Tourism NI and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland have launched a new arts programme called "Embrace the Place", which involves animating four key tourism sites across Northern Ireland by using the arts to tell the stories of each area.
Following an investment of £150,000 by Tourism NI and an open call, Dumbworld, Kabosh, The Armagh Pipers and Snow Water were commissioned to present an original art work that reflects the heritage of some of Northern Ireland's most well-known locations including Belfast's Maritime Mile, Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Navan Fort in Armagh and The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.
Enabling "The Best Talent To Create New Innovative Content"
In a statement on Tourism NI's website, Tourism NI director of product development Rosemarie McHugh said, "We have a very vibrant arts sector here. We want this project to enable the best talent to create new innovative content to animate key tourism sites across Northern Ireland. Visitors want to engage with the authenticity of the destination and its people, and the best way to get an emotional connection with place is through the arts. This creates memories and gives visitors even more compelling reasons to visit, return and encourage their friends and family to visit.
"We have had a phenomenal response to this project from the arts sector, and were overwhelmed by the quality of entries, given it was a new initiative. We are very excited to have supported the creation of the four projects, and look forward to our visitors experiencing them over the coming weeks."
"All The Things We Are"
Dumbworld along with project partner Titanic Foundation will present "All The Things We Are", which is a piece of audio-visual contemporary art that uses three shipping containers to reflect the comings and goings of this unique coastal location. The art work, which is located at the Titanic Slipways, marks the beginning of a new multi-purpose art installation that will remain in place for six months."
"A Bellaghy Tale"
Theatre company Kabosh and Seamus Heaney HomePlace will present "A Bellaghy Tale" across three weekends in September. "A Bellaghy Tale" is a theatrical walking tour, beginning at HomePlace and linking key sites throughout the village of Bellaghy that are closely related to the life and works of Seamus Heaney.
"Macha At Navan Fort"
On September 6 and September 7, the Armagh Rhymers and Armagh Pipers Club will present "Macha at Navan Fort", which will be a multi-media performance featuring music by composer Niall Vallely. Commencing at the Navan Centre, the two evenings will include a dramatic performance by Armagh Rhymers, musicians from Armagh Pipers Club and audio-visual displays together with a promenade to the Fort itself.
"Live At The Folk Park"
Meanwhile, Snow Water has created "Live at the Folk Park", which takes visitors on a musical journey charting the stories of those who had to leave Ulster over the course of 300 years.
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
