A vibrant evening of song, dance, and storytelling unfolded on Wednesday, October 23rd, at The Hill of The O'Neill, as part of the "Culture on the Hill" event.
The event, organised by Choice Housing in partnership with Apex and Radius, was supported by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
A potential £15.7M may be invested by these housing associations in the area through shared housing developments at Earls Court, Fortview and Sycamore Drive, and their associated five-year Good Relations Plans. A joint Dungannon Advisory Group has been established to support delivery of these plans.
The event brought together pupils and staff from nine local schools in Dungannon, highlighting the importance of community engagement and cultural appreciation. Those on attendance were treated to captivating performances incorporating dance, music and story telling. Attendees experienced a wide array of artistic expressions that reflects the diverse backgrounds of the students.
Jonathon Blakely, Community Development Manager, Choice Housing -"Through our shared housing programme we are thrilled to have brought together so many voices to celebrate the richness of the community. Culture on the Hill is not just an event; it's a celebration of the diversity that makes the Dungannon area special. It reinforces the importance of understanding and respecting each other's cultures."
In addition to the performances, pupils held an inspiring art exhibition, displaying their creative works and providing a platform for young artists to share their unique perspectives and stories.
Valerie Morrison, Good Relations Officer, Apex- “Dungannon is one of the most multi-cultural areas in Northern Ireland, and there is a real openness to finding out about other cultures and ways of life. This is one of a number of Good Relations Projects we have delivered since Sycamore Drive was built, and we can see the positive impact on community relations this work is having due to the commitment and engagement of local groups with our Advisory Group and Good Relations events’’.
