Parkmore Community Association will be launching the Parkmore Re-imaging Art project in the Community house on Saturday 22 May 2010 at 7pm. The £31,750 project funded through the Arts Council led Re-imaging Communities Programme has been developed in collaboration with Craigavon Borough Council, NIHE and Communities in Transition to bring about positive change in the area and enrich the quality of life for local residents.  Through the Re-imaging Communities Programme the group worked with local artist Deborah Malcomson to design and create an innovative art piece to be displayed on the side of the Community House.  This includes bronze sculptures and mosaic murals depicting a positive image of Parkmore’s future.

Commenting on the project Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Chair of the Shared Communities Consortium, said: “The Re-imaging communities programme is committed to building a shared future for Northern Ireland that is founded on partnership, equality and mutual respect.

“The completion of this artwork in Parkmore is the result of the community’s joint efforts. Working together with a local artist they have created a new public artwork which has enriched the environment and provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to work together towards one common objective.”

Parkmore Community Association formed in 1996 and has been working tirelessly over the past number of years to improve facilities and bring about positive change within the estate such as creating an alternative 11 July bonfire and family fun day for the whole community to enjoy, issue-based youth projects, and cross-community opportunities as well as co-ordinating and managing events for all the residents of Parkmore.  A representative of the Community Association said “We believe the time is right to set about making a significant change to our estate, not only to our benefit but to those coming in from other areas thus promoting community relations and community cohesion”.

“The project brings a positive image of the area, not only to local residents but also in promoting Craigavon as a welcoming place for all” commented Marion Weir, Re-imaging Development Officer, Craigavon Borough Council.  “This is one of four Re-imaging public art projects that have been developed in the Craigavon area with the aim of improving the environment, empowering communities and building good relationships within and between communities”.

The Re-imaging Programme is funded by the Shared Communities Consortium, led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and comprising OFMDFM, DSD, DCAL, Community Relations Council, PSNI, SOLACE (Society of Local Authority and Chief Executives), The Department of Justice, International Fund for Ireland and NI Housing Executive.