Belfast City Council Chief Executive and chair of the BRCD Executive Board, Suzanne Wylie said: “This is a transformative project, not just for our city centre, but for the entire region. I am delighted that now, with the signing of the Belfast Region City Deal, we can take the first steps on our journey to make this landmark tourism attraction a reality. The steering group will be supported by a facilitator with expertise in equity and co-design. What they will do Belfast through theatre: (how performance art like theatre is part and parcel of the city’s culture / their societal impacts / contributions) This is when we seek to secure the remaining funding necessary to go ahead and build Belfast Stories. out of 5 young people surveyed in Belfast this year said that they planned to leave the city as 'Belfast had nothing for them'– we believe we need an initiative that includes them in tourism development”

This document brings together key information about the concept of the Belfast Stories visitor attraction. It is intended to give you enough of an understanding of our ideas so that you can: The transformation of a historic Belfast bank to become a new visitor attraction has reached a “significant milestone”. Looking at connections with the world’s events: (moving away from the narrative of ‘exceptionalism’)

Appendix

The evidence currently available indicates that the project has the potential to impact positively across all Section 75 equality categories.

The main source of statistical information is the Continuous Household Survey. It is used by the NI Statistics and Research Agency to produce official statistics for the Department for Communities (DfC). [Footnote 4] Its figures relate to the whole of NI.co-produce engagement opportunities throughout the public consultation and ongoing engagement, for example, by hosting or facilitating meetings or carrying out peer research Places of expectations: places associated to specific norms of behaviour and expected / predetermined identities Belfast City Council’s tourism strategy 2022(link opens in new window) places authentic, local stories as key to attracting visitors to the city. It identifies Belfast Stories as a physical home for some of these stories and the flagship investment in product development in the city:

There are also other ways to share your views or learn more about Belfast Stories. We have listed these at the end of this document. Why are we consulting? Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, added: “It’s wonderful that the appointed design team understands how important it is that Belfast Stories prioritises the power of screen. Visual arts initiatives: (paintings, photography, murals, digital art etc that are part of Belfast’s visual landscape) Marginalized people (prisoners/ex-prisoners, children in foster care, homeless, refugees, illegal workers)

Complete the online survey at yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk(link opens in new window) Making Belfast Stories for everyone

Belfast City Council’s Consultation and Engagement Framework describes a broad spectrum of two-way communication (from consultation to engagement to involvement) between the council and its residents and stakeholders. It recognises that effective dialogue helps make decisions, policies and services that are better suited to the people they are intended to benefit. Findings from consultation to date The story of Belfast is complex, multi-faceted and compelling but, crucially, it is still being written, so to have a dedicated, dynamic space to explore authentic local stories, and develop the industry’s skills at the same time, offers the region the opportunity to continue to build its legacy in screen.” consultation the council’s Equality Consultative Forum and other key organisations representing protected groups of people not engaged through any other method The framework is designed to be a flexible, helping to gather, sort and celebrate a wealth of Belfast stories without being constraining them. Stories may fit under more than one theme. If stories do not fit under a particular subtheme, a new one can be created. Belfast Stories will be a success if the people of Belfast love it, are proud of it and feel that it is truly theirs. We cannot make this happen without engaging the organisations that work in the city and the people who call it home. Together we have the knowledge, insight and ideas to bring our stories to life. What we want to talk about nowThe new film centre will showcase the best visual storytelling from NI and around the world as well as supporting the skills and talents of local artists, supporting sector growth. Outcome two: Shared and connected spaces – a smart, connected city driven by inclusive and transformative place making Paul Crowe, Director at TODD Architects, said: “We are tremendously excited to have been selected and are motivated to start working on this unique project along with the wider team. Belfast Stories’ Equality Framework was developed in 2021. It recognises that the project’s vision cannot be achieved unless equality, diversity and inclusion are placed at its core and supported by co-design and an inclusive process throughout all stages of development.