Arts must be central to urban regeneration: Parsley

3.47.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 11th Oct 2005

North Down Alliance Councillor Ian James Parsley has said that the arts must be central to the regeneration of parts of Holywood and Bangor.

Speaking after a meeting with the Seafront Arts Centre in Bangor, the Holywood representative stated:

"People too often distinguish spending on the arts and spending on economic development, as if spending on one is somehow taking away from the other. Yet, far from being a fringe activity, the arts are a core element of any successful economic development strategy. A place to live, work and visit is a place with a strong arts sector.

"In the past week I have had the privilege of working again with Bangor Operatic Society on an outstanding production of Sweet Charity, and of visiting the Seafront Arts Centre which attracts people from all over the world to work in North Down. These outstanding elements of life here in North Down are too often seen as luxuries enjoyed by minorities. In reality, they provide a social outlet for young people, a genuine feel-good factor for the many people who enjoy the productions, and a cosmopolitan feel to the borough -- and all in a way that is effortlessly non-sectarian.

"This is not a party political issue -- I look forward over the coming four years to working with Councillors of all parties and none to help promote the arts as a core part of our borough's development."

ENDS