Forum for Local Government and the Arts

The FLGA was originally formed over a decade ago to act as a bridge between local government and the Arts Council, which has a long association with local authorities and supports the close involvement of the district councils in the development of arts at a local level.

A recent review of the FLGA identified the need for it to strengthen engagement with the district councils. Consequently, the FLGA will now take on a greater role as a co-ordinating and lobbying organisation, ensuring that the arts are a prominent feature in local politics. It will play increasingly instrumental roles in raising awareness of the value of the arts and developing arts provision at local community level, by building partnerships between local councillors, council officers and arts representatives.

This strengthening of engagement with local government is particularly significant in light of the Government’s recent announcements which signalled major changes to the future of public administration in Northern Ireland.

Nick Livingston , Director of Strategic Development at the Arts Council, explains,

The Forum For Local Government And The Arts continues to receive the close support of the Arts Council and has further consolidated its position through a partnership with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA)

http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/news/2006/new06042006a.htm