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A decision by the Arts Council to remove funding from the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) has been called an act of cultural vandalism. NYCNI training choir member, Keeley Magill said the decision threatens the very existence of one of Northern Ireland’s most valuable cultural institutions.
Magill who is a member of Bosco Drama Group in Newry added "To withdraw support from this cross-community charity — which for over 25 years has provided thousands of young people with access to world-class choral training — is not only short-sighted, it is an act of cultural vandalism. NYCNI is not “just a choir” NYCNI is a beacon of musical excellence, inclusion, and aspiration. Its loss would not simply mark the end of a choir, but the deliberate dismantling of a vital pathway for young people in Northern Ireland to engage in transformative artistic experiences in a safe, peaceful and happy cross community environment."
Many of the choir members have gone on to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage, raising the profile of our region’s cultural excellence. "To defund such an organisation is to deny current and future generations the chance to realise their potential, and to rob us of the immense value that the arts bring to our youth." said Magill.
"I urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to intervene and ensure that this decision is reversed. NYCNI is not an expendable luxury, it is a cornerstone of Northern Irish cultural life, and its survival depends on the actions you take now." she added.
NYCNI enters hundreds of schools, delivering workshops and hosting auditions to join the choirs as a first stepping stone to music and arts education.
In 2024-2025 alone, Andrew Nunn (NYCNI artistic director) delivered workshops to local schools such as The Abbey Grammar, St Paul’s High School Bessbrook and Our Lady’s Grammar School which has led to local students becoming members of the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland, letting young people represent Newry’s artistic talents at a national stage.
NYCNI is an organisation that the youth arts sector cannot afford to lose, yet they are suffering from a 100% reduction in funds.
Newry City councillor Doire Finn has urged Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to intervene to prevent the closure of the North’s National Youth Choir.
Councillor Finn has written to the Minister asking him to consider ways to safeguard the future of the choir.
“The news that the National Youth Choir is being forced to close its doors is devastating not only for the hundreds of current members, but the thousands of young singers who have benefitted directly as a result of getting involved over the years. Some of our most renowned singers have been part of the choir and closure would be a huge blow to the arts and cultural scene in the North." said Cllr Finn.
“The choir is not only important for those who go on to successful careers in music, but for all of the young people who build confidence, develop skills and build life-long friendships through their involvement. The end of the choir-led workshops in our schools will end many young people’s first opportunity to engage seriously with music." she said.
Cllr Finn added “This is the latest attacks on our arts and cultural scene that has seen funding continuously eroded in recent years with the loss of many vital programmes and community groups. I am urging the Communities Minister to recognise the importance of the youth choir and to directly intervene to stop this closure. Leaving the North as the only part of these islands without a National Youth Choir is totally unacceptable and the SDLP will do everything we can to prevent it.”
A petition has been set up by the members of NYCNI and over 4000 people have signed already.
Sign the petition at secure.avaaz.org
