Community Relations Council

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Contact: Siuán Mc Laughlin

5-7 Artillery Street, Derry

Tel: 7126 8027

E-Mail: siuan@derryplayhouse.co.uk

Status of organisation:

Number of staff:

Aims and Objectives

Access to the Arts through targeting marginalized groups

·        Social Inclusion

·        Peace & Reconciliation

·        Urban Regeneration

·        Development of School of “Lifelong Learning” in the Arts including arts/craft units

·        Job Creation

·        CapacityBuilding - Developing participation in the arts and audiences

Projects and Activities

The What IF? Project

This is a three year project funded by the International Fund for Ireland that works with young people from Interface areas in Derry.Londonderry and cross border in Donegal. The project uses creative arts activity to enable young people to work with others from areas they are apprehensive of and support each other as they work towards common goals.   

The programme uses the arts as a catalyst to explore community relations issues and challenges personal and community attitudes, broadens horizons, builds trust, understanding and respect, and helps overcome a legacy of violence, prejudice and sectarianism. The project offers Open College Network Training in Visual Arts, Film and Video, Drama and Performance, Dance, Djing, Creative Writing Equality Training, Conflict Transformation and Leadership in Youth Work. 

The participants regularly attend residential weekends were they are provided with the opportunity  to explore further very sensitive community relations issues in a safe and neural environment whilst also developing skills like team building and interdependence by participating in out-door pursuits.  On-going support is provided for young people to develop leadership skills and to develop their own projects to motivate and inspire others in their communities.