Accessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign InAccessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign In
An arts based regeneration programme developed by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) in partnership with Strabane District Council has won a prestigious National Training Award at gala ceremony in Belfast.
WEA and Strabane District Council with their award
The Enterprise Arts project was launched in 2003 to help address the area’s poor economic performance by tapping the potential of the Creative Industries.
The project aimed to get more people involved in the arts and to create a pool of skilled individuals to allow the district to become more self-sufficient when running arts projects ranging from small drama groups to the annual Fair Day Carnival.
In two years over 300 people from Strabane took part in unique courses in sound and lighting and also in other specifically designed, accredited courses ranging from carnival crafts and drumming to marketing and business techniques for artists.
The impact of the project on the area is visible. One participant explains,
"These courses brought both sides of the community together to learn new skills. There is still a sense of achievement among us and we can show others that we can move forward and be proud of our wee town."
Commenting on the benefits of the project WEA Director, Stevie Johnston said,
"Drummers, masks, acrobats, lights and mixing desks and above all pride and excitement – it was clear to me that the project had been a success when I went to Strabane to present the certificates to the participants. Making learning irresistible is our mission – and challenge. These learners showed me why it’s all worth it."
Gerard Foley, Chairman of Strabane District Council, commented,
"This scheme acted as a catalyst to reduce local unemployment figures whilst at the same time helping to regenerate the Strabane area through participation in the arts."
The three year Enterprise Arts Initiative was funded by Strabane District Council in partnership with Strabane District Partnership under the Peace and Reconciliation Programme and the WEA supported by the Department for Employment and Learning.
Footer
NICVA | 61 Duncairn Gardens | Belfast | BT15 2GB
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue