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An award winning children’s art centre in Newry has been given a ray of council hope for survival following the passing of an emergency motion last night
The Sticky Fingers arts organisation has been forced to shut down its popular ‘Imaginarium’ centre due to a lack of funding, after five years in its magical city centre location.
It is understood that the facility would require a £200k budget to run a full programme of events for all ages, however there has been no public money provided to the group.
Newry SDLP councillor, Doire Finn bringing forward the motion, said: “The council notes with sadness the recent closure of the Imaginarium at Sticky Fingers, which provided a facility for countless families and young people across the district.
“The council commits to work with the Department for Communities, the Executive office, and relevant council officers to protect for its provision across the district.”
She added: “I am really, really concerned about the loss of the facilities that are provided by the Imaginarium.
“I know countless families and young people and parents who have found sanctuary there, including my own nieces and nephews who absolutely love visiting.
“I have seen first hand the facilities that provided a home for theatrical performances, not least Newpoint Youths’ performance of ‘Orphans’, which was facilitated there just last week.
“Newry has a rich and vibrant arts offering and the loss of the Imaginarium will no doubt be felt by numerous households across the entire district.
“It is incredibly important as a council we recognise the contribution that all our arts organisations make.
“I would also take the opportunity to welcome the appointment of a new arts officer within the council, who I have no doubt will work with myself and other councillors with the spirit of this motion to ensure that our arts and cultural offerings and services are enhanced and decimated no further.”
An amendment by Sinn Fein rep Geraldine Kearns was carried to meet with the Arts Council NI to address why funding not provided and to look into further options.
Speaking before the motion Cllr Kearns said “News that the Imaginarium is facing imminent closure due to loss of funding is extremely concerning.
“This centre is a vitally important asset for children, families and community groups in Newry city and its closure would be a huge loss to people across the district."
Emergency Motion
“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council notes with sadness the recent closure of Imaginarium in Sticky Fingers, which provided a facility for countless families and young people across the District.
The Council commits to working with the Department of Communities, the Executive office and the relevant council officers to protect arts provision across the District”
The motion was tabled by Councillor Doire Finn and seconded by Councillor Michael Savage.
