QSS member Angela Hackett (second from right) is one of four artists selected by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council to undertake residencies at two prestigious Indian institutions. The residencies will give the artists dedicated space and time to develop their artistic practice and are the result of new links forged with key cultural institutions in India by the Arts Council and British Council as a platform for creating, sharing and promoting the creative arts.

Derry~Londonderry based film maker Myrid Carten will be the first of the four to go, travelling this week to Sanskritti Delhli, a cultural centre, designed as a serene environment to encourage innovative and interactive work. In the New Year, musician Joby Fox, craft and jewellery maker Robyn Galway, and visual artist Angela Hackett, will all travel to the beautiful, historical town of Ramgarh Shekhawati to complete their residencies.

Sonya Whitefield, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for these artists to immerse themselves in another artistic community and draw inspiration from another culture – the art, the people, the places they will visit.  These residencies are about providing new learning experiences for our artists, as well as giving them a platform to showcase the immense talent and creativity Northern Ireland has to offer. We wish them all every success.”

Colette Norwood, Arts Manager, British Council Northern Ireland commenting on the opportunity said:

“British Council is delighted to continue to offer a series of artist residencies in India, in partnership with the Arts Council.  The festivals and Indian cultural organisations we are working with provide vital opportunities to celebrate our artists internationally.”