Get on Board

By Carál Ní Chuilín MLA Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure

Over the next few weeks my officials will be running a number of public appointment competitions for the boards of some of my Department’s arm’s length bodies. These bodies are responsible for delivering a range of services on behalf of Government across my Department’s area of responsibility, from supporting the arts sector to supporting the development of grass roots sport.

I believe that it is important for the bodies to become more representative of all sections of our community and have board members with a range of skills and experience. I would like to particularly encourage women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and people with a background in the community/voluntary sector to give their time to this valuable and rewarding public service, as these groups are currently under-represented.

I know from personal experience that there are a lot of people out there with the skills and ability to make a really positive contribution to the work of our boards, but they don’t apply because they feel that these positions are reserved for people from a specific socio-economic group. I am keen to dispel that myth.

I would encourage people not to assume that because, for example, they are working in the voluntary/community sector that they will not have the skills to be an effective board member. The types of skills that are required include: communication, planning and an analytical mind to challenge and debate how best to provide services to the public. Skills and experience developed in the voluntary/community sector could be put to good use on the boards of DCAL’s arm’s length bodies. Formal training will also be provided for any new board members.

Representation from a diverse range of people will be beneficial for the bodies, but will also be very rewarding for the individuals themselves. I know that Rosemary Kelly has found her experience as Chairman of the Arts Council very rewarding. Rosemary recently said

“When my term as Chairman comes to an end later this year, I will look back on my time spent, along with Board colleagues, serving the Arts Sector with some pride. The Board represents a wide range of professions and experience that has made a significant difference to the strategic development of arts and art practice here.  We have given a lot during that time but got back even more through the meaningful and rewarding work."

It is good to reflect on the part we played in exciting projects like the redevelopment of the Grand Opera House, the Ulster Hall, the Lyric Theatre, and Cultúrlann in Belfast, as well as The Playhouse and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry/Londonderry; and of course we still have the opening of the new Metropolitan Arts Centre to look forward to early next year.  These projects will provide venues for a wide range of programmes, including many community based arts projects and outreach activities. They, along with many other projects, will help to shape the Arts and society here for generations to come. I would have no hesitation in encouraging people to give their time in a similar public service role on one of DCAL’s bodies.”

These positions provide an opportunity for individuals to shape how government services are delivered and have an input into important decision making. For example on the Board of NI Screen you could play a key role in helping to attract major TV and film productions such as HBO’s Game of Thrones to set up here. This work boosts our local economy and creates job in this growing sub-sector of the creative industries. As a board member of Sport NI you could play a key role in major projects to provide or improve sporting facilities and to increase opportunities for people to engage in sporting activities.  As a board member of the NI Museums Council you could play a leading role in the development and provision of a vibrant independent museums sector. It’s also an exciting time for the Arts Council as the considerable investment in arts infrastructure takes hold.

The competitions for NI Screen, the Arts Council, Sport NI and the NI Museums Council are currently open for applications. Information packs and application forms will be available on DCAL’s website Public Appointments page for each competition.

Sports Minister attends international match at Windsor Park

The Minister for Sport, Carál Ní Chuilín, has attended the Northern Ireland versus Faroe Islands International Match at Windsor Park.

At the Irish Football Association (IFA) match, Minister Ní Chuilín said: "When I came into office I said that I would be a Minister for all cultures and all sports. Given this, and the fact that a significant section of our community support and participate in IFA organised games, and the IFA receives significant DCAL funding, it only proper that I would come along here tonight."

The football match is the team's crucial Euro 2012 qualifying game.

Speaking after the game, which finished 4 -0 the Minister said "It was a new experience and I enjoyed the game.  Congratulations to the team in securing the win that now takes them to 3rd spot in their qualifying group.

"I would like to wish them well for the remainder of their fixtures in the Euro 2012 competition and particularly in their next game against Serbia here in September."

The Minister said:  "In the past Windsor Park has been the scene of sectarian singing and chanting and I recognise the very real efforts that have been made by the IFA to tackle sectarianism at their matches and I hope my attendance here this evening contributes further to that effort.  I look forward to working with the IFA in providing inclusion for all; we still have some way to go despite work done to date.

"I look forward to the redevelopment of Windsor Park to ensure it continues to meet the strategic needs of the IFA and the team."

Robinson and McGuinness congratulate Clarke

First Minister Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have congratulated Darren Clarke on becoming the 2011 Open Golf Champion.

Mr Robinson said: "Darren's win at Royal St George's today is one of golf's greatest achievements. There is simply no more deserving or popular a winner than Darren. I along with all the people of Northern Ireland would like to congratulate him on becoming the Open Champion.

"Scotland may be the spiritual home of golf but Northern Ireland is unquestionably home to the world's best golfers. I once again would say to the golfing world to come to Northern Ireland to see for themselves why we are the home of golf's champions."

Mr McGuinness said: "It is simply staggering to think that we have produced yet another major winner. Only a matter of a few weeks ago we were congratulating Rory McIlroy on winning the US Open and today we are able to congratulate Dungannon's Darren Clarke on becoming the Open Champion.

"I cannot think of anyone who deserved to win a major more than Darren has. Over the course of the past four days and throughout his career Darren has conducted himself with a grace and quiet determination that is nothing short of outstanding. He is a tremendous ambassador and role model and it is fitting that like Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington he has now achieved the glory of being 'a major winner."

Foster congratulates Darren Clarke

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated golfer Darren Clarke on winning the Open Championship.

Arlene Foster said: "Darren Clarke's stunning victory at the Open Championship at Royal St George's has once again put Northern Ireland firmly in the centre of the media spotlight for all the right reasons.

"Throughout his career, Darren has been an excellent ambassador for Northern Ireland and his success at the 140th Open is a well-deserved reward for years of hard work and dedication to his sport.

"During interviews that were broadcast all over the world this week, Darren has talked about how playing at Royal Portrush has been the perfect preparation for links golf at the very top level - and he is right. 

"Our golf courses are among the best in the world and our three Major winners - Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, and now Darren Clarke, have proven that Northern Ireland is the top golfing destination.

"I am determined that we will continue to showcase our golf tourism offering all over the world, because we have so much to be proud of."