Spectacular illumination to kick off Music City as £900k pours in

Yvette Mattern’s spectacular ‘Global Rainbow’ illumination (pictured) - soundtracked by Little Bear, The Clameens and a yet ‘to-be-announced’ act - will kick off Music City 2014 in Londonderry in January, it’s been revealed.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jan 2014, 13:04 BST
Yvette Mattern's 'Global Rainbow' in New York.Yvette Mattern's 'Global Rainbow' in New York.
Yvette Mattern's 'Global Rainbow' in New York.

Derry City Council revealed the event would take place on January 17, as part of a £900k investment to realise a ‘legacy’ from Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.

Nearly half-a-million (£450k) is being stumped up by the Council, who the Sentinel revealed in October was planning to designate 2014 ‘Music City.’

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The Arts Council is matching Derry City Council’s commitment.

American artist Yvette Mattern's spectacular Global Rainbow, is coming to Londonderry in January.American artist Yvette Mattern's spectacular Global Rainbow, is coming to Londonderry in January.
American artist Yvette Mattern's spectacular Global Rainbow, is coming to Londonderry in January.

According to the Council a series of concerts and events are planned for 2014 with further legacy announcements expected during 2014.

US artist, Ms Mattern’s work will provide the backdrop to a public launch event on January 17 to welcome in 2014 and say ‘thank you’ to everyone who participated in the 2013 City of Culture celebrations.

Other initiatives include ‘First Break,’ a website specifically designed to match musicians with venues in Londonderry and elsewhere.

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Derry City Council and partners will also commence specialist studies in early January 2014 to add capacity to, visual arts and storytelling and further develop the creative industries in Londonderry.

Mayor Martin Reilly said: “During Music City 2014, Derry City Council will be hosting music concerts with local and international artists.

“I am also delighted to announce a dedicated website, First Break, to match musicians with venues across the region.

“This goes live in the New Year and will make it easier for us to support and showcase new talent to visitors and Derry locals.”

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Bob Collins, Chair of the Arts Council said: “The arts have transformed this city and we are now making a substantial commitment to continue our partnership with Derry City Council to ensure Arts and Culture continue to help regenerate the city, particularly in the most deprived communities.”

Londonderry will also benefit from the Northern Ireland wide Creative Apprenticeships Programme that will support 100 apprenticeships over a 3-year period across the arts and cultural sector.

The Council will also be working with local designers, international designer Wayne Hemingway and partners within the City of London on new fashion events for November.

One major concert confirmed for Music City is The Beach Boys gig at Ebrington, which will feature as part of the Foyle International Maritime Festival June 20 – June 29. It is expected a series of additional music announcements will be made in January 2014.

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The traditional music scene will be supported with investment in a fusion performance between An Cultúrlann and Solus Productions with further opportunities for musicians to be involved in new commissions through an open call for expressions of interest in 2014. Full details of the legacy promises are available at www.derrycity.gov.uk/legacy