Arts group likely to receive thrown-out furniture for project

Arts group likely to receive thrown-out furniture for project

16 December 2015

RECYCLING centres across the district are to play a leading role in helping a unique social enterprise project in Downpatrick.

The Pop-Up Art initiative — based at The Hub at the Grove shopping centre — works with a broad range of people, including ex-offenders and those dealing with mental illness or addiction issues.

The Downpatrick project offers people the opportunity to learn skills refurbishing and breathing new life into old furniture. One-to-one support and counselling services are also available to users of the Hub to help them improve their lives.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council want to help the project and its Regulatory and Technical Services Committee last week unanimously agreed that old furniture left at the district’s recycling centre will be donated to the Pop-Up Art project.

People involved in the Pop-Up Art initiative largely paint old furniture and give it a unique art makeover with either a pop, folk, gypsy or Mexican feel. The individuals are referred from the Youth Justice system, Probation Board and other agencies.

The project also works closely with the Shimna House addictions unit based at the Downshire Civic Centre and has been a success since its launch in September of last year.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, who proposed furniture left at recycling centres is donated to Pop-Up Art, is delighted the suggestion secured across-the-board political support at last week’s meeting. He is now confident the proposal will be rubber-stamped by the full council when it meets next month.

“The people who use this facility really enjoy the work which is carried out in a relaxed atmosphere. Going, forward I would like to see the statutory agencies committing ring-fenced funding for the excellent work this initiative does.

“I had the pleasure of visiting The Hub to meet those involved with the project and this is an excellent and worthwhile initiative. I am delighted that more furniture will be made readily available to help the project in the future.”

Councillor Walker explained household recycling centres across the district will have to set aside dedicated areas for old furniture which can be passed on to those who run the Pop-Up Art initiative.

“The project works with people who can be vulnerable, but whose mental and physical wellbeing improves through the work they are doing,” he said.

“Pop-Up Art can be very and therapeutic and this is benefitting these individuals who are producing some fantastic work. This particular initiative is working wonders and is helping people turn their lives around. Long may it continue.”