AQW 20511/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/01/2025
Answered On Date: 04/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of the impact on the arts sector in Coleraine and the wider North Coast area if the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine is closed by Ulster University.

Answer:

I have not been involved in any discussions about the Riverside Theatre but, much like the closure of any local venue, it is my assessment that, should it materialise, the impacts will be felt across the local area and beyond.

There is work to be done to better understand the way funding is distributed across Northern Ireland. This will include an informed assessment of the social and economic impact of the arts. My officials are currently examining this as part of the development of a new Arts Policy.