Continuing to deliver art 
to the heart of the community

Despite not being able to welcome people into its state-of-the-art facilities, the Island Arts Centre was determined to keep art at the heart of the community throughout the lockdown by shifting its focus online.

Alderman Michael Henderson MBE, Chairman of Leisure & Community Development Committee, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said: “Culture may be in quarantine but the Island Arts team has determined the show must go online via a virtual Island Arts brought to peoples’ devices, daily.

“Now more than ever the arts are crucial to our mental health and wellbeing. Art and creativity are scientifically proven to induce the feel-good sensors in our brain. The Island Arts social prescription in direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, has been to create #InThisTogether(apART); a programme to entertain, inspire and enable people to feel connected while social distancing. This has included lots of useful boredom busting resources for all ages and interests, including opportunities to participate in bespoke virtual workshops.

“The Island Arts team is focused on supporting creatives to be productive and collaborative during this challenging time and has actively sought submissions from artists, musicians, film-makers and crafters wanting to share their art, film or music on the bustling Island Arts’ Virtual Gallery Space. Patrons have also had the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and relive special Island Arts moments via archival footage.

“Community connections have been maintained as team members work directly with local arts organisations and community groups to advise on the arts content of any grant support they have received to ensure the maximum professional arts delivery of this work as well as supporting the employment of local artists during the pandemic, again with the aim of supporting the cultural economy.”

During the lockdown the Arts Service has also delivered bespoke projects, including ‘Quaranteen’ Island Arts’ Youth Arts Project for Young People Aged 13 - 19, the Lisburn & Castlereagh Citizen Symbol of Hope ‘Join the Rainbow Trail’, and ‘Painting by Numbers’, a direct response to the Alzheimer Society’s call-out to support people affected by dementia during lockdown and to keep them connected to their culture.

“We are delighted with the ripples of positivity being created across the city by our Rainbow Trail call out,” continued Mr Henderson.

“This encouraged participation in the creation of handmade rainbows to be displayed in the windows of citizens’ homes as a symbol of hope for communities throughout the pandemic and in support of the NHS workers on the frontline.”

The Island Arts to date has supported over 1,000 families living in poverty with no access to art materials to participate in arts activities by providing free art materials and activity sheets.

Find out more at Facebook.com/ISLANDArtsCentre