A feast of colour, and creativity on St Patrick’s Day in Derry

One of the city’s most popular creative hubs, the Fashion and Textile Design Centre (FTDC) in Shipquay Street, was just one of many buildings to undergo a makeover during weekend.

Business Development Manager, Deidre Williams, said the designers and artists based at the hub were delighted to have a fun, creative focus during what has been a very challenging time for the creative community.

“As with most organisations here, the pandemic has put a stop to all physical classes and events within buildings like the FTDC. However, this has not deterred the team, who have adapted to these strange circumstances and embraced technology to provide digital content instead – tutorials on face coverings and craft workshops.

“We are pleased to have recently been awarded funding from the Community Foundation to create an FTDC digital hub which will connect with the community in ways that we would never have imagined.”

The installations form part of the North West Carnival Initiative’s ‘Imagine That...’ programme. This programme is part of Council’s wide Inside Out spring programme, which aims to reanimate and reenergise places and spaces in town and city centres.

“The ‘Imagine That’ installation symbolises everything that the FTDC is passionate about – vibrancy, creation, growth, and colour! We chose the statement ‘Sewing Seeds, Supporting Growth’ as a play on words to incorporate our practical supportive and inspiring ethos.”

The Inside Out Programme is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with funding through the Department of Communities’ Business Revitalisation and Recovery Programme.

Find out more at www.derrystrabane.com/insideout