Menu
26/03/2003
Minister praises NI people’s creativity
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Angela Smith, has hailed the ingenuity of the people of Northern Ireland as their key to a better and more prosperous future.
The Minister was speaking at the Lagan Valley Island Centre in Lisburn where she was closing a conference assessing the progress being made in the Government’s strategy to unlock creativity and to set priorities for action over the next three to five years.
Addressing over 90 delegates drawn from education, the creative industries and the arts, she said: “I am convinced that the cultivation of individual creativity can help to build a better future for everyone. In many walks of life in Northern Ireland, I see examples of people’s determination to make things better and to turn the negative into the positive.
“They are all using their ingenuity to improve life in everyday situations. That is unlocking creativity in action and it is a valuable commodity which must be encouraged.”
The Minister pointed out that as the Province had little mineral wealth to call upon, its real resources were its people. However, she stressed that many times in the past they had proved just how resourceful they could be. She added: “In today’s ultra-competitive global marketplace, we are living in an increasingly dynamic world where the ability to adapt to ever changing circumstances is an absolute necessity.
“The Government must therefore continue the drive to encourage people to come up with new things to do and new ways of doing them. We must ensure that Northern Ireland does not get left behind in the race to secure future economic prosperity and provide a better quality of life for everyone. If we can do that, then we can all look forward with confidence.”
The Minister was welcomed to the conference by its keynote speaker, Dr Ken Robinson of the Getty Institute, USA.
Unlocking Creativity is a cross-departmental strategy involving the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (which takes the lead), the Department of Education, the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Investment and the Department of Employment and Learning.
To support this strategy, a Creativity Seed Fund, worth £3 million, was established to support new and innovative projects which might not otherwise attract Government help.
(MB)
The Minister was speaking at the Lagan Valley Island Centre in Lisburn where she was closing a conference assessing the progress being made in the Government’s strategy to unlock creativity and to set priorities for action over the next three to five years.
Addressing over 90 delegates drawn from education, the creative industries and the arts, she said: “I am convinced that the cultivation of individual creativity can help to build a better future for everyone. In many walks of life in Northern Ireland, I see examples of people’s determination to make things better and to turn the negative into the positive.
“They are all using their ingenuity to improve life in everyday situations. That is unlocking creativity in action and it is a valuable commodity which must be encouraged.”
The Minister pointed out that as the Province had little mineral wealth to call upon, its real resources were its people. However, she stressed that many times in the past they had proved just how resourceful they could be. She added: “In today’s ultra-competitive global marketplace, we are living in an increasingly dynamic world where the ability to adapt to ever changing circumstances is an absolute necessity.
“The Government must therefore continue the drive to encourage people to come up with new things to do and new ways of doing them. We must ensure that Northern Ireland does not get left behind in the race to secure future economic prosperity and provide a better quality of life for everyone. If we can do that, then we can all look forward with confidence.”
The Minister was welcomed to the conference by its keynote speaker, Dr Ken Robinson of the Getty Institute, USA.
Unlocking Creativity is a cross-departmental strategy involving the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (which takes the lead), the Department of Education, the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Investment and the Department of Employment and Learning.
To support this strategy, a Creativity Seed Fund, worth £3 million, was established to support new and innovative projects which might not otherwise attract Government help.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
27 June 2001
CREATIVITY BOOSTED BY £3M KICK START
THE Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey highlighted the advantages of a unified regional Government when he announced that £3 million would be available to help fuel the drive to unlock creativity in Northern Ireland.
CREATIVITY BOOSTED BY £3M KICK START
THE Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey highlighted the advantages of a unified regional Government when he announced that £3 million would be available to help fuel the drive to unlock creativity in Northern Ireland.
27 January 2022
Executive Publish New Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
A new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) has been produced by the NI Executive, the First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have announced.
Executive Publish New Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland
A new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) has been produced by the NI Executive, the First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have announced.
05 September 2002
McGuinness ‘makes space’ for creativity in education
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has addressed an international conference on the cultural, artistic and educational needs of children and young people at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
McGuinness ‘makes space’ for creativity in education
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has addressed an international conference on the cultural, artistic and educational needs of children and young people at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
03 October 2024
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
