Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
NEESON IS OUR NORTH STAR..
Icon appeals to Executive to save arts
I cannot stress how essential that money is LIAM NEESON IN VIDEO APPEAL TO EXECUTIVE
LIAM Neeson has urged the Executive to save the arts sector here by delivering on the promise of £33million of funding announced in July.
The Hollywood actor made the impassioned voice recording as patron of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, a place where he himself learnt his craft in the 1970s.
Reflecting on his early days treading the boards, the Ballymena man said: “As a proud Northern Irish man and patron of the Lyric Theatre, who came up through the ranks as it were beginning in 1976 in the Lyric Theatre, I experienced first hand the potential of physical danger as I practised and learned my craft in that theatre.
“Which by the way, never closed its doors once during the height of the Troubles.
“Now that says something about the character and stamina, not just of the
Lyric Theatre but of us as a people. All the people, Protestant and Catholic, of the North.”
The funding was announced in July to help the struggling sector in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic but the money has yet to be allocated.
Neeson urged the Executive to deliver on the cash which he said is “vital” and a “lifeline” for the country and its people.
He added: “I have recently learned £33million has been earmarked for the arts in Northern Ireland.
“I cannot stress enough how essential that money is, every penny in securing the wellbeing of our artistic community and sustaining the lives of nearly 8,000 people in every branch of the arts in Northern Ireland.
“It is vital for our economy, it is vital for young people who are pursuing a career in creative industries.
“You know a true society cannot be whole or fundamentally exist without the arts and people employed in the arts.
“Culture is our society’s compass, our North Star. If we lose our compass we all lose our way.
“My appeal to you today requires your urgent attention. A character of our very existence here in the province is at stake. Thank you all.”
Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer at the Lyric, said: “Our patron Liam Neeson has added his voice to the appeal to the NI Executive for their immediate and urgent support to secure the full package of £33million allocated to Northern Ireland as a result of a Uk-wide investment in the sector announced in July.
“The arts is vital to the society and economy of Northern Ireland
“It is vital to the thousands of permanent and freelance staff it employs, the organisations, the venues, the young people who hope to make a career in this amazing industry and to everyone, across Northern Ireland and beyond, who participate and engage with the arts at all levels.
“Please take a few minutes to listen to Liam Neeson’s direct and urgent appeal to the NI Executive and, if you can, support our call for immediate help.
“We need action. We need support. We need it now.”