Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA Visits KWC Harp Project

Kilcooley Women’s Centre was delighted to welcome Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for Communities, to the Old Market House in Bangor to see our harp project in action and the impact of his Departmental funding for local women.

The Minister visited to learn more about the project, which has been supported by his Department’s Musical Instrument Fund which was administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. During the visit he heard from members of the arts team and met those involved in delivering the programme.

The harp project forms part of Kilcooley Women’s Centre’s wider commitment to using the arts as a pathway to wellbeing, confidence-building and community connection. Through accessible musical tuition, participants of all ages and backgrounds have been given the opportunity to learn an instrument that holds deep cultural significance.  Many have progressed into performing, joining local traditional music groups and further musical programmes. 

To date the project has supported over 100 people to access musical tuition.

The visit took place at the Old Market House, the historic Bangor landmark that Kilcooley Women’s Centre has been regenerating as a vibrant hub for heritage, community learning and creative activity. Staff and tutors shared the story of the project — from the practical support the fund has provided for instruments, to the personal journeys of participants who have discovered a love of music, made new friends, and grown in confidence through regular tuition.

We extend our sincere thanks to Minister Gordon Lyons MLA for taking the time to visit, to the Department for Communities for the Musical Instrument Fund, and to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for administering the support that has made this project possible.