Northern Irish council won’t reopen arts services until 2021

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in Northern Ireland has voted to delay reopening all arts and museum services until 2021.

Councillor Yvonne Boyle made her concerns about the move known: “After considerable discussion on the timing of opening leisure facilities, the debate on the DUP motion to delay these services only took a few minutes."

"Creativity has been a very important part of getting through the lockdown and will be crucial in assisting in the psychological recovery for many different individuals and families as restrictions are eased.

"We have been and are going through a collective trauma including loss of contact, confidence, jobs and, for some, family members. The support the arts can give for the promotion of mental health and well-being has never been more important."