MLA Art Exhibition to go on Public Display

The Great Hall in Parliament Buildings is to be transformed into an art gallery this month with an exhibition featuring work by current MLAs. The works are the result of a recent Metropolitan Arts Centre competition and showcase the artistic talent of some of the 108 Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A panel including BBC presenter Wendy Austin, journalist and art expert Eamonn Mallie and artist Neil Shawcross judged the competition. Danny Kinahan, MLA for South Antrim took the prize as overall winner and the many other entries showed the breadth of creative talent of local politicians. The winning painting by Danny Kinahan will stay in Parliament Buildings for the duration of this Mandate until 2015.

Speaking about the exhibition, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay, MLA said: “This is the first time that the Assembly has ever used the Great Hall as a display space and we hope that this will be the first of many regular exhibitions. I think this will add something extra to the experience of all those who come and visit Parliament Buildings.

“Parliament Buildings plays an important part in the life of Northern Ireland. Not only is the home and centre of political life here but we also want to make it a welcoming place for all our citizens and visitors.”