Arts Infrastructure

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) are working with a number of arts organisations to deliver the world class arts and cultural facilities that Belfast needs and deserves.

Government allocated £18m for arts infrastructure, primarily in Belfast, underlining government’s strategy to encourage arts and culture to lead the way in the city's social and economic regeneration. In addition DCAL secured a further £31.6m capital for the period 2008-2011 for allocation on arts capital projects across Northern Ireland.

In 2005, a £4m Challenge Fund for the arts and cultural sector in the North West was established. The fund was distributed in two strands: a £3.2m challenge fund for projects capable of making significant contribution to regeneration and arts provision in the area and £0.8m for a piece of iconic artwork to mark the regeneration of the city.The Foyle Public Art Project, entitled Mute Meadow, provides a major contemporary public artwork in the city. Mute Meadow, located at Ebrington is visible from both sides of the River Foyle.  The piece, which provides the city with an internationally recognised signature was officially opened in June 2011.

The Gasyard Development Trust, a purpose built multi-functional arts workshop space, was the first project to be completed under the Challenge Fund. Other projects carried out under the Challenge Fund include the refurbishment and extension of The Playhouse and Waterside Theatre and the new build of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin Irish Language and Cultural Centre which were completed in 2009.

Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre was in a very dilapidated state of repair and DCAL allocated up to £9.5 million to redevelop the theatre on its existing site in Ridgeway Street. The Arts Council awarded a further £2.4 million from the Lottery Fund. Over the years the Lyric has nurtured the talents of some of Northern Ireland’s most gifted artists. The spectacular new theatre has increased capacity from 300 to 400 seats and includes a new studio space, offices and improved backstage and front of house facilities. The old Lyric was demolished in 2008 and work started on site in March 2009. The new Lyric Theatre was completed in March 2011 and the opening was celebrated with a weekend of events culminating in a gala evening on 1st May 2011.

Old Museum Arts Centre

The Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) is widely recognised as Northern Ireland’s contemporary arts centre. It previously occupied a dilapidated building in College Square North, Belfast which housed a 90-seat auditorium for touring productions and limited gallery space. In March 2006 Minister David Hanson MP announced that a new arts centre in the Cathedral Quarter  area of Belfast - The Metropolitan Arts Centre - would replace the existing Old Museum Arts Centre. It will be a significant addition to the cultural heart of Belfast  The new building will house a 320-seat theatre and a 150 seat studio space. DCAL is providing funding of up to £10.76 million and the Arts Council has awarded £4.25 million. DSD has committed the value of the site.  Work commenced on site in December 2009 and completion is anticipated in early 2012.

Crescent Arts Centre

From drama and verbal arts to dance and from Tai Chi to popular and classical guitar, it is all available at the Crescent Arts Centre. However, the Crescent was increasingly falling into a state of disrepair with only 50% of the building useable due to dereliction/deterioration. It competed for funding in the 2003 BBC ‘Restoration’ Series, unfortunately without success. DCAL provided  funding of £4.5 million towards the cost of restoration. The Arts Council awarded £1.2 million from the Lottery fund. The project commenced on site in September 2008.  The newly refurbished and extended Crescent opened its doors in April 2010 and the new facilities are being enjoyed by many

An Chultúrlann

An Chultúrlann has recently undergone a major extension and refurbishment of its existing premises on the Falls Road in Belfast. The project provides increased work and exhibition space, improved accessibility, gallery space and an enhanced tourist information area providing a wider range of services and products.  DCAL contributed £500k towards the refurbishment.  Other funding comes from the Arts Council, NI Tourist Board, the Department for Social Development and the International Fund for Ireland.  Work started on site in September 2010 and the project was completed in September 2011.  President Mary McAleese performed the official opening ceremony.