Closed Quarters?

Tuesday 02 May 2006

Tuesday 02 May 2006

6pm

7.30pm

Belfast Exposed

Free

Event

What are the physical and attitudinal barriers to access and does the policy of developing specialized Quarters challenge or reinforce those barriers?

Accessibility has become the buzz word of cultural policy makers and urban planners, as traditional ideas about the function of public space and buildings and how we define a successful city, are called into question. Belfast Exposed is currently working with communities from around the city critically examining accessibility in Belfast’s emerging Cultural Quarter, asking why some people still feel excluded; what are the physical and attitudinal barriers to access and does the policy of developing specialized Quarters challenge or reinforce those barriers. In the context of this ‘photographic work in progress’ we are hosting a public discussion, inviting speakers from architectural, arts and community backgrounds, to explore what is meant by accessibility and question how people can be encouraged to participate in Belfast’s cultural life and how far policy makers can influence personal behaviour and lifestyle.

Karl Sharro, architect, urbanist and essayist, who has practiced architecture in London and Beirut and taught at the American University of Beirut for five years where he participated in various research projects on post-war reconstruction and urban renewal.

Daniel Jewesbury, artist, writer and cultural commentator, a Research Associate at the Centre for Media Research in the University of Ulster.

Cearbhall O Meadhra, B Arch, FRIAI, MICS is president of the Institute of Design and Disability and Consultant in Assistive Technology Bank of Ireland.

David Ervine Leader and Chief Spokesperson for the Progressive Unionist Party, Belfast City councillor and member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.