Peace Mural Takes Centre Stage At Parliament Buildings

Session: 2011/2012

Date: 29 May 2012

Reference: SO 22/11/12

A mural designed to celebrate cultural diversity has been given pride of place in Parliament Buildings as part of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s programme to showcase local art.

The mural, entitled ‘Hands Across the World’ was produced by the Ballymena based Creative Peace Mural Society, and is a visual representation of the diversity within the community and was designed and produced by the Society working with people and schoolchildren in Ballymena.

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay, MLA said: “We are delighted to host the murals produced by the Creative Peace Mural Society. The Assembly has been working to bring more community projects into Parliament Buildings and we have recently implemented an exhibitions policy in order to do this.

“This particular project brings together two very important objectives--cultural diversity and the Olympic ideals of truce, friendship and respect. Many of our visitors to the Assembly in the past few weeks have been impressed by these murals which amply demonstrate the creativity of local people.”

The murals, which have been displayed since 8 May in Parliament Buildings, will travel to London to take part in the Arts in Parliament programme in Westminster Hall. 

James Perry, from the Creative Peace Mural Society, said: “Over the past few months we have been on an incredible journey. With the help of Ballymena Learning Together, Ballymena Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and many others we have been able to provide the post primary schools of Ballymena with an unforgettable experience during this Olympic year. The young people displayed incredible talent and dedication and the mural exemplifies this.

“We wish to thank the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA and the Assembly Commission for providing us with the fantastic opportunity to exhibit the murals in the Great Hall before they make their way to London for the Arts In Parliament programme. We hope the mural has helped to inspire all those who have had the chance to see it.”

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA is pictured with Lily Wallace from the Creative Peace Mural Society and pupils from the Ballymena area. 

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA is pictured with Lily Wallace from the Creative Peace Mural Society and pupils from the Ballymena area, Savannah Bracewell (Cambridge House), Robert Kenneway (Cullybackey High School) and Lauren Gordon (Dunclug College)


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