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 s 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.

Projects carried out under the Challenge Fund include refurbishment and extension of The Playhouse and Waterside Theatres and the new build of An Gaelaras Irish Language and Cultural Centre which are currently underway.  The Gasyard Development Trust, a purpose built multi-functional arts workshop space, is the first project to be completed under the Challenge Fund.

Launched in January 2008 under the Northwest Cultural Challenge Fund, the Foyle Public Art Project aims to develop major contemporary public artwork(s) in the city.   

Grand Opera House

Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre was in a very dilapidated state of repair and DCAL has awarded up to £9.23 million to redevelop the theatre in Ridgeway Street. The Arts Council has awarded a further £2 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 will increase capacity from 300 to 400 seats and will include a new studio space and improved backstage and front of house facilities.  The old Lyric has been demolished and work started on site in march 2009.  The anticipated completion date is March 2011.

Old Museum Arts Centre

The Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) is widely recognised as Northern Ireland’s contemporary arts centre. It currently occupies a dilapidated building in College Square North, Belfast which houses 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 has provided in-principle funding of up to £10.76 million and the Arts Council has awarded £4.25 million. DSD has committed the value of the site.  It is anticipated that work will commence on site shortly.

Crescent Arts Centre