Maiden city in bid to be UK's city of culture
Business and community leaders in Londonderry were urged yesterday to strengthen their support for the city's bid to become UK Capital of Culture in 2013.
The call was made by a range of prominent business and political figures at a special lunch held by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Derry City Council and urban regeneration company Ilex.
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said bidding for the title created a fantastic opportunity for Londonderry to showcase its cultural offering to an international audience and for the city to display its wealth of creative and artistic talent.
“A successful bid could bring any number of social, physical and economic benefits not just to Londonderry but to the whole of Northern Ireland.
“Tourism is a key economic driver for Northern Ireland, and the growth in cultural tourism undoubtedly attracts additional investment in our economy. The City of Culture initiative provides the platform to increase the profile and interest in cultural events and activities, as well as attracting new visitors and creating opportunities to market Northern Ireland to new audiences.”
The Minister said the Walled City, as one of the NI Tourist Board’s five Signature Projects, was already recognised as an area with great potential to create international standout for Northern Ireland.
``Work continues on the implementation of the second phase of the Walled City Project. This includes key elements such as a built heritage programme, a lighting strategy, a conservation and management plan for the historic walls along with a business and cultural animation programme,’’ said Mrs Foster.
The Minister added that the regeneration of Londonderry could stand as an example to other cities and towns of what can be achieved if the public and private sectors work together towards a common goal.
Also addressing guests at the lunch, the US economic envoy Declan Kelly said many people across the North West were at the forefront of showcasing Northern Ireland’s economic viability to the United States.
“Creative initiatives like the City of Culture bid will complement these continued inward investment efforts and I applaud the work of local political leaders, ILEX, and those in the private sector. Together you are demonstrating to business decision makers abroad that the region you represent is open for business”.
Chairman of Ilex, Sir Roy McNulty said the event had brought together individuals and organisations from across Northern Ireland and beyond who were keen to play their part to ensure Londonderry won the accolade.
“City of Culture 2013 is about ambition; it’s about confidence in ourselves and raising our game. Ultimately, it would help us present a more positive profile of the city and region internationally, and significantly enhance the city’s regeneration plans’”, he said
Meanwhile the Chamber of Commerce President Jim Sammon said winning the bid would be of immense economic value to the city and to all of Northern Ireland.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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