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Newry City Councillor Doire Finn received unanimous support from councillors for her motion at Monday night's full council meeting. The motion called on Communities Minister and the Arts Council to prevent the closure of the National Youth Choir NI. The choir is under threat as a result of not receiving funding from the Arts Council this year.
At the 4 August, meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Cllr Finn explained the importance of the choir, which was founded in 1999.
Cllr Finn said "Across its 26 year lifespan, the choir has been an exemplar of inclusivity and integration with the current membership of 360 young people from the ages of 8 to 24 across its boys, girls, Junior, training and senior choirs coming together. The choir has been a platform for 1000s of singers across Northern Ireland and a career boost for so many well known performers that have gone on to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage.
"Over the last number of weeks, I have been contacted by numerous friends and former members who have lauded the choir as a beacon of musical excellence, inclusion and inspiration. Not only this, but the choir and the arts more broadly provide a wonderful opportunity for young people across the north to make friends and build relationships."
Over the past year the National Youth Choir have visited the Abbey Grammar School, St Paul's High School, Bessbrook and Our Lady's Grammar School giving young people from Newry the chance to showcase their artistic talents.
Explaining the broader picture of arts funding cuts Cllr Finn said "While this cut is absolutely appalling, it is not surprising, given the arts picture across the north. Since 2009 we've seen a 66% fall in public spending in our region, compared to 18% in Wales and 22% in Scotland. So is it any wonder that our region will now be the only one across the islands without a choir for young people. We are now seeing the consequences of a decade of cuts to the arts sector. However, myself, my SDLP colleagues, will continue to fight for those artists and organisations that bring vibrancy, professionalism and passion to our society. It has taken 26 years to build up an organisation of this stature, and days for it to be cut down."
Newry City Councillor Cathal King said it was a major blow to young people locally and that it comes from a decade of austerity from the British Government. "The NYC has given young people opportunities many would never otherwise have had, to express themselves, to give growing confidence, be part of something bigger than themselves. It's more than just playing music."
Rowallane Councillor Jonathan Jackson said "We also share the concern with the impact this decision by the Arts Council has had on those involved in NYCNI, including individuals and communities benefiting from their activities. We believe youth arts should receive fair and adequate funding and whilst the Communities Minister is unable to intervene in what is an operational matter for an arm's-length body of his department, he is continuing to make the case for increased investment in the arts at the executive table. As part of the heritage, culture and creativity programme Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA announced last year a new arts policy is being developed, and it is hoped that this will fill the current vacuum in available support and assistance"
Crotlieve Councillor Declan McAteer whose daughter sang in the Ulster Youth Choir added " It makes an immense difference, lasting memories and the introduction of culture into a young person's life. It's a very unifying force, especially in this country, where people who differ upon most things, indeed in everything, all unite in harmony, excuse the pun, under the auspices of the youth choir."
Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young said "it means that Northern Ireland will be the only one of the UK national regions not to support a youth choir of its own."
She added "Over the past year alone, four organisations have been forced to close, and now a fifth, with the most recent closure of Coleraine's Riverside Theatre. It closed its doors for the last time on the first of August, short of its 50th anniversary next year, which is hugely disappointing."
The Motion - Funding cuts by the Arts Council to the National Youth Choir from Councillor Finn
Newry Mourne and Down District Council expresses disappointment and sadness at the funding cuts by the Arts Council to the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland, acknowledges the significant cultural impact the organisation has on music in Northern Ireland, and calls on the Minister for Communities and Arts Council to intervene to prevent the closure.
