Good Relations Week 2020 going virtual next week

The Mayor Councillor Brian Tierney pictured at the launch of Derry City and Strabane District Councilâ€TMs Good Relations Week with Peter Day, Director of Engagement at NI Community Relations Council, Emily Peart, Solus Dance Academy, Yang Zhou, Mandarin Speakers Association and Pauline O'Neill at Derry City and Strabane District Council. Picture Martin McKeown

Good Relations Week 2020 will also mark the 30th anniversary of the Community Relations Council which supports peace building, connecting communities and cultural diversity.

Derry and Strabane’s programme will run from next Monday September 14 and include online events and digital content from a diverse range of groups and organisations.

The theme for the online showcase is ‘Celebrating Our Journey, Embracing Our Future.’ and the programme of events and content will include online workshops, Zoom lectures, podcasts, digital storytelling and virtual exhibitions.

There will be a virtual tour of St Augustine’s Chapel, online workshops from the North West Japanese Cultural Group, short films about across the divide and a documentary on how communities and organisations delivered invaluable services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Brian Tierney encouraged people to get involved in this year’s programme which can be viewed at www.derrystrabane.com/goodrelationsweek. “Good Relations Week is a chance to highlight and get involved in some of the crucial work that is helping build positive relations between the different cultures and communities,” he said.

“The enhanced online programme this year due to Covid restrictions means the programme is more accessible than ever and I would encourage the public to visit the website and learn more about the many rich and diverse cultures that make up our own community.

“I am particularly looking forward to the History of the Headstones Tour on Tuesday September 15th which I will be attending personally.”

Good Relations week is happening across Northern Ireland with online events and digital content will explore topics such as tackling sectarianism and racism, cultural diversity, dealing with the past, faith, sport, young people and language.

Event and Content organisers include community and voluntary organisations, local councils, Libraries NI, the Education Authority, Ulster Rugby, Queen’s University, and Ulster University.

Nisha Tandon, Board member of the Community Relations Council added: “This is a big year for us as we celebrate 30 years of investment in outstanding community relations work, and we are delighted to deliver over 150 online events that will showcase the fantastic efforts of people and communities in tackling sectarianism and racism and promoting cultural diversity.

“This online experience will demonstrate the spirit of good relations to a new virtual audience and make this year’s Good Relations Week a modern celebration of Northern Ireland’s diverse culture and heritage.”

Jacqueline Irwin CEO of Community Relations Council said “Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s programme – the energy behind the week is your enthusiasm, commitment and imagination. We hope Good Relations Week 2020 will inspire everyone to get involved in bringing local people together to help each other and, in so doing, build trusting relationships and a happier future too.”

Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office, Department for Communities, Department of Justice and the Education Authority Northern Ireland and contributes to achieving the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.