LIGHTS UP #1

Society is crying out for more opportunities to connect with our common creativity and humanity - because we know it is the antidote to feeling the pressures of the world we live in, the always on culture and the stress - and because we also know that it can bring us together at times of need especially in a world with so much violence, insecurity and uncertainty.  Making and experiencing art together is essential to our long-term wellbeing. We know that c.90% of people across the UK and Ireland participate in arts and culture year on year - but we are not taking full advantage of this as means to encourage more fulfilled lives and encourage colour, imagination and connection in our community life for the benefit of everyone.

At The Playhouse we believe in putting creativity, play and imagination at the heart of society and at the centre of encouraging a fairer, more sustainable world. We also do this in a B1 listed heritage building, within the city walls and conservation area of Derry-Londonderry. A former school in a Sisters of Mercy Convent site - the first Convent in Northern Ireland post Reformation and a key part of the city's story over the past several hundred years.

In stewarding this wonderful cultural asset and giving it a new life as an arts centre we are also starting on a journey towards a more sustainable building - good for people and planet. We are adding alternative energy sources, renewing all our lighting to low energy LED and undergoing a range of upgrades to make this distinctive heritage building more passive. 

There are many organisations and approaches who are contributing positively to society and which are vitally needed. The Playhouse creates an alternative space which opens out safe civic dialogue and the possibility of imagining different futures that otherwise might not materialise. We also have the distinct ability to link and connect the arts with other approaches, organisations and services for the common good. We are able to contribute to making places better for people, encouraging a sense of belonging and joy, and/or making creative contributions to solving difficult societal problems. This is really important in Northern Ireland as we continue the healing process post conflict and the journey towards a fair society 25 years on from our peace agreement.

We have already raised over £50,000 for the next 2 years and are opening out the opportunity for people to become contributing donors to much loved parts of the building.

To find out more please click here and sign up for updates and opportunities to support The Playhouse on its journey.

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