Revamped Studio 2 Youth & Community Arts Centre in Derry opened by Education Minister Peter Weir

Greater Shantallow Community Arts has hosted the official opening of the newly refurbished Studio 2 Youth and Community Arts Centre in Skeoge.

The official opening was performed by Peter Weir, Minister for the Department of Education and in attendance were Mayor of Derry & Strabane Councillor Brian Tierney, Martina Anderson MLA and a small number of special guests.

Please Note: Pictures are by Jim McCafferty Photography and not for sale.

The occasion involved the launch of the new Auditorium and multifunctional space at Studio 2 and mark the completion of the Department of Education’s - Voluntary Youth Capital Funding Scheme of 2016, which provided capital grants across the voluntary youth sector in Northern Ireland and allowed successful organisations to invest in refurbishment, extending or rebuilding premises.

“I am pleased my Department has funded the Greater Shantallow Community Arts Centre refurbishment, which will benefit the young people of the Ballyarnett area,” the Education Minister said.

“These facilities provide young people with a safe and friendly environment to develop their own individual skills, which will in turn improve their own abilities within the local community.

“The education of young people can be greatly enhanced through informal learning opportunities provided by youth work.”

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Oliver Green, Greater Shantallow Community Arts’ Artistic Director said: “Greater Shantallow Community Arts are delighted to celebrate our wonderful new space that the investment from the Department of Education’s voluntary youth capital scheme has allowed, but also to celebrate some of the amazing achievements of the young people from our communities over the past 21 years that we have had the privilege working with.

“The bright new vibrant space is capable of seating 250-300 and will perfectly compliment the theatre, function rooms, dance studios, plaza, exterior garden, and cafe space that Studio 2 has to offer and provides significant step forward in GSCA’s future expansive capital plans to create the North of Ireland’s largest and most inclusive Community Arts centre.”

Meanwhile, Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “Greater Shantallow Community Arts has long been at the heart of the community and thanks to these dedicated new art spaces, young people will be able to take part in a truly fantastic range of arts activities, workshops and classes for many years to come.”

Please Note: Pictures are by Jim McCafferty Photography and not for sale.