Community and Arts Development \ Arts Overview

Arts and Culture play a significant role in the life of Newry and Mourne District. It is the intention of Newry and Mourne District Council to expand the range of activities available in the District, from amateur through to professional level, and to generate a sense of increased access to the Arts with a recognisable relevance to the lives of residents in all parts of the District.

Over the years Newry and Mourne District Council have always been to the fore in its support for Arts, and indeed all matters cultural. Evidence of this commitment can be seen in the recent refurbishment works carried out on both Newry Town Hall and more recently Warrenpoint Town Hall. The Council has also set a considerable amount of money aside to assist with necessary works to Newry Arts Centre.

The Arts Centre was the first purpose built Arts Centre in Northern Ireland. For over 20 years it has housed many professional and amateur productions and has been the training ground for many of the District's famous sons and daughters who have gone on and done extremely well in the professional world of the Arts.

Ideally situated in the heart of Newry Town adjacent to Newry Town Hall, this cultural quarter has always afforded the people of the District and all communities the opportunity to access and participate in the Arts.

The term Arts and Culture embraces many activities in Newry and Mourne, including:

• Dance
• Music
• Drama
• Visual Arts
• Cultural Industries
• Historical and Cultural Societies
• Writing