The Process
Greater Shantallow Community Arts organisation facilitated the Arts and Regeneration programme in the Greater Shantallow area. This group is long established and well respected in the area. The advantage of working with a local provider is that the lead in time is substantially shortened, as there is a familiarity and a trust that has already been established.
This group took a well established approach to the programme and launched a competition, with the ultimate aim of producing a publication. The catchy title ‘Empty Spaces Beautiful Places’ was developed and the competition was very well publicised in the area with colour posters and flyers, radio interviews and press calls. A team of seven local artists engaged widely with the resident population through workshops with two schools, three women's groups, the Derry Travellers' Support Group, seven community support/development organisations, a very effective door-to-door consultation and a three-day stand in the local shopping centre.
The group also consulted with community and statutory organisations. The winners of the competition had their idea illustrated and presented in the resultant publication. The Greater Shantallow Community Arts Team selected the successful inclusions for the publication internally. The launch was held on 1st December 2006 and was attended by local people, schools, women’s groups, residents' associations, politicians and statutory representatives.
