| Culzie | Date: Monday, 2013-03-11, 4:56 PM | Message # 1 |
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| Work to promote the rich cultural tapestry of Ulster-Scots is continuing,says Dr Bll Smith
Thirty four projects involving a total spend of over £1.5m are being taken forward with many more in the pipeline. Two projects have already undertaken,the digitisation of the Raven maps and the development of an Ulster-Scots tourism app,demonstrate how we can use modern technology to share and tell others about the rich cultural tapestry of Ulster-Scots. Other projects include a three-year archaeology project to unearth evidence of the lifestyle and contribution of Ulster-Scots settlers.
This comprises three digs,one of which was completed in Bangor,Co Down in October 2012 and two of which are scheduled for Co Fermanagh and Co Tyrone in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The previously completed dig generated extensive interest from UTV,the general public,young archaeological groups and local schools,from which over 300 children attended. A major study of Ulster-Scots musical traditions is also under way.
The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) - Ulster-Scots Academy first met on May 12,2011 and agreed to create a holistic development and research strategy for the Ulster-Scots sector. MAG provides advice to the Minister for Culture,Arts and Leisure on the strategic development of the Ulster-Scots sector and its remit includes rapidly building confidence within the sector by progressing projects under three streams of activity - Language and Lterature;History,Heritage and ulture;and Education and Research.
Within these work streams the priorities are to preserve,promote and advance knowledge and usage of all elements of Ulster-Scots language and culture,including the promotion of literature,creative and visual arts; highlight the Ulster-Scots contribution to social and economic development and political thought,in society and though schools and other educational institutions,and develop educational and curricular materials. The Academy also aims to build an infrastructure of knowledge and understanding which will enable others to build businesses,create jobs,nd improve the skills and employability of our young people,especially in cultural tourism.
Significant progress is lso being made on the language side. A spelling guide and glossary guide is soon to be published by the Ulster-Scots Language Society with MAG Academy support. On the education and research side a major three-year education and digitisation project is due to commence shortly. A Joint Education Task Force between the MAG Academy and the Ulster-Scots Agency has also been established to take forward an overall approach to Ulster-Scots education. Community engagement,educational impact and steps to address causes of poverty and social exclusion are central elements in all Academy work streams
The next major task is to take forward work on establishing an Academy
Implementation of these projects is part of a much wider programme being delivered by the MAG Academy Group. The dedication of Academy members together with he commitment given by the Minister of DCAL is making a positive difference to the future of Ulster-Scots and contributing to improved understanding of one key element of the society we live in.
Dr Bill Smith is the Chair of the Ulster-Scots Academy
Ulster Protestants consider themselves to be a separate nation. This nation they call Ulster
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