STRATEGIC THEME 2: CULTURE
The Ulster-Scots Agency works with, and provides grant aid and sponsorship to, a wide variety of Ulster-Scots bodies, representative groups and interested individuals to develop cultural activities in music, dance, literature, drama and visual arts. These activities will help people unlock their creativity.
In particular, the Ulster-Scots Agency believes that a major dramatic event celebrating the history and culture of the Ulster-Scots would have a significant impact on public understanding and in the self-confidence of the Ulster-Scots community. The Ulster-Scots Agency will seek to work with and support those who have the capacity to deliver such a project.
The Ulster-Scots Agency provides grant-aid and sponsorship in accordance with well-defined criteria and the financial support schemes will continue over the period of the Plan. The Ulster-Scots Agency will monitor the impact of its financial support in the development of Ulster-Scots cultural activities.
The Ulster-Scots Agency will continue to build on its work with communities whereby a refocusing of traditional events towards Ulster-Scots culture and activity has achieved remarkable benefits. This will include support for the training of leaders of community groups.
In addition to its extensive client group an important partner of the Ulster-Scots Agency in its cultural activity is the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council that represents community groups throughout Northern Ireland.
The Ulster-Scots Agency has secured agreement with the Irish Youth Foundation for the funding of a Youth Development Officer for a period of one year. If successful, we will work to extend this for a further period of two years. This officer will work with young people in areas of multiple deprivations to develop their skills in Ulster-Scots music and culture.
The development of active participation of community organisations and groups in learning the language, culture and history will be a feature of Ulster-Scots Agency activity.
The Ulster-Scots Agency proposes to commission a survey of the totality of the Ulster-Scots culture and place it in historical perspective, in partnership with appropriate bodies.
Resources
The projected budget figures will release £2m over the period of the Plan to meet these demands. In the year 2000 the Ulster-Scots Agency awarded 4 grants to 4 groups. By 2003 these figures had risen to 335 and 148 respectively. This growth will continue. Should the number of groups reach an optimum in the medium to long term it is anticipated that the number of projects will continue to increase.
Performance Indicators
A key indicator will be the numbers of Community Culture Groups, and /or numbers of people, actively participating in cultural activities. The Ulster-Scots Agency will commission an evaluation of the impact of its financial support on the development of Ulster-Scots culture.
The Ulster-Scots Agency will monitor the before and after situation in relation to projects which receive support and will report accordingly to the Board. The growth in morale in communities and a related willingness to take advantage of opportunities to build a better future will be evidenced.