive.com Adults £6, Children £3
028 9023 5053 www.southbankcentre.com.uk
0844 875 0073
Market Place Theatre, Armagh Dance Limerick
Wed 11 Feb @ 11am Fri 20 Feb @ 11:30am, 2:30pm
Tickets £5 Tickets €12/€10
www.marketplacearmagh.com www.dancelimerick.ie
028 3752 1821 +353 (0)61 467 813
Down Arts Centre ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn
Tues 24 Feb @ 10am, 12pm Fri 27 Feb @ 10am, 11:30am, 7pm
Tickets £5/£4 Tickets £5
www.downartscentre.com www.islandartscentre.com
028 4461 0747 028 9250 9254
Maiden Voyage Dance is Northern Ireland’s leading commissioning company for contemporary dance. This Belfast based company, founded in 2001 by Artistic Director Nicola Curry, works with a carefully curated range of national and international choreographers, composers and collaborators. The company have built a highly respected and flexible repertoire for theatre, site specific installation and public space performance and are based in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
F / Maiden Voyage Dance Company
T / @MaidenVoyageNI
FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION:
Eibhlin de Barra, Maiden Voyage Dance
Email: info@maidenvoyagedance.com
Tel: 028 9033 0925
Mob: 07702 619548