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18/09/2009
Heaney Marks Progress On Lyric Scheme
Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney has unveiled a 'Threshold Stone' at the site of Belfast's new Lyric Theatre.
Its installation marks the commencement of works at the Ridgeway Street state-of-the-art development.
Standing on the recently-laid foundations of the new building, Mr Heaney said: "The renovation of the Lyric Theatre is a reminder of the vital artistic achievement in the past and the promise of ongoing creative vigour in the future.
"The renewal of the fabric of the building stands for the kind of social and psychic renewal that the entire community aspires to."
Welcoming guests to the milestone event, Mark Carruthers, Lyric Chairman, said: "The unveiling of this Threshold Stone is a statement of intent for the Lyric’s future.
"In our new home we can introduce more people to live theatre than ever before and we can stage world class productions of important work in a way that, up to now, we might only have dreamed of."
The Lyric launched plans for its new theatre in 2003 and embarked on a major fundraising campaign to replace the original premises, now demolished (pictured).
To date, over 95% of the £18m project costs has been secured, with a final £800,000 still to be raised to pay for fit-out and equipment.
The project has attracted significant capital investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and a wide range of private philanthropists and corporate sponsors, many of whom were represented at today’s event.
DCAL Minister, Nelson McCausland said: "This new building will have an impact on cultural, artistic and creative life not just in Belfast but throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.
"Investment in culture and the arts brings many dividends, including its contribution to physical, economic and social regeneration."
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "The opening of the Lyric's new building in 2011 will mark a much anticipated new chapter in the theatre’s history.
"The improved venue will meet the growing demands of local audiences, bringing the theatre’s facilities up to an international standard and providing Belfast with an outstanding new drama space which it can truly be proud of."
Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long added: "This project is a wonderful example of how we can strive to achieve my vision of a Belfast without barriers where everyone, whatever their background, can embrace the diversity of our city's cultural offering."
(PR/GK)
Its installation marks the commencement of works at the Ridgeway Street state-of-the-art development.
Standing on the recently-laid foundations of the new building, Mr Heaney said: "The renovation of the Lyric Theatre is a reminder of the vital artistic achievement in the past and the promise of ongoing creative vigour in the future.
"The renewal of the fabric of the building stands for the kind of social and psychic renewal that the entire community aspires to."
Welcoming guests to the milestone event, Mark Carruthers, Lyric Chairman, said: "The unveiling of this Threshold Stone is a statement of intent for the Lyric’s future.
"In our new home we can introduce more people to live theatre than ever before and we can stage world class productions of important work in a way that, up to now, we might only have dreamed of."
The Lyric launched plans for its new theatre in 2003 and embarked on a major fundraising campaign to replace the original premises, now demolished (pictured).
To date, over 95% of the £18m project costs has been secured, with a final £800,000 still to be raised to pay for fit-out and equipment.
The project has attracted significant capital investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and a wide range of private philanthropists and corporate sponsors, many of whom were represented at today’s event.
DCAL Minister, Nelson McCausland said: "This new building will have an impact on cultural, artistic and creative life not just in Belfast but throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.
"Investment in culture and the arts brings many dividends, including its contribution to physical, economic and social regeneration."
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "The opening of the Lyric's new building in 2011 will mark a much anticipated new chapter in the theatre’s history.
"The improved venue will meet the growing demands of local audiences, bringing the theatre’s facilities up to an international standard and providing Belfast with an outstanding new drama space which it can truly be proud of."
Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long added: "This project is a wonderful example of how we can strive to achieve my vision of a Belfast without barriers where everyone, whatever their background, can embrace the diversity of our city's cultural offering."
(PR/GK)
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23 July 2012
Lyric Theatre Shortlisted For Architecture Prize
A new £18m theatre in Belfast has been short-listed for the 2012 Stirling Prize in architecture. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) put the new Lyric Theatre in the running for the £20,000 prize, alongside London's Olympic Stadium and Maggie's cancer centre in Glasgow.
Lyric Theatre Shortlisted For Architecture Prize
A new £18m theatre in Belfast has been short-listed for the 2012 Stirling Prize in architecture. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) put the new Lyric Theatre in the running for the £20,000 prize, alongside London's Olympic Stadium and Maggie's cancer centre in Glasgow.
19 June 2008
Lyric Stoops To Conquer
Thanks in large part to a Belfast City Council investment of ₤1.25m the demolition of Belfast's Lyric Theatre later today is a new start - and not the end of the iconic south Belfast stage - which though bowed is set to rise again in less than two years time.
Lyric Stoops To Conquer
Thanks in large part to a Belfast City Council investment of ₤1.25m the demolition of Belfast's Lyric Theatre later today is a new start - and not the end of the iconic south Belfast stage - which though bowed is set to rise again in less than two years time.
17 December 2010
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
18 March 2011
£18m Lyric Theatre Close To 'Curtain-up'
The countdown has started with a preview of the new Lyric Theatre prior to the official opening in May by Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland.
£18m Lyric Theatre Close To 'Curtain-up'
The countdown has started with a preview of the new Lyric Theatre prior to the official opening in May by Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland.
07 May 2008
Extra £3.23m For Belfast's Lyric Theatre Project
Funding for the new Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast has been given a boost by Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots, who has allocated an additional £3.23 million for the investment project.
Extra £3.23m For Belfast's Lyric Theatre Project
Funding for the new Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast has been given a boost by Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots, who has allocated an additional £3.23 million for the investment project.
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