The official re-opening of The Model Sligo which took place on Thursday June 9th has been welcomed by the Director of the BMW Regional Assembly. The redevelopment and refurbishment of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery by Sligo County Council was supported by a grant of €2.4 million awarded by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns. The Model:Niland project is the largest beneficiary in the BMW Region under the grant scheme.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide financial support towards this flagship project in Sligo. This multi-purpose arts venue has the potential to make a major contribution to both the cultural and economic development of Sligo and we congratulate all those involved in the transformation of this important asset. It presents an opportunity to build upon of the reputation of Sligo as a centre for the creative industries and to develop the potential that exists for attracting both domestic and international visitors to the North West. This development forms a key part of a wider strategy to position Sligo as a major centre for the arts and creative sectors.’

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.