Lottery boost for local arts organisations

Community Circus Lisburn and R Space Gallery are two of the fifty-four arts organisations across Northern Ireland that are set to benefit from £1.5 million of Arts Council of Northern Ireland lottery funding which will bring a series of outstanding arts projects to life across the region.

Community Circus Lisburn (CCL) received funding to build on its anti-bullying project.

Following Cypher Circus and Face up Projects the organisation will provide weekly circus workshops for disadvantaged young people in Lisburn working towards another inspiring show, this time incorporating circus, hip hop, music, graffiti and body percussion.

This unique collaboration of artforms is driven by the interests and artistic talents of the CCL young people.

This show, devised and performed by a cast of forty young people, will be the vehicle by which CCL will continue its crusade against bullying. The organisation will reach out to schools, youth clubs and outdoor venues including Castle Gardens and Wallace Park.

R Space Gallery in Castle Street also received funding for a ten month visual arts programme.

The funding boost was welcomed by Lisburn Councillor Stephen Martin. “I am delighted that both Community Circus Lisburn and R-Space Gallery were successful in being awarded lottery funding for their exciting projects,” said Mr Martin.

“Community Circus Lisburn is an independent youth circus looking to develop their Anti-Bullying projects as well as to expand their current programme whilst R-Space Gallery has outlined a ten month visual arts programme in its important cultural space right in the heart of the city at its base in Castle Street.

“The investment by the Arts Council is sending out a clear message that the arts scene is alive and well in Lisburn with a positive and vibrant future ahead.

“Now we need to make the most of this vote of confidence and support these two great organisations in what they are seeking to achieve.”