Children from across Derry are to be given the opportunity to create two pieces of public art as part of a culture and arts initiative led by Foyleside Shopping Centre, it was announced today.

Two pieces of public art depicting ‘faces and flowers of Derry’ are to be created by children later this month as part of an arts initiative launched today at Foyleside Shopping Centre. It is expected that over 600 individual images of people from across the city will be used to make up the main exhibition piece called ‘faces of Foyleside’. The two-day event set to take place between 17th and 18th August will be beside the main fountain area in Foyleside Shopping Centre.

The event will be facilitated by the internationally renowned Eden Arts Company, who has recently finished a similar arts project commissioned by Mayor of the Greater London Authority, Ken Livingstone.

“The specially commissioned art project will run over a two day period and provides an excellent way to introduce young people to creative arts” says Des Farrell, Centre Manager of Foyleside Shopping Centre. “We have created a special workshop area in the main fountain area in the shopping centre to maximize the number of people who can participate in this project. The art project provides an imaginative way to engage young people as they prepare for school in September”. Pictured Right: Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of City Centre Initiative joins school children Joni and Kevin McCarthy with Des Farrell, Foyleside Centre Manager and The Mayor of Derry , Councillor Helen Quigley.

Launching the initiative The Mayor, Councillor Helen Quigley said: “This unique project will provide a great opportunity to showcase the colourful and vibrant aspects of our City – people and flowers. Initiatives such as these are an important component of developing awareness for art and cultural activities. I believe the artwork created will be something that can be enjoyed by everyone in the city.”
		The two day event will also include a range of ‘back to school’ activities at Foyleside Shopping Centre such as face painting and balloon modelling, a games zones and the opportunity to win many prizes over the 2 days. “This is an important arts initiative enabling young people to create a unique piece of public art”, says Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of the City Centre Initiative. “It also serves to highlight the positive contribution that businesses are making to the local community” Pictured left:  The Mayor of Derry , Councillor Helen Quigley joins Des Farrell, Foyleside Centre Manager