Speaking at the launch of Reimagine Place, Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, said: “Making our local communities more liveable is at the very heart of the IAF’s Reimagine programme. The importance of this has become even more evident after the challenges of 2020. After such a positive experience with our pilot Reimagine programme last year, I am delighted to announce we will be inviting more communities to take part in the Reimagine programme in 2021.
“This year we have all realised the importance of our local communities, but we have also recognised value the strength of community in Ireland. and as we learn to withstand and recover, we are making a commitment to these communities to help build a better future. By bringing together architects, designers and local people with a desire for positive change, the Reimagine programme will enable people to take part and lead creative change in their communities, neighbourhoods, towns, or villages.”
Officially launching the initiative, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: “Reimagine is an excellent example of how the Government’s culture and wellbeing programme can inspire and transform people, place and communities through creativity. The design of buildings, streets, parks and neighbourhoods can support good physical and mental health. It can help reduce health inequalities, improve people’s wellbeing and support climate change adaptation.”
The Reimagine project has been supported by Creative Ireland Programme’s National Creativity Fund.