The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society is pleased to announce that it has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, Buildings of Belfast – Heritage in Song. The idea was conceived by local songwriter Brigid O’Neill who will work with the UAHS and other local songwriters including Duke Special, Anthony Toner, Steve McCartney and Gareth Dunlop to compose songs around the heritage theme to raise awareness of the threats and successes of some of Belfast’s most historic sites and buildings. The material will be performed by the artists at the Heritage Angel Awards NI Ceremony in the Grand Opera House on Tuesday 7 November 2017.
The Heritage Angel Awards is an exciting new project for Northern Ireland, launched in June 2017. These annual awards aim to celebrate unsung angels of local heritage and are funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities. We are looking for individuals and groups who have rescued an historic building, completed heritage projects, worked as craftsmen or apprentices, or perhaps recorded and interpreted a historic place.
Award Categories
- Best Rescue of a Historic Building
- Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People (25 and under)
- Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
- Best Rescue, Recording or Interpretation of a Historic Place
Applications close on Tuesday 15th August
Nicola McVeigh, Chief Executive, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society
“I’m delighted that HLF has provided the funding to allow UAHS and local artists to come together to promote our heritage using music as the medium. The Ulster Youth Orchestra will also play a supporting role in delivering this bespoke material at the gala awards evening in November. It is indeed a wonderful example of Heritage and the Arts working together to champion and enhance interest in our historic surroundings.”
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber
“Protecting architectural heritage is a vital part of cultural life. Architecture is the most vulnerable art form and one that I have been passionate about all my life. I’m delighted my Foundation can support the Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland and shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant contribution towards protecting the country’s heritage. By raising awareness of the impact individuals can have, our aim is to inspire others to get involved and work together to save and protect Northern Ireland’s heritage for our future generations.”
Paul Mullan, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Northern Ireland
“We are delighted to support this innovative and exciting new project that will showcase the wonderful built heritage of Belfast. Thanks to National Lottery players our historic streetscapes and iconic buildings will be celebrated through the medium of music, helping to raising awareness of the importance of our architectural heritage and its role in our lives.”
Notes for editors:
About the Heritage Angel Awards NI The awards are administered by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities. They are further supported by The Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork (CAF); Construction Industry Training Board (CITBNI); Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF); Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Heritage Trust Network (HTN).For further information on Heritage Angel Awards NI, please contact@
Contact: Maura Ahern, Communications & Events Officer, UAHS
Telephone: 028 90550213
Mobile: 07474306336
Email: [email protected]
The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society:
UAHS is a charitable, membership organisation founded in 1967. It exists to promote appreciation, preservation and conservation of architecture across the nine counties of Ulster. Over the last 40 years the UAHS has established itself as a fearless campaigner for buildings of merit, a generous resource of information on local architecture, and a fair and helpful source of advice. Its main activities include campaigning & lobbying, support & advice, publications and events. The UAHS works with the Historic Environment Division, (HED), at the Department for Communities, (DfC), to record and promote the conservation of listed buildings at risk through the Built Heritage at Risk NI, (BHARNI) partnership. www.uahs.org.uk
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation:
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation was set up by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1992 to promote the arts, culture and heritage for the public benefit; since inception Andrew has been the principal provider of funding for all its charitable activities.
In 2010, the Foundation embarked on an active grant giving programme and has now awarded grants of over £14m to support high quality training and personal development as well as other projects that make a real difference to enrich the quality of life both for individuals and within local communities, including the Arts & Heritage Fund. www.andrewlloydwebberfoundation.com
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported almost 35,000 projects with more than £5.3bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk.
For full details on how to apply to the 2017 Heritage Angel Awards NI, nominate someone else for an award please visit www.heritageangelawards-ni.org.uk/
Keep up to date with the latest from the Heritage Angel Awards NI on Twitter and Facebook at @ulsterahs.
