Tyrone groups benefit from rural arts funding

COMMUNITY groups and art organisations in Tyrone are set to benefit from the third round of the Arts Council’s National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme.

The funding will support a range of arts interventions to improving mental health, well-being and cultural skills throughout rural areas of the county.

Local organisations set to deliver a series of projects thanks to the funding include Omagh Pride, Ardboe Art Group, Aughabrack and District Community Association, Creggan Community Association, Donaghmore District Community Association, Kildress Wolfe Tones GAA and Pomeroy Women’s Institute.

Cat Brogan, from Omagh Pride, said the much welcomed funding will go towards a project called ‘Looking for Lecky’, which will run community workshops based in Fintona.

Cat said, “The project will focus on collecting memories of Raymond Browne Lecky who was born in Fintona.

“As a gay man in the community in those days, he played a significant role in organising a lot of shows which where often considered an insititution in the area.

“We will also be organising visual performances and film making opportunities in a bid to remember his wonderful legacy.”

With a value of £400,326, the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme was established in 2022 with the aim of providing and integrated approach to the needs of rural communities as they emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic.

ISOLATION

The overarching theme of the programme is to tackle isolation and loneliness and promote social inclusion and well-being through participation in the arts.

Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said that they are delighted to make this funding available to rural communities.

“We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness,” she said.

“Thanks to The National Lottery players, the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme has supported 135 arts projects in rural areas with total National Lottery funding of £898,780 since its establishment in 2022.

“The programme has been making positive impacts in rural communities by increasing opportunities for people to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better.

“The Arts Council believes that arts, and coming together as communities, can all make a vital contribution to building well-being, confidence, and healthy, integrated communities.”