Arts given huge boost with opening of ‘new’ arts centre

20 June 2012 - by BY JOANNE FLEMING

A STATE of the art marriage of old and new has further enhanced Down District’s reputation for first class arts provision.

The £1.4m extension and refurbishment of the 130 year-old Down Arts Centre building is finally complete and the official opening was celebrated on Friday.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Down Council chairman councillor Dermot Curran and attended by guests including Tim Wheeler from Ash, Margaret Ritchie MP, MLAs, councillors, funders, architects, builders and friends of Down Arts Centre.

Long in need of additional space, work began in January 2011 to extend into the adjacent derelict No. 3 Scotch Street with financial support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Down Council.

The result is a new two-storey annex, a multifunction space on the first floor and a workshop space on the ground floor. The centre now boasts a ground floor retail space, a remodelled auditorium to include retractable bleachers seating and climate control and a refreshed ‘White Cube’ gallery space.

Speakers at the opening ceremony reflected on Down Arts Centre’s previous history as Assembly Rooms, a dance hall where Gracie Fields once sung and as a Town Hall before it opened its doors as an arts centre in 1989.

Councillor Curran thanked the funders who had made the project possible and encouraged local people to in to see the new facility.

“Many of you, who are regular patrons and passionate supporters of the Arts Centre, will know the value of the centre to our community and indeed to visitors to our district, and its growing need as a facility for everyone living here and nearby,” he said. “I am delighted that this day has arrived when we can officially celebrate the reopening of the Down Arts Centre.

Rosin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, and Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Tourist Board, reflected on the expected boost to the local tourism.

“We’re proud of the fact that every person in Northern Ireland is now within 20 miles of a dedicated arts facility, such as Down Arts Centre,” said Ms. McDonough. “It’s also positive news for the local economy which will benefit from the enhanced cultural tourism offering and all that it brings.”

Mr Clarke added: “The arts, this building and Downpatrick itself are vital components in our plans for tourism, our commitment to the St Patrick’s Signature Project and our support for the local tourism infrastructure.”

South Down Margaret Ritchie said the centre would add “another layer to the cultural offering in County Down” and that the arts centre development would complement the wider regeneration plans for Downpatrick.

“Personally, I would like to see programmes and events that link more to the cultural, heritage and tourism aspects of this area including St. Patrick’s County — all of which will help in the continuation of the redevelopment of this area,” she said.

Councillor Colin McGrath, who chaired the Steering Committee leading the development project, congratulated the team who worked hard to create the first-class facility in the town centre.

“As a result of the improvements to the building, Down District Council can anticipate an additional visitor spend in the local economy generated through arts activities of more than £50,000 per year, and economic activity as a direct consequence of the arts centre will increase from £808,000 to £1.18 million per year,” he said.

“It is hoped that total visits to the Arts Centre will increase from 32,000 to 58,000 over five years and an increase in annual earned income from £68,000 to £145,000 over five years.”

Tim Wheeler, lead singer of Downpatrick band Ash, said he was pleased to make it down to the centre during a visit home to celebrate his band’s 20th anniversary.

“They’ve done a really good job here,” he said. “I used to come down and have my lunch here every day during school.

“I think the last time we played here was 2004 and I hope to come back and play here again sometime.”

In a tour of the building guests were able to watch local wood-turner and tutor Geoff Tulip delivering a workshop focusing on the art of woodcarving and meet Silversmith Diane Lyness, Artist in Residence, who led guests in the intricate process of creating a unique silver pendant.

For further details about the Down Arts Centre season programme or to hire facilities within the new centre call 028 4461 0747, or visit www.downartscentre.com.

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