Local arts project celebrates Londonderry UK City of Culture in the House of Lords

The Playhouse International Culture Arts Network (ICAN) co-ordinator Elaine Forde travelled to London to join a delegation from Londonderry.

ICAN was awarded the Cultural Olympiad Inspire Mark for its creative and cultural contribution to the communities of the North West.

This Playhouse project was recognised for its work bringing acclaimed International artists to work with local people, addressing social and political issues through the arts.

ICAN is a three year project which has been part-financed by the European Unions Regional Development fund through EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II) Managed through Special EU Programmes Body.

The event the House of Lords at was opened by the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP, who stressed the importance of connections between London and Derry- Londonderry. He invited those present to invest in and support City of Culture 2013.

He was followed by the First and then Deputy First Minister Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, who expressed their delight in Londonderry being awarded the UK City of Culture title.

Shona McCarthey, CEO of the Culture Company highlighted that Londonderry 2013 will provide a year of culture which will set a precedent for future years. She invited all London guests to attend Londonderry UK City of Culture saying each month will be full of creative and artistic events for all to enjoy.

Guests were given a sneak preview of events, with music from Phil Coulter and Ben Kelly.

Phil Redmond was thanked for his advice and support for the city since winning the title.

ICAN will open 2013 with an international arts conference. This globally focused event will contextualise conflict and post-conflict Londonderry within an international and peace building context.

For more information about International Culture Arts Network (ICAN) contact Elaine Forde on (028)71 268027 or visit VIPRE Anti-phishing found a known bad URL in your email message. It was deleted or quarantined, depending on your settings, and replaced with this message. The anti-phishing setting is located in File>Settings under the Email Protection tab..