commentsfromsupporters

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

(statement signed)

Nigel Dodds MP for North Belfast

SDLP PRESS RELEASE

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has expressed concern at government’s decision not to provide funding for community arts centre Northern Visions which is based in the Cathedral Quarter area of Belfast. Mr Maginness, who tabled a question to Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín on the issue, said he was disappointed at her response and more needed to be done to protect the facility.

Northern Visions is Belfast’s only open access community and media arts centre. It has been established in the Cathedral Quarter for over 25 year Mr. Maginness called on the Minister to "urgently reverse the decision not to fund this excellent facility which has pioneered arts and digital media initiatives with hundreds of groups in some of the poorest communities in Belfast for over 25 years.”

Alban Maginness MLA, North Belfast , SDLP Press Office, Belfast

Carál Ní Chuilín MLA

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure

Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Causeway Exchange
1-7 Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7EG

3rd April 2012

Dear Minister

I am writing to you on behalf of Northern Visions TV and Alternative Ulster Magazine, two organisations who have both been unsuccessful in securing further core funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Both NVTV and AU Magazine make an invaluable contribution to the arts communities and creative industries of Belfast and Northern Ireland, providing jobs, developing specialised skills and bolstering local communities and the Northern Irish music industry respectively.

I have grave concerns that the loss of these organisations will create a significant cultural deficit at a time when we need to prioritise growing our cultural product. I am also concerned that failure to LOVE these organisations communicates a message that government and arms length bodies such as the Arts Council place a lesser value in community or youth based arts organisations, which have a broad appeal.

In a time when we are celebrating the success of events such as the MTV Europe Music Awards and Titanic Belfast, I fear that withdrawal of this core funding is a retrograde step, negating the historical support of government departments and agencies and posing a threat to the continued development of a vibrant arts and creative sector.

I urge you to give careful consideration to the impact of this decision and to fully support reinstating this core funding.

Yours sincerely,

Anna Lo MLA, MBE, MSc, Dip S.W. Alliance Assembly Member for South Belfast

I have worked with this company on many occasions and found them willing to tackle issues long ignored by the mainstream media, as a training ground for the new wave of non troubles media people it is an my humble opinion an invaluable resource.

Michael Copeland, MLA, Ulster Unionist Party, East Belfast

It would be a tragedy if this organisation was to close. As a community newspaper we have striven to report on issues that mainstream media just does not feel important enough to cover. Northern Visions does exactly the same.

Closing this organisation will have the same effect as closing the doors of the Public Records Office. We need Northern Visions to continue to cover and record the rich tapestry of life within our community, to help communities reveal the rich social history that we have.

Please do everything possible to ensure that the organisation is supported for the future of our communities and the people who live in them.

John McVicar, Shankill Mirror, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Northern Visions help and support to the surrounding community is invaluable. They are a driving force for many young and old in media training. Their encouragement and training offer individuals a platform to improve their skills and also encourages them to get involved in their surrounding community.

Without institutions like Northern Visions many people would not have a platform for further education. I feel very strongly about this and see that it would be a great loss to the community and to the future of many young, old, unemployed and people from working class backgrounds who may not otherwise be given the chance that Northern Visions offers them. In the economic current climate we should be encouraging more of what Northern Visions has to offer and not removing yet another valuable asset to our community.

I hope you will seriously consider this and see that closing Northern Visions does not simply mean the shutting down of a community based television network, but also the closure of doors and skill sets to those who need/benefit from it most. Regards

Sorcha Nic Eochagáin, Belfast Media Group

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to support Northern Visions need to access core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Over the last 25 years, this organisation has pioneered community and arts development by not only assisting groups and individuals find their voice and express their issues, but by documenting and archiving the changes that our society has witnessed.

Northern Visions has consistently offered groups and individuals the first opportunity to get involved creatively. Their film, screenwriting and editing courses have set many on the path to a career in the creative industries. Their projects have given individuals and communities not only an opportunity to learn new skills, but also the chance to represent their issues to a wider audience. In a world where media and broadcasting increasingly barely scratch the surface, Northern Visions always looked to the heart of the matter. And in doing so, they have charted not only the emergence of new talent and community practice, but the shifting landscape of our society. They have featured new musical talent, worked with new migrant groups to help tell their story, enabled older people to represent their issues and through the many films and discussion programmes, helped air the numerous and varied issues that affect ordinary people in this society.

As for community arts, they have been an advocate and promoter, filming and broadcasting events and facilitating projects for a host of organisations and offering training and support to others. Their recent film In Our Time, charts the development of community arts over 30 years. No other organisation could have made such a film because no other organisation has access to such a wealth of knowledge and material.

It appears it is precisely because of their multi-faceted work that Northern Visions are struggling to be core funded. Having for years been funded by the Arts Council, they were then moved to Screen NI for their core support. But, perhaps in recognition of the sheer variety of Northern Vision’s work, they were then once again advised to seek funding from the Arts Council of NI. At this point, their application for core funding has been unsuccessful. For our only licensed community television broadcaster, with 30 years experience of all aspects of community television production and programming; community arts support and project work; radio, script, film and video training and a host of other projects to be facing imminent closure is alarming. Strategies and policies must be able to support such varied work by offering core support. The asset that Northern Visions represents is too precious to be lost. The social history that they have archived makes this organisation an important custodian of our recent history.

On behalf of the community arts sector, I would ask that some solution to this funding impasse is found and that our political leadership recognises the asset that Northern Visions continues to represent.

Conor Shields, Community Arts Partnership

Preas Ráiteas

Tacaíonn POBAL le bunmhaoiniú Do Northern Visions

Dar le POBAL, scátheagras phobal na Gaeilge, tá bun mhaoiniú ina ghné riachtanach le hearnáil dheonach fholláin, chruthaíoch agus neamhspleách a chothú. Bhí an scátheagras ag tabhairt a chuid tacaíocht do Northern Visions, grúpa fadbhunaithe a cuireann rochtaínn oscailte ar fáil don phobal ar acmhainní na meán. Fuair NV amach ar na mallaibh go bhfuil deireadh le bun mhaoiniú ón Chomahirle Ealaíon agus ó NI Screen. Dúirt Janet Muller, Príomhfheidhmeannach POBAL, ‘Le blianta fada anois, tá Northern Visions ag soláthar seirbhísí luachmhar, ard-chaighdeánach don phobal. Eagras ceannródaíoch a bhfuil meas ag daoine air atá ann. Cuireann sé áiseanna na meán i ngleic an phobail, agus cuidíonn sé le grúpaí a gcuid eachtraí féin a thaifeadán agus a ceiliúradh leis a luchtanna leanúna féin agus leis an mhórphobal. Ar an dóigh seo, cuireann obair Northern Visions lucha breise le hobair na ndaoine eile sa sochaí seo. Gan bun mhaoiniú, cad e mar is féidir leanstan leis an tseirbhís agus leis an fhís aonair a sheachadadh? Ní dhéanfaidh maoiniú gearr thréimhseach tionscadail cúis. Tá tacaíocht fadthreimhseach de dhíth ar eagrais deonacha le bunaidhmeanna na heagrais a bhaint amach. I dTÉ, gan Northern Visions, cé bheidh ann le héagsúlacht agus le fuinneamh na sochaí seo a léiriú?

Press Release

POBAL supports core funding for Northern Visions

POBAL, the umbrella organisation for the Irish speaking community has said that core funding is an essential element in maintaining a healthy, creative and independent voluntary sector. The umbrella group was giving its support to Northern Visions, a community access arts and media group who have recently found out that their core funding from the Arts Council and NI Screen is ending. CEO Janet Muller said, ‘Northern Visions delivers high quality and value-for-money services to the community, and has done for many years. It is a well-respected, cutting edge unit which brings media resources into the grasp of the community, and allows them to document and celebrate their achievements to their own and wider audiences. In turn, this brings added value to the work of others in the community. Without core funding, how will Northern Visions continue to deliver its unique vision and service? Short-term project funding just doesn’t cut it. Voluntary sector organisations must be able to depend on long-term support for their core activities. Without Northern Visions, who will be there to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of this society?’

Janet Muller, Príomhfheidhmeannach. POBAL, Béal Feirste, BT13 2JF

This organisation has been very useful to arts and other projects over the last number of years with diverse projects and yet money is given to short term wasteful work that replicates each other. Surely it is better value for money?

Laurence Wright Engage with Age

Enabling communities to stand on their own two feet is integral to this Government's vision for the future. Northern Visions highlights excellent practice and helps equip communities to confidently contribute using digital media. Northern Visions is unique in doing this.

Councillor John Kyle. Belfast

Without NvTv, local history and stories like those below would have been lost or unrecorded, such as.....A collection of interviews made for Remembrance Day.... In this collection, veterans of World War Two talk about their experiences from the Normandy beaches to Slapton Sands to working on the Burma 'Death Railway' to being helped by the French Resistance to get back home after being shot down by the Luftwaffe.

Lyle Jackson, Belfast

Northern Ireland needs Northern Visions expertise in dealing with the legacy of the past. All parties agree that archiving the stories of Victims families and survivors is essential, who better to do this than Northern Visions. Please reconsider funding this community media group of long standing and their local knowledge skills base for this task.

Peter Heathwood, Victims & Survivors Forum, Killough, Co. Down

Please; this is a necessary tool for the whole community. NvTv is so important and so supportive.

Kym Lennon, Disability Matters North Down and Ards

As an organisation Belfast Orangefest unequivocally supports the request for the reinstatement of funding from Northern Visions, We have done business with them previously on several occasions and found the standard and quality exceptional. We further believe that they offer the community an access to digital media and community arts that would otherwise be beyond their reach, in conclusion Belfast Orangefest fully endorses Northern Visions request.

William Mawhinney, Belfast Orangefest Limited

Without the help of NvTv the regeneration of the Village area would not have been happening. They were instrumental in getting us media attention and without their support in this community we would not have a community now at all only for NvTv......Please, please reconsider their funding immediately.

Margaret Couchman, Windsor Women's Centre

We would consider the loss of funding for the services provided by Northern Visions as a great loss to our community in terms of providing a service to continue the valuable work that it has carried out in capacity building, providing a platform for serious discussion and engaging with disadvantaged individuals and groups within our area.

Elaine Mansfield, Donegall Pass Community Forum

Along with my colleagues I learned with dismay that Northern Visions might be deprived of funding. For many years now we have been in the happy position of seeing the emergence of so many talents in communities and the self confidence necessary to foster them along with an increasing willingness of public authorities to encourage and help financially. Particularly enriching was the dynamic and creative use of every modern means of communication to enliven and enrich them so that local communities could share their talents with each other and with society in general. This meant that we could never lose the particular genius that resides in local communities no matter how much globalisation takes place in every sphere of life. The loss of companies like Northern Visions would be a great loss indeed both because of the need for such community enterprise and because of their particularly open and creative approach and work. We have watched the ebb and flow of public support for our communities and what they can offer and are more convinced than ever that only by a free and open and confident exchange of abilities, talents, ideas, between local communities and the broader community, universities, authorities, parties can we enjoy the full enrichment of our society. We hope that Northern Visions will be enabled not just to continue its creative work but to enhance it to everyone’s benefit.

With every good wish, Sincerely,

Desmond Wilson, Chairman and Director, Springhill Community House.

Northern Visions has been extremely useful to our organisation over the years helping us to get essential messages out to our community.

Annie Armstrong, Colin Neighbourhood Partnership

This will be a tragedy if this funding stopped. Northern Visions is an unique organisation which has helped many small groups to tell their stories in an ever changing, digital media environment. These small groups do not have the finance it takes buy such up to date cameras, lighting and other equipment necessary to put their message across, not to mention the advice given by the very experienced staff at Northern Visions. I have been there and I would like to say thank you, to all the staff, for your help over the past years. There is no way our Ministers should allow this funding to stop.

Jennifer McNern, Member of WAVE, Belfast

Northern Visions was the best model for the first Media Centre established in Korea, ten years ago. Its community based and broad range of activities fundamentally inspired us to make our own model of local media here in Korea, where now there are more than 30 local media centers in major cities. We chose Northern Visions as one of the important case studies when we published research documents before the launch of Mediact. And that's why we invited Northern Visions to our International Seminar on the media center as a main guest. Also, it is our intention to study the work of Northern Visions in developing the brand new media policy for Seoul.

Therefore, it is surprisingly shocking that Northern Visions is unable to access core public funding any more.

In this commercial media abundant, but real community media practice insufficient age, Northern Visions should be not only sustained but also extended, mainly because the people at Belfast demand it be so, and also because even people on the other side of this globe recognize its value and have been really affected by its long-term commitment to the arts and community media.

Myoungjoon Kim, Mediact, Seoul, Korea

On behalf of the Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum...We the forum wish to express our disappointment at the closure of the Northern Visions studio...especially as it provided the much enjoyed and informative slots for us older people, also some of us visited the studio, this was a great experience for those of us who never encountered any media workings before. For those of us who would like to explore more of the media area, would the Minister suggest how we could go about this, as Northern Visions catered for the people! were in touch with the people! their doors were always open for the community...so what now!! from...

The Senior Citizens of the Greater Shankill, Senior Citizens Forum Belfast.

NvTv is a wonderful community resource which not only provides excellent content, interesting and informative programmes on a variety of issues - but gives a platform to many within our Northern Ireland community who would not otherwise have a voice. NvTv have been able to afford groups and individuals the opportunity to express themselves, gain experience and develop skills - what a shame it would be if this body of work was not recognised and an opportunity lost of it were not built upon.

Cathy Curran, Alliance Party

The African and Caribbean community has benefited from the professional services of Northern Visions for as far back as 2004. The work of NvTv is accessible for our youths to be engaged in media training. It has inspired some of our young people to pursue careers in media. Through Northern Visions we were able to air programmes and documentaries where our young people were able to speak up against racial hate and freely voice their experiences. This the most accessible organisation to provide a tangible media service to ethnic minority communities and people in disadvantaged communities.

Joseph Ricketts, African & Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland (ACSONI), Association of Caribbean Nationals (ACAN)

Dear First Minister and Deputy First Minister, May I formally notify your office of my disgust at the recent announcement that Northern Visions is to close as a result of the loss of essential core funding – perhaps the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure could explain why such a prominent and valuable film and arts body could be forced to close, on the grounds that it is neither a film nor an arts organisation!! Thank you,

Lisa Mackle, Belfast.

Both Colette and myself are in our seventies and with five others produce a programme 'Around the Block' every two weeks. We have covered many subjects which included health, living alone, volunteering, youth, music and our past lives. We have been stopped in Lisburn, Carrickfergus, Bangor, our local shopping centres and even in Limavady by people who have seen the show. We are helping the youth to understand the elderly and the elderly to understand the youth. Our programme is a window into many lonely elderly lives. We were like a friend visiting with news and help from the world on their doorstep. It is a platform to encourage and inform those of our age and younger to live a more active life, use their skills and their knowledge gathered over many years to improve their quality of life and the quality of life of others.

Sean & Colette McCaffrey, Volunteer Now, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Alice Johnston, British Deaf Association, Co. Down

Now more than ever diversity in the media is vital. And I'd be pretty sure NVTV never hacked anybody's phone.

Clare Hanna, SDLP, Belfast

Not to fund Northern Visions would be a very retrograde step. Their ongoing work is crucial to the artistic community and for a much wider community constituency. Northern Ireland needs Northern Visions and the comprehensive service they provide which is not available elsewhere.

John B. Vallely, Visual Artist, Armagh

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Alchemy Youth Theatre, Northern Ireland

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Dr. John Barry, Green Party of Northern Ireland, Holywood, Co. Down

The work and support that the great people at Northern Visions have done over the past 20 years has been very helpful to the thriving music scene in N. Ireland. Personally I am very grateful to have worked with the team there and I have no doubt that the professional performance videos that they shot for me did help showcase my music to a wider world wide audience, which in turn helped my career. I hope very much that Northern Visions can remain open and continue to help the every growing quality music scene in N. Ireland.

Ciaran Gribbin, INXS, Sydney Australia/ Castledawson

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Julie Cullen, An Munia Tober, Belfast

My band have benefitted from working with Northern Visions/NvTv over the years. We've helped each other and it would be a shame for such an important part of the local community to disappear.

Johnny Adger, And So I Watched You from Afar, Belfast

Northern Visions is an asset to Northern Ireland's multicultural community. The organisation allows for positive skills building and interaction for those from deprived communities. The closure of this organisation as a result of lack of funding will bare negative consequences for those most in need for its functions and facilitation.

Mairead Quinn, ArtsEkta, Belfast

Northern Visions/NvTv have been to the front line of community issues, when mainstream media declined to even acknowledge there were issues. Community safety debates and documentaries shown on NVTV in full. Editorial control in the hands of the community itself. Please consider the implications of withdrawing funding from this organisation. No independent voice, No independent vision, and No chance of hearing the whole story unedited from the mainstream media. Intervene Minister.....PLEASE

Sean Osborne, Belfast Film Festival volunteer, West Belfast

We know Northerns Visions from many years ago (near 15 years) and we have participated together in European projects and networks. We really believe at work this organisation is developing in Belfast and Northern Ireland from many and many years ago, and we have learnt a lot from their projects and methodologies. They are really pioneers in Europe and a model for a lot of other organisations around Europe and the world.

Carme Mayugo, Teleduca. Educació i Comunicació SCP, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Raymond Laverty, Inner East Youth Project, Belfast

Northern Visions have been creating opportunities for people in Northern Ireland's creative sector for a long time. I made a short documentary with them 15 years ago when I was just 8 years old and it was my first experience of cross-community activities - it helped me to understand prejudice between catholics and protestants and the effects it has on people and entire communities. It would be an absolute shame and disgrace if this organisation lost its funding because it does such great work in many areas.

Rhonda Masterson, Belfast

We have sub-contracted work to Northern Visions in the sensitive field of working with victims. They are unsurpassed in their sensitivity and the failure to provide them with core funding leaves us without a community media capacity to undertake such work in Northern Ireland. This is a very serious blow. I urge an immediate rethink on this.

Professor Marie Breen-Smyth, University of Surrey

Northern Visions is a vital community resource with professional standards. They deliver quality content, they provide an independent view on important current issues, and they open up opportunities in the media that often would otherwise not be presented to young people in disadvantaged areas.

Pól Deeds, An Droichead, Belfast

Northern Visions provides brilliant training and work experience for people. Belfast would be a grimmer place without it.

Méabh Toland, Belfast

Northern Visions has been a great supporter of community events and has helped to inspire thousands of ordinary people by covering local projects such as community theatre, anti racism work and local protection of the environment, to mention a few. In this digital age of communication it is worth reflecting on the Murdoch media empire, for example, to see where cuts should be made and then look at Northern Visions in order to protect the community empowerment and consciousness raising that this organisation carries out.

Flair Campbell, West against Racism Network, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. Age Sector Platform values the work of Northern Visions in representing the older person's voice in Belfast and further afield, through their high quality production and work with older volunteers. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.Yours sincerely, Alison McElhinney, Age Sector Platform, Belfast

Please don't let this important media outlet close it is a wonderful asset for the communities Educating and training is vital for our young people in the media.

Mary Enright, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Miriam Meda González, Red de Medios Comunitarios (Spanish Community Media Network)

With the support of Northern Visions I was able to create a 25 minute documentary helping celebrate 30 years of 'The Talking Newspaper' a charity for the visually impaired in Banbridge. Without their support and training this would not have been possible. They support our community in a unique way.

Siobhan Keegan, Banbridge, Co. Down

The CMFE encourages you to continue to support Northern Visions with the sums needed to put it on a sustainable long term footing.

The Community Media Forum Europe (CMFE) is a gathering of policy experts, non-governmental organizations and national community media federations that, since 2004, supports the participation of the Community Media sector in policy debate and decision making at the European and national level. CMFE has a total of 101 members from 25 European countries: 45 Individual Members and 56 Organizational Members, of which 26 are (National) Federations. Among its 18 affiliate members it counts also individuals and organisations from Africa, Asia and North America.

The CMFE has been working in collaboration with European institutions to raise the profile of community media across Europe and, in recent documents, the social value of the sector has been reaffirmed by the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on the role of community media in the promotion of the social cohesion and the intercultural dialogue, adopted by the Council of Europe on 11 February 2009, and the Resolution of 25 September 2008 of the European Parliament on Community Media in Europe (2008/2011 (INI)).

The Declaration of the Council of Europe, among other things, stresses its Members States about the desirability of:

“recognizing the social value of community media and examining the possibility of committing funds at national, regional and local level to support the sector, directly and indirectly, while duly taking into account competition aspects (point iv.a)”

The Resolution calls on Member States “to support community media more actively in order to ensure media pluralism” and “stresses the role that may be played by local, regional and national authorities in supporting and promoting community media by providing suitable infrastructure”.

Pieter de Wit, President, Community Media Forum Europe

Premier Ministre, Vice-Premier Ministre, Ministre de la Culture, des Arts et Loisirs,

La décision du Conseil des Arts d’Irlande du Nord et de l’Ecran d’Irlande du Nord de ne plus soutenir financièrement Northern Visions nous a profondément choqués. En effet, Northern Visions réalise depuis de nombreuses années un travail considérable de valorisation des quartiers, de médiation entre habitants, par l’audiovisuel de proximité.

Northern Visions utilise l’audiovisuel comme vecteur de création et d’expression des citoyens. En ce sens, Northern Visions se situe à la croisée des pratiques artistiques, audiovisuelles et sociales. Cette action est fondamentale pour le respect de la liberté d’expression des habitants, et particulièrement des citoyens qui se sentent exclus de la société, exclus des médias dominants.

Nous avons pu mesurer au sein de l’European Network of Participative Audiovisual, dont Northern Visions et la Fédération des Vidéos des Pays et des Quartiers sont membres fondateurs, que les pratiques artistiques audiovisuelles proposées par Northern Visions à la population de Belfast participent à l’amélioration de la vie communautaire et à la créativité des citoyens.

La Fédération des Vidéos des Pays et des Quartiers, qui représente 28 télévisions participatives en France, vous demande de prendre en considération le travail réalisé par ce centre des arts et médias numériques sur la ville de Belfast. De même, nous vous demandons de prêter attention à la La déclaration du Parlement européen (11/09/2008), à la Déclaration du Comité de Ministres du Conseil de l’Europe (11/02/2009), et à la récente constitution du groupe de travail de la Commission Européenne sur le pluralisme des médias qui sont une invitation forte, faite aux pays membres, de prendre en compte et de soutenir les médias associatifs.

La réappropriation véritable des médias par les citoyens, l’accès aux outils de création artistique audiovisuelle, d’expression citoyenne par l’audiovisuel constituent la prochaine grande mutation du monde des médias. Northern Visions a une avance considérable dans ce processus innovant. Pour toutes ces raisons, nous vous demandons de soutenir financièrement le Centre Northern Visions.

(First Minister, Deputy First Minister, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The decision of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen to no longer financially support Northern Visions leaves us deeply shocked.

For many years Northern Visions has accomplished a considerable body of work, to increase esteem for local neighbourhoods and support discussion between residents through the audiovisual medium.

Northern Visions employs the audiovisual medium as a means for creativity and citizen expression. In this sense, Northern Visions is at the crossroads of the applied arts, the audiovisual medium and society. This process is fundamental to the respect for people’s freedom of expression, especially citizens who feel excluded from society, excluded from mainstream media.

We were able to measure, within the European Network of Participatory Audiovisual of which Northern Visions and the Fédération des Vidéos des Pays et des Quartiers are founding members, how the visual arts practices of Northern Visions, made improvements to community life and citizen creativity.

The Fédération des Vidéos des Pays et des Quartiers which represents 28 participatory broadcast television stations in France, asks you to consider the work of this arts and digital media centre in Belfast.

Furthermore, we ask you to pay attention to the statement of the European Parliament (11/09/2008), the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (11/02/2009), and the recent formation Working Group of the European Commission on media pluralism, which are firm calls, made to member countries, to consider and support community media.

The re-appropriation of media by citizens, access to the tools to create audiovisual art, citizen expression through the audiovisual medium constitute the next great transformation of the world of media. Northern Visions has a substantial lead in this innovative process. For all these reasons, we ask you to financially support Northern Visions).

Thierry MICHEL, Le Conseil d’Administration de la Fédération des Vidéos des Pays et des Quartiers, Aix-en-Provence, France

Having worked in Mental Health Charities and supported clients to be involved in film projects, I can whole heatedly provide my support for Northern Visions. The important project regarding stigma and mental ill health would not have been possible without core funding. Please reinstate/ continue core finding in order to enable this important work.

Richard Lappin, Portstewart

I owe so much to Northern Visions, without it I would not be where I am today. I started as a volunteer at NVTV in 2004 and it is here through the help of its excellent staff and volunteers that I learnt many skills in television production and got involved in different communities in Belfast. From the experience I gained in NVTV I went on to work for local radio station Citybeat 96.7FM and now I work at the BBC in London. I ask you to please reinstate the funding for Northern Visions as it helps so many people in disadvantaged areas and gives young people an opportunity to get a foot in the door in the creative media sector.

Natalie Miller, London

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Marcus Patten, Hearth, Belfast

Please don't axe this vitally important resource for one of the few NI industries that is flourishing.

Eoin Cleland, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Avila Kilmurray, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

Northern Visions/NvTv are both arts and culture and much more. I have worked with them on various projects with included training young people in media skills. This is essential for young people. The young people who did the projects were from the Shankill/Ormeau Road areas. The training not only gave them skills but it increased their self esteem and communication skills and much much more. Their training was of the highest standards. This project needs support.

Sister Valerie Thom, Church Army

As a member of the Shankill Drumming Club I think it is vitally important to keep local media outlets like Northern Visions, especially to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure. I am sure that you are well aware that lambeg drumming has almost gone from Belfast, but NVTV has made promo videos from our club and another recently formed club in east Belfast to promote this in recent years' non existent element of our rich culture and tradition.

Thomas Wilson, Shankill Drumming Club

I have used and engaged with Northern Visions over a number of years and regard them as a very necessary component of the Community Sector and its need to understand and use media to enhance its work with local residents. We are very grateful to NV for a number of free recordings which have added to the impact of events we have run.

Jim Deery, Greater New Lodge Community Forum

The Friends of the Grove Park would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to Northern Visions for all their help with the video high lighting the decline of the area in and around the area of Lower North Belfast. We are very sorry to learn that the Funding for Northern Visions is being withdrawn and we hope the Deputy First Minister will reconsider his plans to cut funding to this very important organisation. Any work done for us was free of charge.

Agnes Junk, Friends of the Grove Park

Nous sommes consternés par cette nouvelle, à laquelle nous ne nous attendions pas du tout. A notre sens, Northern Visions n'est pas seulement pionnier en matière de TV de proximité/participative, mais aussi en coopération internationale. Nous sommes nous-mêmes membres du European Network of Participatory Audiovisual, et Northern Visions y est très actif. Ils y sont les seuls représentants pour le Royaume-Uni. Ils ont su se développer et être à l'initiative d'un réseau allant bien au-delà de ses frontières, se sont imposés comme des interlocuteurs fiables et forts, réactifs aux propositions des autres, et force de proposition eux aussi. D'un point de vue national, Northern Visions offre de nombreuses possibilités de professionnalisation aux bénévoles avec qui ils travaillent, une grande expertise en matière de formation, et de contenu; il s'agit d'une TV communautaire qui a su prouver son utilité sociale avec le temps. Northern Visions force le respect. Pour toutes ces raisons, nous demandons à ses financeurs de bien vouloir revoir leur décision.

(We are appalled by this news, which we were not expecting at all. In our view, Northern Visions is not only a pioneer in local TV/participatory media practice, but also in international cooperation. We ourselves are members of the European Network of Participatory Audiovisual and Northern Visions is very active. They are the only representatives for the United Kingdom. They were able to develop and be at heart of the network initiative, which goes far beyond its borders, they have established themselves as reliable partners, strong and responsive to the proposals of others, and in developing proposal themselves. From a national perspective, Northern Visions offers many opportunities for professional volunteers with whom they work, great expertise in training, and content, this is community media which has proven its social usefulness over time. Northern Visions commands respect. For all these reasons, we ask funders to please reconsider their decision).

Myriam Medoukali, Anonymal, Aix-en-Provence, France

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Maciek Bator, Polish Association, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Neal McParland, BandsNI, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Charlotte Dryden, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Rajni Sharma, Indian Senior Citizen, Northern Ireland

Please reconsider this descision as this project has been to the fore in helping assist community and disadvantaged groups from all sections of our community. To lose this group would badly affect the most vulnerable and needy who need the support of others through these austere times .

Liam McCann, Belfast

Talking to young digital/media heads, what I'm hearing is that you don't get such hands on experience with the relevant equipment anywhere else except at Northern Visions. Many media organisations including the BBC offer training courses for those interested in this medium but with VERY limited access to the equipment you need to succeed. With an ambitious target of some 15% increase in it's contribution to the economy from the Creative Industries, how is it imagined that that is to be achieved if we make it so much harder to get the training and experience.

CA McAlonan-McCrudden, Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Andrew Ferris, Smalltown America Records, Derry

As a former trainee with the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, I found the help, support, training and experience I gained whilst at Northern Visions, to have been some of the best available in Belfast. I spoke to other trainees at the time, who were posted to different companies, and while some found their trainee placements to have been helpful, quite a lot found that they were used more as secretaries or basic 'runners', with no real 'on the job', practical training given. And, none of those other trainees were given a fraction of the on-site, hands-on training we received. Northern Visions/NVTV is a vital, crucial organisation in a city with so much television production talent, and it is a disgrace that it is to lose its core-funding.

Séimí Mac Aindreasa, POBAL, Belfast

I urge you to reconsider this decision. Northern Visions is unique, in that anyone can receive practical training in current media practices, regardless of educational background or experience.

Corinna Askin, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Leanne Matthews, Old Belmont School Preservation Trust, Belfast

Not only have Northern Visions been prepared to come to the assistance of ethnic minority groups, women's groups and other people that I as a solicitor act for but they provide professionalism and talent to all they do. Britain states that it is important to have video journalists and those who can explain situations elsewhere in the world but are denying Northern Ireland the opportunity to have trained and talented people to produce a vision of the place.

Padraigin Drinan, Belfast

NvTv offers a hyper local alternative to the main broadcasters in Belfast. The stories that are broadcast just cannot be seen anywhere else and that is what makes the organisation special not only to Northern Ireland but globally online as well. Personally, I wouldn't have had as good a CV for becoming a multi-media journalist without the help and support of NvTv.

Dan P McCallister, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Northern Visions are the caretakers of the nation's memory. Nothing is more important - future generations need this. Do the right thing.

John Burgan, Newport Film School, University of Wales, Newport

I spent two years working at NVTV. It is not just a tv station or a media outlet... It is a heart that beats out the steady rhythm of communities who are at last finding their voices. It is the visual boombox for people who used to be invisible. Please do not allow this cultural, emotional, expressive cog to be dropped from the cycle of life in Belfast... Northern Visions is a living, growing, sprawling, raucous, sad, happy, crazy and irreplaceable furnace of creativity. Please do not put out this fire.

Patricia O Connor, Dublin, Ireland

Can twenty six years experience be ignored in a field that our leaders our supporting huge international companies with funding. Support our local industries they will benefit the community for the future.

Martin Carter, Lawrence Street Workshops, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

AI Williams, Alliance for Community Media, United States

Northern Visions has provided an invaluable service to the greater community. Its work in providing a voice for some and a window into the cultural traditions of Northern Ireland. Northern Visions were there when The Wedding Community play was performed which dealt with mixed marriage and ended on Good Friday. The Good Friday that saw the historic document signed Martin Lynch stood up in front of 300+ people and made the announcement. Stripping them of their funding does Northern Ireland a Great Disservice.

Amos Greig, Belfast

I am saddened to hear that finance for NvTv is under threat. I have trained & worked with many students who have been placed there. My involvement is under the NI Screen/ILBF scheme encouraging new talent in the media industry which the BBC supports. There are few opportunities to grow the talent base of craft & production skills in the province. To lose this facility will have a marked effect in bringing on more creative people, and stifle any resurgence in broadcasting here.

Michael Simon, Antrim

Because of the unique facility which Northern Visions is, I have learnt how to film and edit for not just TV, but other media as well. Being from the environmental charity sector, I would have been unable to afford the costly fees normally associated with these skills, however, NvTv has made this accessible to me.

They also lent me equipment for free, to film a project at the world's largest rainforest conservation effort in Indonesia and have given me free use of their facilities and services to edit this important piece of work. As a result, I am able to bring back the very vital message that we all must do something for wildlife and people in another part of the world, demonstrating how we are part of a global family.

I am very, very, very sorry to see funding being withdrawn from this wonderful community arts facility. During my time there I have seen numerous people - young and old - benefit from the services which they have provided, with utmost professionalism and care. I am deeply disappointed that this facility which attempts to give accessibility to all in this very exclusive and costly medium. With Northern Ireland taking off on the world stage, surely nurturing homegrown talent is what you want to enable us to participate in the burgeoning entertainment industry which we are rapidly becoming a part of. Many thanks

Stephanie Sim, RSPB, Belfast

Having been involved in the television industry for 13 years I understand how hard it was at the start to get a foot on the ladder and receive professional training. For the past 4 years I have been mentoring new entrants into the industry via the ILBF / NI Screen. Each student that has spent time at Northern Visions has significantly grown in technical ability and confidence - something that is desperately needed if Northern Ireland's industry is to continue growing and developing. I believe that Northern Visions is an essential organisation not only to providing developing within the craft but bringing the community together through storytelling.

John Carlin, causeAscene films

It let the communities see what work is going on in their own community and and let's every one see the hard work that is taking place which other TV do not report on.

Samuel Drake, Denmark Community Centre, Shankill Road

Total disgrace if funding gets pulled from Northern Visions, and you the government are meant to be promoting jobs for the youth etc etc.. many people who have vast experience in Northern Visions will not get the opportunity to train up younger people who have an interest in film making etc, if you paid less attention to your increases in your salary at Stormont and have the decency to save what is a vital service to Belfast and beyond it would suit you better!! So I hope you will review your intention to sever this vital company.

John McBlain, Spittin Comedy

Please save a very valuable media tool and a great training resource which helps to give often overlooked communities in Belfast and beyond a platform and a voice.

Chrissie McGlinchey, Belfast

I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded.

We have worked with Northern Visions over a number of years and believe that it is vital at a time of recession and when there is an emphasis on the use of modern technology as a basis for training and learning that a strongly community based organisations should be at risk of closure. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Neil Jarman, Director, Institute for Conflict Research, Belfast

NV have been recognised as ground-breaking film-makers for decades and been recognised as such with prestigious awards at a time when NI was predominantly a bad news story. These strengths have been maintained, developed and honed over the years and NV remains a relevant and responsive organisation firmly woven into democratic, creative community action. This is the stuff that has infused good community relations activity and has the potential to equip further generations with the confidence and know-how to participate in film-making in the future. It seems pointless and short-sighted to stop this process at a moment in time when NI is benefiting from better image and when film-making in particular receiving world-wide recognition. With appropriate funding, NV assures that this 'boom' can be inclusive of all sections and levels of the community in a way that no other organisation can. I encourage those with influence over these matters to act in order to ensure that equality in this area of the Arts is maintained and that the promotion of inclusive democracy continues to be facilitated by such a skilled and highly respected group. I firmly believe that this is a resource not to be squandered.

Dr Maggie Feeley, UCD School of Social Justice, University College Dublin

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding.

Margaret Gallagher, Media & Gender, Newport Pagnell

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding.

RUBEN FERRER ESCUDERO, ONDA POLIGONO, Toledo - España

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding.

Dr CP Lee, University of Salford, England

Did people not learn anything from having the MTV EMA's in Belfast? We need to have funding for places such NvTv which supports the flourishing arts in Belfast and this country. By cutting NvTv it's just a long list of cuts that's going to leave people a lot more disadvantaged in the long run, which includes all the people who will be unemployed as a result of this cut. AU Magazine is also the next to go. This is all such a disgrace.

Chris Steenson, Dungannon

Northern Visions has been a wonderfully creative tool and advocate for the community. We support their work and ask that the decision is reversed.

Paul Roberts, Ashton Community Trust

The television station is the first and only community terrestrial TV station on the British isles. On the European media scene it is an important model for establishing community television in the civil society. This operation is very crucial for the establishment of community television in the UK and Ireland.

Christer Hederström, Stockholm, Sweden

When the local swimming fraternity was campaigning to keep the Grove Leisure Centre open Northern Visions worked with us to produce a short programme to make our case. I can think of no other way we could have obtained this amount of media coverage, nor would we have had the technical capacity to do it ourselves. I am sure other organisations would agree that if Northern Visions was no longer in existence this would mean a loss of voice to the community and also remove an important training facility to skill up volunteers in media presentation and production.

Dr. David McConnell, Donegall ASC (Chair), Belfast

Northern Visions are a very professional, compassionate and committed team- please maintain their funding. They are unique and highly experienced in their work e.g. documenting the life and struggles of ordinary people living extra-ordinary lives.

Deirdre McMahon, Belfast

Northern Visions is a vital and essential community arts resource and I ask you to preserve it. Thank you.

Karin Taylor, Dance United NI

Please support Northern Visions!!! , So much wonderful Arts and Music come from Northern Ireland, that spread right across the world.

Alby Wilkins Sydney, Australia

Down through the years NvTv has proven itself to be a valuable community media asset to our group and other community organisations throughout North Belfast.

Frank Dempsey, Carrick Hill Residents Association

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership ton preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Samuel White, Lower Castlereagh Community Group (LCCG)

I am the Operations Director for SCCTV, a community media center in the USA. Our mission is very similar to Northern Visions and I cannot imagine how an organization that provides such an essential social service like community digital media and community messages is deemed not worthy of support. Please support this essential organization.

Ted Arbeiter, SCCTV, White Bear Lake, MN - USA

Northern Visions has provided a vital role over the past 30 years by capturing community arts & events in the form of digital media especially in disadvantaged areas. This is a vital service for the community sector.

Anne McVicar, Women's Tec, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Seamus McAleavey, NICVA, Belfast

Northern Visions' contribution to the media in Northern Ireland has been incalculable and it is literally impossible to imagine it no longer being there. It may not meet some arbitrary criteria but its achievements should speak for themselves.

Stephen Butcher, freelance Producer/Director, Ballymena

Northern Visions is a vital community resource, please intervene Minister.

Sean Kelly, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Support all media, music and creative industries in the North!!

Dermot McBride, Draperstown, Co. Derry

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding.

Jacqui Cochrane, Glasgow Caledonian University, Bo'ness, West Lothian

Northern Visions has been an excellent resource for the creative community both from a promotional and educational point of view. As a musician involved in various projects, my music has benefited from exposure on NvTv. This is a vital resource for Northern Ireland's musicians, writers and artists.

Rose Kelly, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Margaret Ward, Women's Resource and Development Agency, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Amy McGarrigle, Musician, Belfast

It's not enough to simply wash your hands and say that's someone else's remit. You are responsible for this organisation being caught in the middle and for helping them to find a solution. There is a way to operate that respects that we are all human beings who are entitled to a fair dealing from government and arms length agencies. At least open up a dialogue and find a decent way forward for this valuable organisation.

Kelly Anne Collins, Belfast

NV provided our organisation with accessible and affordable training in the Digital Media field, an area that private companies charge excessive fees. I would urge that funding for NV is maintained to allow the community & voluntary arts and media sector to continue having access to training and professionally skilled staff to assist them in their day to day needs. The closure of NV will create a void that no current media organisation (private, statutory or otherwise) can fill. I urge you to reconsider your decision.

Conor Mc Gale, Tyrone Donegal Partnership

Please sort out this policy confusion. Northern Visions tells the stories of those whom mainstream media overlook. It provides a vital service to local communities. Funding MUST be found to allow this crucial service in Belfast's cultural quarter to keep on operating and recording lives. If it goes what on earth will happen to its extensive and invaluable archive of Northern Irish life over the past 30 years of political conflict and a peace process and how that impacted on those most affected by the conflict?

Heather Floyd, Belfast

Northern Visions is a very important organisation for Voluntary and Community sector as it's been focusing on the heritage, current community arts issues from last 30 years. It has given arts organisations an opportunity to have debates, showcasing their work and also providing training opportunities to young in community digital media and have great arts resources. It will be a great loss to a community and voluntary sector if this organisation is closed down.

Nisha Tandon, ArtsEkta

NvTv provides vital training for someone like me, as a new-entrant to the TV industry, who wouldn't get the practical experience anywhere else in the way NVTV provides.

Méabh NicAlastair, Belfast

Northern Visions personnel have continued consistently to pioneer cultural creativity, communications, recording and archiving from (in my memory) projects in the dark days of the seventies and eighties right through to the wide-ranging production force that is the Northern Visions project today.

NV understands what is real and relevant in our artistic, cultural, social life. That is because NV itself is real and relevant, does real and relevant, captures our real and relevant and plays it back for us – and remembers it for our future. Incredibly, Arts funding support in Northern Ireland continues to shout out a bias towards elitism and grandiose frontages, at the expense of the pioneers and the pilots, the engine rooms and the steerage. It would be dumbfounding if our Ministry for Culture and Arts stands over this attitude and this particular decision: and it would be darkly ironic in the 2012 year of remembering and commemorating.

David Boyd, The Beat Initiative

Northern Visions have played a vital role within the community and they continue to do great work. It would be an absolute sham if they don't get the funding. Is this the "MAC" effect, cause we won't stand for it!

Helen Crickard, Belfast

As an entertainer, I fully support you in this matter, we must consider the effect this would have on young children, and children in the future.

Des Lee, Miami Showband

It's very disappointing to learn that at a time when digital media is on the up - and at a time when the barriers of entry for communities should be at their lowest - that two of Northern Visions' normal funding streams have pulled the plug. Skilling up communities to tell their stories is a key part of a shared future in Northern Ireland. Telling and sharing the stories of marginalised groups, older groups, interface communities, special interest groups should be part of enriching our understanding of each other. At a time when the UK government is wanting to develop the mostly overlooked community TV sector, it is a disappointing that Belfast's existing community TV station and digital media centre is facing closure. I'd call on ministers across DCAL and OFMdFM to work with arms length funding bodies to ensure that no stone is unturned in assessing whether Northern Visions can be kept going as a viable and valued community asset.

Alan Meban, Lisburn, NI

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Colin Elliott, Live Issue Gospel Group

I'm very grateful to NVTV and presenter Sean Green for having been invited to appear on the Irish Connection Country Show in August 2011. This kind of programme is showcasing Northern Irish talent, whilst the major broadcasters such as BBC and UTV are giving a platform to acts from abroad at the expense of our own talent. Not only should this kind of programming be funded, but it should be given greater funding to reach a bigger audience than it does already.

Daniel Shutt, Coleraine

Northern Visions is a great organization that very much helped me on my way into my chosen career - which is working in media and arts industries in Northern Ireland. While with NvTv I was lucky enough to see some of the fantastic work they do in giving people who would not normally have the chance to try media skills, receive them. They give a hands on, personal approach and are definitely deserving of any funding they have ever received, and should continue to receive in future.

Ande Gray, NiStars, Belfast

As an unsigned artist who has been recording and releasing music locally, self financed for over 20 years, this type of organisation has been invaluable in helping me gain exposure. This has been achieved by the making of videos and the promotion of said videos that feature my music. I find it appalling and disgusting that the funding they rely on is being taken away. These are people who try to do good in the name of this country and when we ably spend millions every year helping those who won't help themselves, for example, the policing of the annual rioting season...well, it's just disgusting that money is taken away from those who seek to do well.

Regards,

Geoff Topley (aka Team Horse/Cruz/Shadow Valley/Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra) Comber Co. Down

Northern Visions has been of great support to the local community of musicians through various filming and screening of their work, including mine. Their support is invaluable and this is only a small part of the greater work they do within the local communities. It allows access for groups to various forms of media which they would otherwise have difficulty being involved in. Please help support Northern Visions and prevent its closure.

Richard Davis, Belfast

Northern Visions/NvTv were passionate about the NI music scene long before we became the back-patting darlings we are today and the corporate vampires realised there was a buck to be made. The decision to remove their funding nudges us one step closer to the typical NI scenario of the wrong people doing the wrong jobs. Julian Simmons hadn't heard of the term riff and confused it with rift live on air recently. The south gave us Father Ted, we get Give My Head Head Peace.....ends.

Rory Lavelle, Indigo Fury

This is an important service in grass roots campaigning and coverage, providing training and support for young people. At this particular time we need these organisations more than ever.

Hugh Odling-Smee, Belfast

This organisation means a lot to to the Belfast people and to shut it down is a real shame!

Jarlath Smyth, Andersonstown, Belfast

Northern Visions has been doing work of the highest quality involving all communities in Northern Ireland for many years. We should all be proud of its energy, vision and pioneering work. Please do all you can to ensure it survives and thrives.

Laura Haydon, Belfast

My organisation has utilized the services on NV on numerous occasions and they have been invaluable to the c/v sector.

Gary McKay, Job Assist Centres, Greater Shankill, Belfast

Stop whittling away our outlets for creativity away from your mainstream sources.

Tony Wright, Belfast

This organisation deserves to be funded.

Gillian Magnall, Belfast

I would like to add my support for NVTV as they have provided invaluable support over the years for community and charity events. They also provide a valuable platform for upcoming talent in the world of media and the arts.

Gill McNeill, LifestyleGreen

If this was purely a Catholic or Protestant cultural organisation, this cut would not be happening, and there are many influential people ready to say so in the media.

Eileen Fegan, Newry Co. Down

As a media PhD student I had the opportunity to do some very useful software training with Northern Visions and without them it wouldn't have been possible.

Laura Santos Lopes de Aguiar, University of Ulster

Work of this kind serves to help give voices to people who are often not heard, and to showcase the strengths and potential of people, young and old, from communities in most need. To do this work well, involves the cross over between arts, culture and film, this adds value to all the elements.

Louise Little, Giants Community Foundation - HEROS Programme

As a professor who has for over three decades charted developments in the community sector in Northern Ireland I am well aware of the work of Northern Visions and have indeed worked closely with them on a number of occasions. As a result, I can verify that their support has been crucial on many occasions to community groups and organisations seeking to build their profile, improve their confidence and propagate their message to a wider audience. When Northern Visions began, the media was already a foreign place for small, struggling community groups, backed by wealth and often monopolised by multinational firms. Getting one's message out through such channels was at best very difficult, and even then one was frequently relegated to following the patterns, fashions and decision making process of these large organisations. Northern Visions has been different - committed to community empowerment, existing to help community groups put across their message professionally rather than imposing a corporate message on them. For that reason, I am convinced it would be an absolute tragedy if they ceased to exist. I urge those who can influence or make decisions in this regard to ensure that they continue to get the funding necessary to keep on doing their job.

Bill Rolston, Belfast

Please save NVTV. They gave me the training I needed to have for my career, and as a school-leaver I never thought I'd ever have one! And I now run my own business all thanks to the training NVTV and Northern Visions gave me.

Ray Lawlor, Belfast

I have had contact with Northern Visions for over 5 years, and have the greatest of respect for the group, its work, and its achievements. NVTV is an exemplar of community TV, and the nation should be supporting them to the utmost, and helping them in the transition to digital broadcasting.

Fred J. Perkins, Information TV Ltd

The UK's last remaining local analogue TV channel must be saved!

Frank McGowan, Bad Pony Media LTD/Bad Pony Television, Glasgow

So much more important than politics - and (especially) politicians.

Roger Worrod, Bussigney, Switzerland

This would certainly be a great loss to Northern Ireland and the rest of the community in the UK who enjoy this community channel.

Anne Cannon, The Peppermint Apes

NVTV has helped so many people in Belfast and the greater Belfast area gain vital work experience and it has prepared people for job opportunities in media that they would not get otherwise.

David Kennedy, Belfast

We want this to continue its a great program

Patricia Barkley, Co. Antrim

As a long term professional with specialisation of visual education and experience at both second and third level It cannot be stressed enough that the input to Northern lives by coverage NvTv and the open exposure to ordinary citizens within and emerging from a dysfunctional society cannot be swept under the carpet after 20 years archiving ......exchange between Dublin /Cork/Belfast and should be maintained.... Stormont minds its own too well......not actually able to relate to the public ...too busy promoting the self and the Titanic "lets ride on the back of the dead" it's all profit ...for once let it be about the people.......inequality...well you have done that now ... every one of you

Mo McDevitt, Studio 23 Trust, Dunmurray, Belfast

Its ok to crush community and the Arts, raise unemployment but is ok to take an above inflation pay raise for yourselves. Then wonder why people have no respect for you. Wise up do the right thing for once.

Leigh Stirrup, Ards Comedy Club, Kircubbin, Co. Down

Save Northern Visions!

Fearghal Mulligan, Belfast

NvTV are a great help to local musicians like myself, giving them a platform to showcase their music. It would be massive shame if they were not to continue due to funding issues.

Conor Mason, Derry

This is the year that Belfast is supposed to shine. There seem to be more lights getting put out than lighting up. The money that went into the Titanic campaign should have went to creating something new and wonderful for us to be proud of. Not something that failed. Time to shine, we are dimming at a fast rate..

Richard Crothers, Panic Dots, Lisburn

Please reinstate funding for Northern Visions TV. I've watched a large number of their documentaries, particularly about communities, diversity and the arts, and I found them extremely well made and hugely thought provoking. You don't get this kind of TV elsewhere. Public TV has an important role to play in the development of a society, particularly a post conflict society as ours. Please do what you can to reinstate their funding.

Eamon Quinn, Holywood, Co. Down

After 30 years I find it amazing that Northern Visions no longer fits the so called remit. I plead with the powers to be to think again. We are talking pioneers here. With Northern Visions being the only one of its kind in N. Ireland surely The Arts Council should be bending over backwards to ensure it continues.

Barry Woods, 4x4 Production&Post, Greenisland Carrickfergus N.I

Please reinstate Northern Visions funding.

Damien Carroll, Louth

It baffles me that a digital media and arts centre does not fall within the remit of the Arts Council. Facilities such as this are an artistic necessity.

Chris Irvine, Belfast

Over the years Northern Visions has been an inspiration and constant source of help and encouragement to our Group. To find out it has been under threat of closure, due to underfunding, seems such a tragedy. Northern Visions have worked tirelessly with many diverse Groups over the years and have brought, not only a much needed resource to loads of different Arts Groups, but a genuine archive of the social Arts in Belfast. The Belfast Youth & Community Group have benefited from their help in different ways over the years and have lately had them make a documentary of our Groups work. The Belfast Art scene would be so much poorer without them.

Sinclair Dowey, Chairman Belfast Youth & Community Group

Northern Visions has become a true NI institution. The integrity of this organisation and the people behind is huge. Decades of skills and experience and fantastic mentoring which has helped many many people on their way in their careers will be lost..! Not all organisations or projects fit into narrow boxes - that doesn't mean that should be space and support for them. One should be judged by one's actions and impact, not on a box-ticking exercise at a distant office!

Sophie Rasmussen, King Street Arts

I would like to add that I am completely shocked by the news that funding has been cut for Northern Visions. I have always regarded NvTV was one of the greatest projects of the 20 years in the arts sector. They also helped along the way to get back into my career as a musician. I know many people who have had the same experience as me with the hands-on mentoring.

Joby Fox, Belfast

There are four community television channels on this Island. Each is a precious and rare resource for their community, operating to enrich the community experience, celebrate its achievements, provide a means to deepen and enhance identity, and to strengthen linkages across the Island by networking with other channels. Losing such facilities will have an immeasurable impact on the positive development of our communities North and South. Northern Visions has provided example and been a key support to the development of community media, it should be maintained.

Margaret Gillan, Community Media Network, Dublin

It is imperative that we have community digital media and arts resource - especially at times of hardship. Giving a voice to those who otherwise are denied it is a foundation of decent societies and a creative outlet for energy that when blocked finds expression in other forms of destructive rage and dissent. When money can always be found for endless wars DO NOT remove the small funding it takes to give our communities and young people especially, a creative voice, skills and extensive training.These are the foundations upon which we build our culture in the next generation. Please reinstate the core funding for Northern Visions.

Allan Gildea, Film maker, Actor, Associate Teaching Fellow Queens University Belfast.

As a member of the Miami Showband , a band that has been ignored by the mainstream television for 36 years I am writing to ask for your help This station is talking for and to the local people that the major company's have over looked, they reach all sides of the divide, it is a service that is still needed,

Gerry Brown, Miami Showband

Northern Visions has produced an extraordinary record of a range of community arts work over the last 30 years -a record which, I would suggest, will be of long-lasting historical importance both in Ireland and internationally. It has helped many struggling community-based organisations and individuals to get their voices heard and is capable of doing much much more in the future. Its website index alone helps explain how it explores and documents Belfast's cultural life. The loss of such an invaluable resource would be a tragedy.

Geraldine Moriarty, Manchester

Northern Visions has fought hard to shape the local public service broadcast license that will form the bedrock of local digital TV in the UK. Those responsible for looking away from Northern Visions have clearly been blind to the significance of NvTv throughout the UK, in bridging links between Scotland and Ireland (north and south) for community programme exchange and across Europe in providing the UK's best practice demonstrating the confidence of communities able to take control of their own media representation.

Dr David Rushton, Director, Institute of Local Television, Edinburgh

When I came to work in the North it was soon apparent that there were key, independent organisations making exceptional, creative and community-based interventions that contributed significantly to the experiences and futures of people facing the long haul of living in a society in transition from conflict. Northern Visions has been one of these organisations and its contribution has been far greater than the sum of its excellent projects. Over the last decade our research in communities facing the harsh legacies of the Conflict, the persistence of violence and the severity of economic marginalisation has demonstrated the necessity of external support for community-founded initiatives that provides the bedrock for resistance, change and confidence. This is particularly so for the lives of children and young people. To be frank, it is inexplicable - astonishing - that Culture, Arts and Leisure can consider it appropriate to allow independent organisations with the track record of Northern Visions to go to the wall. Some irony that at a moment when hype and investment surrounds the 'celebration' (rather than memorialisation) of those who died below decks in tragic circumstances a hundred years ago, there is even contemplation to end the outstanding work of an organisation committed to working alongside those who today would be consigned to steerage class.

Professor Phil Scraton, Queens University Belfast

At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded.

Rory Friers, And So I Watched You From Afar

This is a great venture that deserves funding

Gareth Fitzsimons, Belfast

Every time I watch NvTv I am always impressed by the quality and innovation of its programming. Northern Visions takes an in depth look at a variety of arts and culture subjects within Northern Ireland. In the process it is creating a unique social document of NI in the 21st century. Many of the other commercial TV networks within NI do not have the time or remit to pursue these subjects in detail. For this reason alone I implore you to restore Northern Visions's funding so that it can continue its important work in recording the diversity and rich heritage within Northern Ireland.

John Mathews, Belfast

I have seen personally how Northern Visions make a real difference to the people coming through its doors, and I have met many of them years later working in the industry and making a positive contribution. Without training and encouragement from Northern Visions, this may not have happened.

Brian Philip Davis, Belfast

Please do not underestimate the transformative qualities that training in media can provide. Particularly with big-budget television productions such as Game of Thrones being filmed here, the more training given to local people in this field, the higher their chances will be of finding employment in that booming industry. Additionally, since Terry George's Academy Award success, the world will now be looking to us in a new light. Every opportunity for media training, as well as recognising the significance of giving local people platforms from which they can express themselves, should be taken.

Many thanks for your time.

Paula Blair, Dundonald, Co. Down

Talking to young digitial/media heads, what I'm hearing is that you don't get such hands on experience with the relevant equipment anywhere else except at Northern Visions. Many media organisations including the BBC offer training courses for those interested in this medium but with VERY limited access to the equipment you need to succeed. With an ambitious target of some 15% increase in it's contribution to the economy from the Creative Industries, how is it imagined that that is to be achieved if we make it so much harder to get the training and experience.

CA McAlonan-McCrudden, Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co, Belfast

I have been presenting & producing programmes for NvTv since the station began. While other TV organisations are cutting down on local programming, Northern Visions was the only TV station that supports all sections of the community and gives all community groups a voice. Northern Visions is also the only local media organisation to support and promote the arts and gives the arts excellent coverage.

I know Northern Visions is well supported by viewers and am told on a regular basis from viewers how much they enjoy the station. On a number of occasions I have also been told by employees of the BBC how much they enjoy the station and have been told that they wish BBC could be more like NvTv.

I will be very sad if Northern Visions has to close down as I know the amount of hard work that everyone involved puts into the programme making.

Robin Elliott, Volunteer, Belfast

NvTv is a valuable resource.

Vinny Hurrell, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Karen Smyth, Musicworks NI, Belfast

This organisation has introduced many individuals into the world of media related practices. An industry that is often hard to get into and that has brought much recent business to Belfast. Such organisations are rare to find these days that have such a pivotal relationship with the 'local' community of Belfast. Unlike other local organisations they allow access to an open and friendly learning environment through their volunteer system.

Louise McBride, Belfast

I spent years as a volunteer in Northern Visions learning key skills to enable me to progress into a career in the media and I now hold a full time position for the BBC. NvTv provide key opportunities for young and old people to learn how to make programmes and contribute a huge amount of creativity and positivity to this country. To think funding could be cut for a such a key resource is extremely saddening and I fail to see how this could not be stopped.

Linzi Corr, Belfast

Being a volunteer at Northern Visions has been instrumental in my career change. I started volunteering as a presenter in 2007 and in 2009 I had enough experience to take a career break from my full time marketing job and start to take freelance presenting work. Without NvTv I could not have done this. NvTv is vital to the community for many reasons and I hope you will reconsider the funding decision.

Cate Conway, Belfast

Northern Visions does important work in the community and helps generate careers for young people in the cinema/media industry. The fact that the new MAC Arts centre is receiving a large block of funds should not mean that smaller arts organisations that are the life blood of the local arts scene should pay the price by having their funds cut.

John O Neill, Belfast

I would not have got my first break in film production (which resulted in the first short film I made using Northern Visions supplied camera equipment being accepted in both the Belfast and Foyle Film Festivals), and my resulting productions for BBC Worldwide, BBC NI and UTV if it were not for Northern Visions. Please reconsider your decision to cease finding for what is a major part of Northern Ireland's arts movement!

Stephen S Bradley, Newtownabbey, N. Ireland

An organisation such as this, which has contributed so much to the community and cultural life of this city should not have to tick boxes. That is all.

Grainne McCann, Belfast, Co. Antrim

I have worked with Northern Visions in the past and find their work and style of work amazing. Without an organisation such as this would deprive not only Belfast, of such a talented organisation, but also current and future generations interested in partaking a career in media.

Joseph Smyth, Belfast

Please reconsider the decision made to pull the funding for this valuable community resource.

Maria Caddell, Belfast Feminist Network

I just don't believe it! I am a very proud Irishman & was born & grown up in Belfast in very hard times. I promise to mobilize everything I can to prevent this from happening!!

John Charles Breen, Niedersachsen,Germany.

Keep arts alive.

Christine McMillan, Bushmills Antrim Northern Ireland

NVTV has helped so many people in Belfast and the greater Belfast area gain vital work experience and it has prepared people for job opportunities in media that they would not get otherwise.

David Kennedy, Belfast

Northern Visions has helped us a lot over the years. They are very enthusiastic about promoting new and existing music in Northern Ireland. We fully support what NvTv are doing our music community and hope to see them continue to operate for many more years!

Ciaran McGreevy, Mojo Fury

Northern Visions has been the most valuable community video resource in NI since I can recall. Losing it would impact greatly on the communities, groups and individuals who use it. It's also been the springboard for many successful careers in the media industry, providing legitimate experience and professional resources. That its future should be in doubt is disgraceful.

Dave Johnston, Miracles Production Ltd, Belfast

We want this to continue its a great program

Patricia Barkley, Co. Antrim

Please?

Richard Hodgen, Bangor

NV is a well established, cornerstone of the artistic and cultural infrastructure of NI. Therefore a vast amount of accumulated learning and experience gathered by NV is being cast aside. To withdraw its funding indicates a complete lack of strategic thinking and future planning from ACNI.

Jo Egan, Freelance Theatre Practitioner, Belfast

About three years ago, NVTV interviewed myself and number of other bloggers with a view to exploring the value of social media and the contribution bloggers / blogging can make to our public discourse. NVTV put together a regular series which drew in a range of views and opinions, and I felt the resulting package was very professionally produced and edited. The team at NVTV provided a strong public service not only by examining the benefits of social media but also in finding a novel way (at the time) to present political & public policy issues before a local audience. Based on this experience, I would say NVTV is providing a vital community-based service and is deserving of central government support.

Geoff McGimpsey, Belfast

It is just a ridiculous situation, Northern Vision has filmed so many topical, cultural subjects over the last 27 years that cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland for the enjoyment, information and future reference point for everyone. One of the 2 funding bodies should take responsibility and stop side stepping, we need to hold unto this valued identity for the ones employed here, the volunteers, the students and the public.

Joyce Anderson, Lagan Boat Company NI Ltd, Belfast

I think it would be an absolute shame if NvTv had to close. They hold many training courses for people at low rates, as well as a course and work experience that myself and others on my internship have access to, and without NvTv how are trainees like us suppose to get access to hands on technical training with use of camera, sound and editing as well as access to the right software and equipment. While placed in the bigger companies, you would never get the chance to come near this equipment, which in turn means you never get to learn and expand your technical experience leading to less of a chance of finding jobs in the future because of lack of experience. NvTv help and promote those who ordinarily don't get the chance, they are a huge advantage for the public!

Holly Ni Ghrada, Tobar Productions

For Belfast to lose the one broadcaster which has consistently produced in depth and quality documentaries on the arts, culture and communities of Northern Ireland would be an absolute tragedy. Their work is the biggest single record of our work and that of many other arts and community organisations. This is an investment in our future, our present and our past - in other words it is who we are.

Will Chamberlain, Belfast Community Circus School

With NvTv we used to be ahead of the times; whereas without them, we will fall sadly behind. NvTV is being penalised for being at the cutting edge, and therefore falling neatly into existing categories. Surely this is the way forward, and NvTv should be rewarded (not punished) for its radical philosophy.

P A Mag LOCHLAINN, Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association

The Creative Industries are the future for Northern Ireland and too much concentration is being paid to the people who already have money rather than the grass-roots businesses who need help to survive. They alone can portray the correct voice of all of the people.

Nikki Thoms, Belfast Roller Derby

Please do not let us lose this brilliant local tv stn

Mary McNamara, Belfast

The training, skills, resources and experience I gained at NvTv was so valuable to the career path I have taken it would be a shame if others could not also have the same opportunity.

Katie Larmour, Belfast

This is shameful. These people have worked selflessly for decades and have a huge body of inspiring work to show for their efforts.

Alistair Reddick, Belfast

NvTv gave me a platform to get my work shown and helped me develop and improve my skills. I am now in a position where I am earning my living in London using skills that where greatly enhanced by my experience working with NvTv. The music scene and film scene in Northern Ireland has been the best it has ever been but slowly and surely more and more funding is being withdrawn and there is less support. If this continues then the scene will once again return to the dark ages and that would be a complete shame.

Gregg Houston, Babysweet, London

Disgusted!!!

Lexy Higgins, Co. Down

We will so much miss this channel as it keeps us in touch with Belfast.

Kathleen Barclay, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry

Please support this valuable community resource.

Mary Connolly, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Sharon Regan, Sharon Regan Art, Donaghadee, Co. Down

We brought a group of 10 young people from a disadvantaged part of Leeds for an extended visit to Northern Visions last year because we had heard of the great work that they had done over the years.

Staff and young people were equally impressed with Northern Visions and went away feeling inspired and energised. It feels an absolute tragedy that, in these difficult times, rather than extending the support for these hard-working pioneers, government should be cutting the core funding that enables the work to thrive.

We really would hope that you would re-consider your decision and realise that it is not about where organisation 'fits' in terms of the arts structures - but rather about the impact it has on people's lives.

Adrian Sinclair,Heads Together Productions, England

The work of Northern Visions is extremely important for the cultural & artistic community of Northern Ireland and should be supported by DCAL.

Brian Vallely, Armagh Pipers Club

Surely, surely their funding is a no-brainer!!

Ronnie Graham, Galway Media link

I started my own company a year before NVTV and I feel I have developed alongside it. I have worked with the people there, engaged their facilities, watched many careers in this industry develop having had a start with it and, I enjoy watching the programmes. Much of its output maybe community based but as so much involves films about the arts, how can this possibly be out of the remit of NIC and ACNI?? Either both organisations need to re-think this or DCAL needs to step in.

Micky O'Neill, Spoton Film & TV, Belfast

I have sung and been interviewed on this station and it has been very helpful towards my career.

Heidi McCaffrey, United Kingdom

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Alexander Komissarov, Saint Petersburg Polytechnical University in Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Northern Visions provides a community voice that would otherwise be impossible to hear. If you shut them down, you are putting a pillow over allowing peoples voices to be heard and supporting local talent.

Will Maloney, Belfast

I have just been interviewed for a Northern Visions project on the gay rights movement in Northern Ireland from the 1970s onward. I am saddened to learn that this project may never be completed due to the cancellation of funding for Northern Visions. NV has carried out very important work in the last three decades, work that will simply no longer be done if NV ceases to exist. I urge you to find the funding to support this work.

Dr. Douglas Sobey, Belfast

I hope to take a course at Northern Visions during the next round of training. Northern Visions is a very important resource, and I've been told, the best training available in Northern Ireland for film industry careers. I really hope the funding will be reinstated.

Niamh Scullion, Bright Club, Belfast

This is an exceptional community initiative that has survived 30 years of political and economic changes. It deserves to, at the very least, have the opportunity to have its funding continued until the digital tv bids are completed.

Cahal McLaughlin, University of Ulster, Castlerock

Northern Visions have for many, many years provided skills and resources which not only contribute to securing our history but have also acted as a vehicle for cross community co-operation and understanding at both an individual and collective level. The continuance of the organisation is of extreme benefit to all of us and every effort should be made, even in this dire economic climate, to ensure it is supported.

Jim McCorry, Belfast

Northern Visions should not be penalised for addressing multiple policy targets: Government has recognised the importance of addressing issues in a cross-disciplinary fashion. Northern Visions delivers outcomes that meet a number of policy agendas including community arts, heritage, social exclusion and economic development. Mechanisms need to be found urgently to ensure that, in times of financial stringency, funding bodies do not externalise their required budget cuts by reducing or ceasing support for organisations that are perceived to be peripheral - not because they are not meeting agreed targets but because their activities address policy priorities across a number of Government Departments. I appeal to the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure to address this matter from the perspective of 'joined up government'.

Geraldine Wilkins, Belfast

This community digital media and arts centre is so important for the community and should be supported with core funding.

Kellie O Dowd, Belfast

Please save this fantastic service

Feena Tóibín, Belfast

Do you feel safe with just the BBC and commerce creating memes?

John Wright, Green Action QUB Student Society

This is an important asset to this place, it is professional and delivers essential service to those who appreciate it.

David McCann, Coalisland

Community media is foundational in the maintenance of an educated and involved electorate.

Bruce MAgers, College Access Television, Fort Wayne, Indiana. USA

I have done TV presenting with NvTv covering Belfast Fashion Week.

Rebecca De Havalland, Dublin

NvTv and in particular Kick Out The Jams have been unbelievably supportive to me as an artist over the last 6 years or more. The first session I did for Kick Out The Jams brought my band to the attention of promoters etc. in a way that we could never have afforded to do on our own. I believe the service provided by Northern Visions and its shows like Kick Out The Jams are invaluable to the community as a whole and definitely to the artistic community in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Stevie Scullion, Belfast

I have benefitted greatly by working with NvTv. It is a super organisation and deserves to continue the fantastic work it is well known for.

Simon G. Mc Gowan, Holywood, Co. Down

Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure we ask you to preserve the only community Digital Media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland. We have worked with NvTv, Community TV company in the past and found them to be very supportive.

Ger, BANNERBOY, Dublin

I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded.

Gordon Hamill, Craigavon Trades Council

I love NvTv . It would be such a loss to Belfast should it have to close down. A wonderful antidote to regular TV channels and an authentic digital vision, voice and archive for Northern Ireland.

Angela Ginn, Belfast

I urge you to reconsider this move. “A Million Bricks” - a powerful documentary produced by my husband Frank Martin and Seamus Kelters, simply would not have been made without the financial and practical support received from Northern Visions. Part of their ‘Hometown’ scheme, it told the story of West Belfast’s last ‘mixed’ street which came together in the optimism of the 1960’s and was torn apart by the Troubles. It was premiered at the Waterfront Hall and picked up and broadcast on UTV. It was very well received in the press and screened at the Cork Film Festival and the ‘Made in Northern Ireland’ filmmakers showcase in New York City. The film was also nominated for a Belfast City Council Arts Award. Made on a shoestring budget yet good enough to represent Northern Ireland on an International platform! It is just on! example of the breadth and quality of work that Northern Visions has helped bring into being.

Northern Visions is unique. For almost thirty years, it has played a huge part in our cultural lives and has been a place for everybody. And it has given value and worth to the many people who have felt that they were unheard, overlooked and utterly marginalized. It has also kick started and enhanced the professional careers of many film makers and other artists.

To lose such a valuable resource, the training, archived material and NvTv community channel will be like erasing part of our lives.

Maggie Cronin, Belfast

It is surely deplorable that such a situation should arise when Northern Visions is needed more than ever before.

John Gray, Author, Belfast

This is a great shame. To my understanding the visual arts in NI should do three things, 1. They should make money/provide employment 2. Entertain people 3. Create an archive of local stories for future generations.

Whilst blockbuster programmes / films made in NI such as Game of Thrones and Your Highness have been a fantastic boost to the local industry of late, it's all been worthless if we're not re-investing in telling our own stories and creating our own archive.

To me Northern Visions/NvTv is an essential organisation, as essential (in its own way), as any HBO series. To destroy everything it has worked for will be seen as one of our greatest shames in future years. No-one wants that as their legacy.

When people in 20, 30, 40 years time want to see how this generation lived it will turn to NVTV's archive. BBCNI and UTV certainly aren'! t creating enough local output to fulfill this role (unless you count the news).

Northern Visions/NvTv has been the voice of a generation in NI and I know that many charities, community groups, support groups, musicians and artists have really appreciated a microphone and camera being pointed in their direction so that their voices may be heard and their stories may be told. I urge you not to take that away from them. Or from us.

Damian McCann, Belfast

The work that Northern Visions is doing for their community is imperative to the health and growth of an engaged community. By the breadth and scope of all of their achievements along with the dedication of those involved, it would be a travesty to lose such a worthy organization. They have an International standing because of their great works and I strongly urge you to reinstate their funding.

Erik Mollberg, Access Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana USA

I wholly support the activities of Northern Visions in its efforts to provide work and positive community activities in disadvantaged areas. The opportunity to bring people together to do good works, develop friendships and address the digital divide must not be wasted.

Patrick Haynes, Scored Eleven, Scotland

Northern Visions cover stories and record history that no other media group are happy to cover, it would be a huge loss to Belfast if Northern Visions were to be closed. A lot of history would be lost as well as stories. The work that the station does with up and coming artists would be a huge loss also. If Northern Visions closes it would be tragic.

Nuala Ní Scolláin, Béal Feirste

In the year when £100million is being put into a golf course that will only be used by the rich and famous surely we can find some funding for an organisation that has help thousands of people get their views, music, organisation, good causes and filmmaking to a wider audience.

NI Chart, Belfast

I find the arrogance of the funders breath taking, if not surprising. Film festivals and Arts venues abound, usually designed for and inhabited by the middle to upper classes. Projects such as Northern Visions are one of the few outlets for communities, which are generally disadvantaged areas, to tell their stories and document their realities. This has always had enormous value but in the times that are in it, that value can only increase. The campaign must be successful. The funding must be secured.

John McCusker, Belfast

I have worked in NvTv, Belfast as a volunteer editor of documentaries reflecting life, culture and visions of Ulster. It was 2 years great experience and I have met their great professionals, members of the community, artists. It would be an immense loss - if Northern Visions will be closed - because of the funding shortage. Let's help keep this spirit of NvTv alive for the community and people that will live here after us. Thank you.

Maxmilian Nemec, MAVYFILM, Belfast

This organisation is so important - if we honestly believe that economic renewal will involve expertise and proficiency in the new technologies Northern Visions has a huge role to play in ensuring that grassroots communities have equal access to economic renewal.

Andree Murphy, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Billy Hutchinson, Mount Vernon Community Development Forum

It would be a significant loss to the arts and community sectors across Northern Ireland if Northern Visions were to close after nearly 30 years - WheelWorks has benefited greatly from their services in recording our work, particularly with young people from cultural and ethnic minority communities. Knowing that Northern Visions is available to document and promote our launches, projects and other ventures provides us with a great low cost, community based tool despite our limited marketing resources. It also raises public awareness at a community level of the work being carried out with marginalised young people and the issues facing them, which may not otherwise be heard.

Lucy McCullagh, Belfast

At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded

Kathleen Neil, Vice Chair, Connswater Community & Leisure Services Ltd, Belfast

I have worked with Northern Visions for over ten years, delivering practical training for community groups and voluntary organisations who, otherwise, would not be able to access professional help. I have seen how this changes individual lives and group empowerment. Please don't let this stop.

Anne Cadwallader, Journalist, Belfast

At a time of austerity, the arts seems to be the first to suffer, but should not be disregarded as some form of luxury. It is a key economic driver which is all too often sacrificed forgetting everything we wear, use, sit on, listen to, watch etc is manufactured by this important trade. Health & Education may take priority, but there has to be something to live and breathe for. Help Northern Visions get back on their feet.

Stephen Taylor, Dundrum

Keep Northern Visions! in fact it could do with more funding to expand and go digital and show the world one of the greatest city!

Paul Sewell, Belfast

I would be very sad if it had to close due to lack of funding, it is a very valuable community resource.

Marian Duggan, Dublin

The department of culture etc, is constantly telling us how beneficial the work which they promote is, in helping to address the problems of loneliness and social isolation amongst older people. Perhaps the department should look at again at what they say!!When they have ceased to provide funding, which has I am in no doubt created more loneliness and social isolation by the withdrawal of programmes which provided light relief from the daily grind of old age.

Maryann Quigley, Belfast.

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Lord Diljit Rana MBE, Andras House Ltd, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Paul Doherty, The Vals, Belfast

For many years they have supported and promoted the local music/arts scene in N. Ireland. All of us need it!

Fabrizio Antonelli, Mosciano Sant'Angelo (TE), Italy

Dear Ministers, I call upon you to reinstate the core funding for Northern Visions. I am currently employed at Windsor Women's Centre in the Village area of south Belfast, Northern Visions/NvTv were instrumental in highlighting the dire housing conditions in this area of multiple deprivation. Working in partnership with the Village Housing Focus Group Northern Visions/NvTv documented our protest campaign, listened to the hopes and dreams of people within the Village area and gave the community workers within this area a voice which would otherwise have been censored.

The work Northern Visions completes is vital to promote a healthy and diverse voluntary and community sector. Films highlight the positive work throughout Northern Ireland including documentaries focusing on the problems of our youth, ethnic minorities, women, poverty and deprivation. This channel gives a voice to those who feel both disadvantaged and dissassociated from mainstream society. We in the women's sector call upon you to reinstate this vital funding. Sincerely

Ms Joanne Smit, Windsor Women's Centre, Advice Department, Belfast

This is a great shame. To my understanding the visual arts in NI should do three things, 1. They should make money / provide employment 2. Entertain people 3. Create an archive of local stories for future generations. Whilst blockbuster programmes / films made in NI such as Game of Thrones and Your Highness have been a fantastic boost to the local industry of late, it's all been worthless if we're not re-investing in telling our own stories and creating our own archive. To me Northern Visions is an essential organisation, as essential (in it's own way) as any HBO series. To destroy everything it has worked for will be seen as one of our greatest shames in future years. No-one wants that as their legacy. When people in 20, 30, 40 years time want to see how this generation lived it will turn to Northern Visions's archive. BBCNI and UTV certainly aren'! t creating enough local output to fulfill this role (unless you count the news) Northern Visions has been the voice of a generation in NI and I know that many charities, community groups, support groups, musicians and artists have really appreciated a microphone and camera being pointed in their direction so that their voices may be heard and their stories may be told. I urge you not to take that away from them. Or from us.

Damian McCann, Belfast

Is grúpa pobail ceannródaíoch iad Northern Visions agus obair tábhachtach déanta acu le teilifís phobail, le healaíona pobail agus le traenáil grúpaí pobail thar tréimhse fada. Sampla molfach don gheilleagar sóisialta agus grúpa pobail eiseamláireach atá ann i Northern Visions agus ba tubaiste mhór dá dhruidfidís mar gheall ar easpa maoiniú. Cad is fiú bheith ag labhairt faoi thábhachtach an gheilleagair sóisialta agus an ‘big society’ má ligtear do Northern Visions bas a fáil. Caithfidh maoiniú a fháil do Northern Visions leis an togra tábhachtach seo a coinneáil beo.

Northern Visions is a groundbreaking community enterprise which has done important work with community television, community arts and with community training over a long period. Northern Visions is a great example of a social economy project and an exemplary community organisation and their closure for lack of funding would be a great tragedy. What is the point of Government promoting the social economy and the ‘big society’ if organisations of the high calibre of Northern Visions are allowed to go to the wall. Proper funding must be found to ensure the Northern Visions to continue.

Fergus Ó hÍr, Raidió Fáilte, Béal Feirste

I feel Northern Visions should have its funding reinstated as it is an excellent film and television training facility for members of the community with an interest in film and the arts and for those aiming to embark on a career in film and television production. It is also an essential social outlet for a large number of community groups and individuals. The closure of Northern Visions would be an immense loss to the development of Belfast as a creative and cultural centre.

J NicLochlain, Belfast

I think stations like NvTv are as much needed in the community, as much as the national television stations are. I have seen things about old Belfast on NvTv that would never be shown on any other station.

W.Cunningham, Ireland

I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. I am part of a very successful local charity www.disabilitymattersnda.co.uk. Over the years we have needed the professional assistance of Northern visions and their assistance has enabled us to launch professional accessible information guides; disability information days and accessible fashion shows - the help that has been given has always been very effective and NVTV has enabled the charity to launch and promote things that would otherwise be impossible. For the first time there is to be a disabled art exhibition at Castle Espie (the WWF centre in Comber). This is a public arts venue but it was virtually impossible for a mobility impaired person (even with assistance), to get around the centre. never mind record images. Mobility scooters are now provided and for the first time there is a disabled art exhibition based on images record by a mobility impaired individual. NVTV were able to help with promotion through film ... THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING FOR THIS COMMUNITY FACILITY IS NECESSARY!!!

The ADF and ADAPT are about individual artists and providing information ... Northern Visions is different because it is community orientated. Funding is very important for the good of Northern Ireland...

Kym Lennon, Disability Matters North Down & Ards, Bangor

At a time when the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is advocating community based work in disadvantaged areas, it is a tragedy that an organisation of nearly 30 years standing, which has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion should find that they too, are excluded. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Kamal Salem, Arabic Speaking Association, Belfast

Their work with thousands of young people and schools is particularly important. Two of my children have been involved in Northern Visions/Cinemagic joint projects and the experience had motivated them and helped them in their future academic and personal pursuits. Colleagues in the voluntary sector have also found the Northern Visions team unbelievably helpful - always going above and beyond to make projects happen. A tremendous resource will be lost.

Siobhan Dignan, Belfast

As a community newspaper of 30 years' standing, and the forerunner/founder of the community-owned radio service Heartland FM (now established 20 years), we strongly urge all involved to secure the future of this inspirational community-based Northern Visions endeavour. At this point of potential burgeoning, when our media and our cultural and civic experiences could be widely enriched through programme exchange among myriad genuinely local services, the silencing of this voice from across the Irish sea would be nothing short of a tragedy.

Brendan Murphy MBE, Highland Perthshire News, Aberfeldy, Scotland

There are few vehicles able to amplify and exemplify aspects of our shared future as well as community media and arts. It should not be too difficult for Sinn Féin and the DUP to look at the needs of their respective working-class communities and accept that this is the case. Please re-consider any apparent necessity to downgrade or disable this vital community resource.

Michael Bennett, Belfast

I hope you will take the long view on this and support Northern Visions. It can do nothing but good for Northern Ireland and I don't think they're asking much to stay afloat. All the best with your decision.

Dean Langasco, I Love Mondays Ltd, Belfast

Northern Visions helps keep me in touch with Northern Ireland.

Alexander Drennan, Newmarket Ontario Canada

Completely annoyed by this decision not only did Norther Vision document in D.V.D but train our young men and woman to express themselves in a positive manner , but give us oldies a chance to say how it was by Our Generation which is now giving the political people the lead to talk and take our work forward , stupid decision

Mina Wardle, Shankill Stress & Trauma, Belfast

Partisan Productions would like to offer its support to Northern Visions and ask that you seriously consider how you might come to a solution to the funding impasse which the organisation finds itself in. Northern Visions has offered a unique opportunity for community groups and organisations to document their lives and express themselves through digital media for almost 30 years and the catalogue of material is an invaluable record of the detail of experiences both during and post conflict. It has pioneered community digital media and community arts with hundreds of groups in socially disadvantaged areas or at risk of social exclusion and that they should be faced with exclusion and closure is an indictment on the decision makers concerned. How can we justify the closure of an organisation with such an extensive and invaluable archive of Northern Irish life, political conflict and a peace process over the last 30 years not to mention the skills that they have transferred to individuals who would not have had the opportunity anywhere else. They have also been an advocate and promoter of community arts, filming and broadcasting events and facilitating projects for a host of organisations and offering training and support to others. Their recent film In Our Time, charts the development of community arts over 30 years and is a testament to the struggles and successes of community arts over the years. I would urge you to carefully consider how to ensure that this invaluable asset to Northern Ireland does not disappear.

Karen McFartlane, Partisan Productions, Belfast

Northern Visions has supported the work of New Lodge Arts through including 'Festival goes to the Waterworks' an initiative delivered by Belfast Children's Festival and New Lodge Arts and various other community-based projects. They provide a very important service to the community that would not otherwise be provided.

Katrina Newell, New Lodge Arts, Belfast

I am a foreign national, who is married to a local man and I have lived in Northern Ireland since 1996 - I have come across Northern Vision many times and it is an essential organisation that gives communities a voice. Please take a close look at the work of Northern Vision and keep the core funding in place. Best Regards,

Barbara Boyle, (Translator/Interpreter/Tutor for German/Business German), Bangor, Northern Ireland

I feel you would be making a big mistake in not funding Northern Visions any funds this next financial year as I don't agree that they are neither film nor arts! When I volunteered there I found that a lot of programmes made their supported and promoted the arts as i edited some of these programmes. NVTV also gave me opportunities and insight that universities could not, they allowed me to concentrate on the particular field I wanted to concentrate on and offered me experiences in other fields if I was interested. They were there for me when I needed help.

Michelle Cosheril, Belfast

I've done several short film courses at Northern Visions and I'm aware of the contribution they make to low-budget film-making on this island. I know they also make a great contribution to their community in Belfast and I'm aware of the high regard people have for them because of both of these facts.

Howard Linnane, Cine-Cafe, Dublin

Northern Visions gave a voice to those who could not be heard and access to those who were denied by the mainstream media.

Stephen Mullan, Belfast

Such a shame to axe funding to a community project like this that is seen world wide and is a great asset to Belfast. I hope you reconsider.

Paul Verstraeten, Bristol, England

NvTv has been nothing but a positive creative force for independent LOCAL comment and recording of local social events be they artistic or community based events or gatherings, events that the other larger television companies just have not the time or inclination to dedicate a lot of time to covering or documenting.

Paul Currie, Premium Circus

As a young aspiring film maker, I spent two weeks at NVTV over one summer, and in those two weeks i learnt the required skills for any young person walking onto a film or television set. The caring, skilled and high passionate staff took myself and two groups of young people through everything from lighting to camerawork to interviewing skills and film law. Without these two weeks of training (for free) I would not be in the position I am today to be able to create my own short films using advanced equipment and techniques I wouldn't have learnt if it wasn't for this amazing organization. They always offer the community opportunities to learn, express themselves and create a cross community border. I am extremely saddened to hear NVTV is in this position and I hope as a young person my leaders will realise that they are in fact harming the community a great deal and I will be very disappointed in my own government if this were to happen. NVTV have given me nothing but great opportunities and experiences I would hope I can continue to work with them and help my community with them.

Ellen Mc Lean, Belfast

I have seen the difference the arts can make to communities which feel there is nothing to hope for or be passionate about - arts of all kinds are always the first sacrificial lamb in any reduced economy, but they are so vital. Politicians, please look closely at this decision, you could change so many people's lives for the better.

L.Cullen, Bellanaleck, Co. Fermanagh NI

Northern Visions has provided varied cross community cultural programme that is well worth saving. It will be a tragedy if it is not saved. It has provided an imaginative varied projects for the community of all ages and for those especially who are disadvantaged. Please do something to help save them.

Lynda Walker, Belfast

I am a Polish National who has been living in Belfast for 8 years. I just want to say that Northern Visions seems to be the only organisation in Belfast where you can introduce your idea for a project/film and they will provide you with all necessary equipment and professional advise and help you make it happen. NVTV gives voice to the public. I cannot imagine it could be closed.

Jakub Swiderek, Belfast

I have been to a journalist course in the centre and found it extremely well run and professional. As someone who considers themselves Irish and from a rural area it give me a unique opportunity to visit and interview people from East Belfast. It let me see that people are the same wherever you go. That couldn't have happened without organisations such as Northern Visions.

Chris Donaghy, Moy

It would be an ill-advised decision to close Northern Visions. It not only provides a vital service to the people of the North but is a significant ambassador for community media interests. I first became aware of the project twenty years ago when I met the founders at a media conference in Edinburgh while I was working for the Scottish broadsheet newspapers and for Broadcast magazine. They were then and remain to this day the byword for quality community broadcasting in the North. They remain the key contacts for those interested in digital media and art resources in Belfast and beyond.

Bert McCann, Dingle ROI

Worthwile organisation whose main objective is giving under represented groups and people a voice in their own community.

Sorcha Nic Giolla Mhuire, Belfast

Have enjoyed watching this for a while now, and am fully behind keeping this TV station going. Many Thanks :) xx

Marc James, Marc James Entertainments, Norwich

Please reconsider the decision to remove Northern Visions core funding. The work they do in providing a voice for marginalised communities is vital for Northern Ireland. The training they provide is an excellent example of a media culture that should be championing and nurturing indigenous talent. Have a rethink on this one guys. If your commitment to advocate at a community level in disadvantaged areas is true then cutting Northern Vision's creative throat is not the way to go about it.

Yours in shock and incredulity,

Amanda Verlaque, Producer, Verlaque Films, Belfast

Total Disgrace the way Government treat people.

I support this call to reinstate the funding for Northern Visions core funding.

SHAME ON YOU.

May Galbraith, Belfast

Northern Visions have been an invaluable resource for independent production companies within Northern Ireland. They have provided training that has enhanced the skill base within the television sector. Furthermore, many of the issues within communities across all sectors of Northern Ireland (especially minority voices) are featured on a daily basis on NvTv. The filmmakers within Northern Visions are skilled and sensitive to their needs. Many of these voices are never heard on the mainstream TV stations. This is a tragic loss to the cultural fabric of Northern Ireland and should not be allowed to happen. Northern Visions is part of the lifeblood of the creative industries here and must be saved.

Eamonn Devlin, Triplevision Productions, Belfast

Northern Visions is the finest example of community arts operating within Europe. Because of a funding quirk and gross incompetence displayed by both the Arts Council NI and Screen NI, one of the finest organisations in Northern Ireland is threatened with closure. Northern Visions has been at the mercy of each of these funders for quite some time, with neither accepting responsibility to adequately fund NV to the extent that the company has been passed from 'pillar to post' since both the above funders started playing politics with a well-loved, respected and culturally unequalled community arts facility - I had the pleasure of spending a day there recently and was truly amazed what the organisation offered the community of Belfast and the country itself - reaching out to all sections of society and age demographics. Giving them a voice and a worthwhile stake in their own communities.

NV's history and legacy is unsurpassed and it's current plight is a disgrace that reflects shamefully both on you Minister and your department - I urge you to rectify this problem immediately and keep NV in existence with proper adequate funding. And for once realise the value of community arts as a building block for a civilised society and a better future

Eddie Singleton, Art in Action, Bootle, Liverpool

I hope Northern Visions core funding will keep running for many many years to come because they all work extremely hard & it would be a tragedy to loose such a great community.

Justin J Grant, Belfast

Northern Visions/NvTv makes an invaluable contribution to the community and allows access to information and training unavailable elsewhere. It's an organisation worth encouraging, especially for its artistic, non-sectarian bent.

Rachel Austin, Dunmurray, Belfast

I think it would be a real shame to the music and arts industry if our only stepping stone here in Northern Ireland is closed that being our on line internet support for all our music friends it has become a big part in helping us all in our careers,I for one would like NVTV to continue the great work it does for us all in the industry,Good luck to Sean and all the all the team for their ever lasting support to us, SO LETS KEEP IT GOIN???,

Kathy Kane, Ballymoney, Co Antrim

I have been working in film and television for 13 years now, and Northern Visions gave me a great start to my career. They gave me both technical experience and advice that I have used throughout my career. I was very lucky to have this guidance, I hope that this decision is reversed so that many more people can be as lucky as I was - and also that communities across Northern Ireland continue to benefit from the work of Northern Visions.

Nick Emerson, Belfast

The work of NVTV does not fall under the remit protection of either the art's council or NIScreen and is an essential live archive of the province's heritage. It is also an opportunity for professional training, as well as enabling representation to big society. There is nothing quite like it.

Andrew Luke, Belfast

This is a base at the heart of the community, if you take this away you may as well take the community away. I've only been once to the NvTv Belfast, but I seen the brilliant work that they do. All friendly staff and could not do more to help you. i support Northern Visions with all my heart as of the amount of great community projects that runs in this place is amazing. Close this down you wont just be closing down a building but closing down people's lives

Thomas McDonald, Portrush

Arts and Culture are more than the big showpiece theatres with expensive seats and gala nights; this cultural organisation is working in all areas of Belfast and involving people in activities with new and developing technologies. it would be madness to let this close.

Maddy Bridgman, Co. Down

Northern Visions has been a great advocate for cross-community projects and brought the news to the general public in a very professional way. I know how difficult it is to survive business-wise in this economic climate, as I am a Teacher of the Enneagram (Personality System) which I bring to cross-community groups, and am finding many of those groups no longer get funded. In theory, our local government supports 'cross-community/cross-cultural' projects. Please give financial support to Northern Visions, so they can continue to help our community, embrace diversity.

Moya Morris, Belfast

Northern Visions has been of great support to the local community of musicians through various filming and screening of their work, including mine. Their support is invaluable and this is only a small part of the greater work they do within the local communities. It allows access for groups to various forms of media which they would otherwise have difficulty being involved in. Please help support Northern Visions and prevent its closure.

Richard Davis, Heliopause, Belfast

In the year of the Titanic anniversary and after all the hype of the MTV awards when Belfast is looking forward rather than back it is a sad reflection on our politicians that they do not have the vision to see that the positiveness about our great city has come from the arts. Wise Up.

William Maxwell, Time To Be Proud Records Belfast

Culture is the backbone of society. It makes that people stay involved and keeps them building the future for our kids.

Ben Rubingh, Circomundo, the Netherlands

Please listen to us, it is vitally important that this great organisation is retained. With many thanks.

Roisin Newman, Co. Down

Northern Visions and NvTv not only need saved but need your full backing. For years, they have been the only REAL video producers who give a voice to the minority and let the people speak without agenda. It would be a tragedy to lose this important voice for many reasons. Also, the training there has offered many a crucial footstep in their career they would not have gained elsewhere (including myself!). Save NvTv!

David Jardine, Belfast

We need NVTV, to continue to develop local talent in its current form. It will be a big loss to Belfast and Northern Ireland at a time when we are being watched globally and Northern Ireland providing facilities for international film and tv production. Most importantly, when the Government is granting local broadcasting licenses, with Belfast as a chosen city, NVTV is an essential media platform to continue to nurture and develop local talent in front and behind the camera.

Thomas Slattery, Volunteer, Belfast

How about we invest in the art, film, television and music culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland at large rather than throwing ourselves at the quick tourist buck with the titanic festival (or the "Festival of Death" as it has now been dubbed) and the so called pieces of artwork littered around our country. Why are we importing our culture when the one we have is so much more rich and colourful. Shame on you DCAL, SHAME.ON.YOU!

Simon Valentine, Belfast

I had the pleasure of visiting and being interviewed at the studio upon a visit to Belfast in 2009. I was amazed at the work and the services they provide to the surrounding community. Please reconsider the decision to stop funding Northern Visions as their services are critical in helping to give a voice to those who otherwise might not have the opportunity to share their stories. Thank you.

Lauree McArdle, Arlington Independent Media, USA

I have been blessed to present a once monthly country music tv show on nvtv and I'm so sad this has come this with all the hard work everyone does on the station I went to them with a tv show idea and they gave me my break in tv 2 years on and I'm still doing the show with great reaction from the viewers all over the world.

Sean Green, The Irish Connection Country tv show

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Siobhánn McKeating, Womens Support Network, Belfast

No more attacks on community initiatives in the Cathedral Quarter. Community projects keep the community alive.

Gerard Stewart, Socialist Workers Party, Right To Work Campaign and activist at The People's Bank

I am a student who is currently over studying in Glasgow but I come back home each summer to Belfast. Northern Visions offered me a place on their documentary course two summers ago when I couldn't find work anywhere else. I found the experience extremely valuable and the people were all brilliant in teaching me different media and production skills. I will always remember the amazing time I had and I am ashamed that my Government is cutting funding to this organisation whose purpose is to provide opportunities for the community.

Peter McLoughlin, Belfast

It's a complete disgrace that an organisation with the integrity and experience of Northern Visions is having funding withdrawn. The unique contribution Northern Visions has made and continues to make to the arts community and the community as a whole needs to be acknowledged and supported.

Petesey Burns, Belfast Youth & Community Group, Newcastle, Co. Down

Northern Visions has been a key organisation in affording potential media talent their first opportunities in the sector. After 30 years in production, and providing support to those who need to be heard, they should not be dismissed so easily. Please stop being so unimaginative with tax payers money. Invest in your homegrown talent.

Wendy Blemings, Co. Tyrone

economic downturn - yes, reduction of funding for much needed projects - no

Clayton Stewart, Belfast

Northern Visions is an important asset, it must survive to help keep us in touch with and learn from each other.

Colin McGookin, Dromara

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding.

Anthony McCann, Hedgeschool21 CIC, Bangor, Co. Down

I actually can't believe Northern Visions have been left in this situation. When we look back in years to come for records of the social history of Northern Ireland that includes the voices of the marginalised, it will be thanks to the work of NvTv that those records will exist. If your departments cannot see the value of that then I despair at what you think it is important to spend money on. I only hope that the massive outpouring of support for NvTv will make you realise you have made a terrible mistake and the best course of action is to reinstate their funding.

Kellie Turtle, Belfast

We need community arts to help raise awareness of social issues not covered by mass media / private interests. State support needed to balance things out!

Fionn Fitzpatrick, FemSoc NUIM, Ireland

I FEEL NORTHERN VISIONS REALLY SUPPORTS AND NURTURES UP AND COMING TALENT, BUILDING A LEGACY FOR FUTURE OF MEDIA & ARTS IN NI...

Cathy Martin, Cathy Martin PR, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Michael Mormecha, Mojofury, Millbank Studios

A huge number of the media industry community owe their career to Northern Visions. So many working in the industry including successful production companies and producers had their first start in Northern Visions. The organization allows individuals to train and be creative in the digital arts, whilst allowing them to find their own voice and more importantly the opportunity to fail, dust themselves off and try again, something that happens nowhere else.

More importantly Northern Visions gives a voice to those who have none in our society. It has worked vigorously in cross community and diversity projects. Over the years they have influenced the lives of thousands by getting involved in communities, giving them a voice, showing them how the arts and creativity can lead to dialogue, community spirit and change.

Finally, Northern Visions has provided a snapshot of Northern Ireland's community over the past thirty years. Its archive tells the story of our past and present beyond the stereotypes presented in the media. They are the stories and lives of ordinary people, our true history which will be lost if it closes. Can the Ulster Orchestra who are given huge amounts of arts funding every year boast such importance? I think not.

I hope you can support Northern Visions in its hour of need. Thank you.

Dean Hagan, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim

Tá Northern Visions an-tabhachtach in earnáil na meáin chumarsáide go háitúil - tá ról laidir a imirt acu i dtaca le scileanna a fhorbairt i measc Gaeilgeoirí óga.

Máire Nic Fhionnachtaigh, Raidió Fáilte 107.1fm, Belfast

The valuable work of NV in documenting and showcasing the work and impact of the Community & Voluntary Sector across NI. Supporting the up skilling of the NI Creative Industry sector is a recognised policy priority and an area where NV offers a creative solution

Stephen McGarry, Belfast

Please give the people back their voices. Community media is the only way we have to make our visions known. I hope you restore this valuable community asset.

Marie MacDonald, Athol Orange Community Television, Athol, Massachusetts, USA

I THINK THAT COMMUNITIES CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT CO-ORDINATED MULTI-CULTURAL EVENTS WHICH NORTHERN VISIONS OFFERS TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, IT WOULD BE A GREATER COST IN THE LONG RUN THAN THE PALTRY SUMS INVOLVED IN FUNDING EXISTING EVENTS.

Gerry Collins NICS

I wish to lend my support to Northern Visions in their desire to continue their extremely important, creative and valuable work. I urge you to please continue to support them.

James Rea, Belfast Bohemian Productions

As a musician working in the community and representing NI abroad we depend on the work done by organisations like Northern Vision. Please support them.

Fil Campbell, Rostrevor, Co. Down

Please help your communities.

Maud Kerr, Belfast

This is an absolute disgrace on the government's part. Here we see yet another discouragement of those most vulnerable in order to make up for the mistakes of those greedier in this society. I find it utterly appalling that this would even be considered. The work and skills that Northern Visions offer the community are invaluable! Shame on those who see otherwise. Le dea mhéin,

Sorcha Geoghegan, Na Croisbhealaí Worker's Co-op

I received invaluable training in NVTV that I used in my current job constantly. It has for years quietly been training the NI media industry (of which the government has been a keen supporter) and the knock on effect could be horrendous.

Eoin Cleland, Belfast

As a student in Belfast, I attended a Northern Visions animation course for my GCSE Art course in the late 1990s. My GCSE Art led to A level Art which in turn led to a Film degree, and ultimately I have forged a successful career in the UK film industry. Without companies such as Northern Visions, it would not have been possible to explore such areas of interest in the first place, let alone make a career out of them. It is vital to keep such facilities open in regional areas in order to nurture young talent for the future.

Stephen Haren, London

It's bad enough that dumbed down media and bullshit is pumped into my home every night and now you just continue to take away any in depth educational information and enjoyment that I receive from Northern Vision, its a disgrace :(

Catherine McKenna, The Peoples Bank

I have used this organisation on a number of occasions, for work both with young people and residents in my community. i am deeply saddened to hear that this organisation is set to close due to no longer receiving support from departments who had previously funded it. at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for the voice of people in socially disadvantaged areas to be heard, we are losing an invaluable service.please reconsider.

Sharon Nelson, Belfast

A wonderful resource which has helped acts on the no dancing label on several occasions, providing visual content which can be used to help the acts move forward in their career. shot professionally and with fantastic staff this is a resource which is fantastic for Belfast's music scene.

Jimmy Devlin, No dancing record and management, Belfast

The only way we can move forward and grow is to invest in worthy, hopeful causes. Times are NOT easy. But we need a reality check - we need to invest in the hopes of the future. IF that means our generation has to maintain a life of simplicity and modesty in order to achieve that, then so be it. We need to look beyond our own pockets and selves - time to bunch together and help each other. Power in numbers. We need to think smart - support and nurture opportunities/small businesses/projects which are doing good! Invest energy and efforts in the right places. Greed, is NOT good.

Rachy Sinnamon, Sinful Design, Bangor, Northern Ireland

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I am calling on you to reinstate Northern Visions core funding. I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Daveit Ferris, Chordblossom, Derry

Seriously! This organisation is giving a voice to people in disadvantaged areas that the mainstream media outlets ignore. Northern Visions/NvTv is doing an amazing job and yet there is a potential for a funding pull. Maybe the local government should stop wasting money elsewhere (the balls on the falls being one example) please give this a lot more thought and do more research into exactly what this place does and the professional manner in which it does before we lose another valuable resource in favour of something 'useless and with no benefit to the average resident of this City and Beyond'

Many Thanks,

Thomas Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Neil Jacques, The Black Box Trust, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Joe Law, Trademark, Belfast

Please don't let this happen. This channel has provided a platform for Northern Ireland's upcoming talented folk. If we lose this channel and the organisation, how else would people let there voice get heard? Alongside the heritage and the training which is provided for young people to gain employment, within our current economic crisis. This will only add to it. Please Please don't let this happen!

Charmain, Antrim

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Philip McKernan, 2di Studios, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Clem Bradley, Gerard Black, Creative Workers Co-operative, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Stephen McCloskey, Centre for Global Education, Belfast

Hello to the good people in Northern Ireland, I think should keep TV stations such as NVTV operating for the sake of the common people. This TV station has been very supportive in local talent as well as international. Thank you.

Jerry Sanders, Akron, Ohio U.S.A

Keep NvTv live!

Litisha Karlsen, Nvtv Irish connection show, Scotland

I took my first steps into the moving image industry via a series of courses provided by Northern Visions over a decade ago, and they laid the foundation for my present company Filmtrip, which is launching an emotional response entertainment platform in New York next month. It would be a shame to see such a committed bunch of folks, based in central Belfast, with access for all sides of the community, to disappear. Please reconsider this decision. Yours Sincerely

Gawain Morrison, Filmtrip, Belfast

Northern Visions were and are a key stakeholder in the cultural development of the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast and indeed the development of Community Arts in Belfast. They are an essential component working in the creative visual arts helping local artists, filmmakers, writers and actors,they provide a wealth of expertise and knowledge promoting the concerns and achievement of many disadvantages communities. I amazed this invaluable organisation is under threat from funding and I hope your Dept takes a responsible role in safeguarding the future of Northern Visions.

Sean McKernan, Belfast Exposed Photography, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Niall Kennedy, And so I watched you from afar

I would hate to see the closure of Northern Visions/NvTv as I think it provides a wonderful service.

Tom Keenan, Co. Down

Survival of community should not merely be a financial consideration...

Dmytro Morykit, Gaetamusic, Edinburgh

Community media is a crucial outlet for community groups who have a message that commercial or state broadcasters won't carry.

Philip Keegan, Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs, Dublin 15

I play bass in a rock band from Dublin we are called Privado,ok there are too many talented bands and artists up there to let this happen, Silhouette probably the best band I have heard in 2012, music is unreal in Northern Ireland:)

Derek O Mahony, Dublin, Ireland

I have been involved with NvTv both personally and through my work in the Community and Voluntary Sector. I think the changes to funding criteria that make this organisation no longer viable to receive funding are a mistake given the huge contribution that this organisation makes in making media creation accessible to ordinary people. This organisation not only provides access to the arts for an audience who may otherwise be excluded, but it provides practical, enabling resources to community organisations that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

Northern Ireland is currently being touted as an up and coming location for film production... For many young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds Northern Visions has provided an inspiring insight into how this industry works and allowed many to acquire enabling hands on skills. I have no doubt that this inspiration and the practical insights provided to individuals and groups has contributed greatly to the industry as it exists today...DO NOT ALLOW THIS ORGANISATION TO CLOSE!!!

Michele Smyth, Lisburn

I received the news that Northern Visions/NvTv was under threat of closure at the same time I heard that about the resulting cancellation of a cross-board music initiative and discussion panel in which I had been invited to participate. I believe this kind of inclusive, bridge-building and unanimous programming typifies the ethos of Northern Visions and it's for this reason that I strongly urge those in a position to direct funding to carefully weigh the social positives versus the fiscal cost, and the resultant detrimental effect to the wider community if Northern Visions/NvTV was to cease to exist.

'Dolbro' Dan Mulligan, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland

It was on NvTv that my regular, weekly, 45 minute, arts & culture features and review programme 'artery>' was broadcast between 2002 and 2007. The only one of it's kind on any station in Ulster. This Television documentary programme was awarded a production grant from NIScreen in 2006. The loss of the only alternative to the mainstream media in NI is a sad loss indeed!

Royce Harper, The Artery NI, Belfast

Really put in the work to help you! Great week I had here on behalf of Cinemagic.

Natalie Watson, Lisburn

It would be a real misfortune to many organisations, communities and individuals who need an outlet for communicating and connecting with others if this valuable resource is abandoned, please reconsider these funding decisions.

Jamie Finlay, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Alan Higgins, W Club, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Paddy McCooey, Dockward Community Theatre Co., Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Gerard Brown, Acorn Film & Video

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

AHM Bazlur Rahman- S21BR, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication, Dhaka

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Susan McStay, Manager, Belfast Barge, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Cony Ortiz, Freelance Artist, ArtsEkta, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Reggie Chamberlain-King, Wireless Mystery Theatre, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Adam McGibbon, Queens University Belfast Students Union

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Marcelo Martínez, Real_Code ( Communication and Development Europe Latin America Network), Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Thomas Lappin, Lappin' up Films, Lurgan, Co. Armagh

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

David, Strait Laces, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Phil Dixon, The Almighty Fallen, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Nicola Willdridge, QUB, Antrim

They are a valuable asset for the arts in the community

Dominique Hoffmann, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Noel Magee, Actor, Belfast

I particularly support them for their documentary on a vegan "Giro's Cafe"

Nimai, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Robyn Shiels, Musician, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Philomena Flood, Friends of Palestine Beal Feirste

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Comba Campoy García, Santiago de Compostela

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ashleigh Simpson, Belfast Feminist Network

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Bob Miller, NUJ, Antrim

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Orlaith Wood, Journeyfor Productions, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Danielle Ross, Addiction NI,Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ronnie Cartwright, The Vals, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Brian Drysdale Films, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Rory Dee, Chocolate Love Factory, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Matt Minford, Six Star Hotel, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Robert Clarke, Cairde gort na móna, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Juan Ramos Martín, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Jude Hughes, Leeds Metropolitan University (Co. Armagh/Leeds)

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ben Glover, Nashville Tennessee, USA

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Elizabeth Lord, Access Fort Wayne, Garrett, De-Kalb, IN, USA

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Eamon Bohan, 1916 Easter Rising Coach Tour, Dublin

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Karen McFarlane, Theatre Lab, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Jason Brannigan, Just Books Collective, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Peng Weng, Mindwise, Antrim

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Fiona MacGinty O’Neill, Artmedia, Westmeath, Ireland

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Laura Horner, Card Group, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

John Crumpton, BECTU

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Miriam Meda, Radio Ritmo, Spain

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Steve Gribben, The Jungle NI, Magherafelt

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Clare Anderson, WARN, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Matthew Pengilly, Musician, Adelaide, Australia

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Patrick O'Kane, Robb Murphy (Belfast act), Swatragh, Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Philip Ramsey, University of Nottingham, (Ningbo, China)

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Sarah Wright, QUB Politics Society, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Stephen John Nolan, Trademark, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

John Callister, Lisburn

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Christoff Gillen, Artist, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Andrew Coles, BeardNoise, Portrush

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Diane Kirby, University of Ulster, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ana Tamarit Rodríguez, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, Salamanca (España)

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Junko Bunda, Tsuru, Yamanashi, Japan

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Jenny Wallace, Bruised Fruit, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource Bernadette Murray, Blasta Catering, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Chris Eva, Sub-Culture Productions, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Susana Albarran, Red Nosotras en el Mundo, Madrid, España

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Robert Dunbar, Revere TV, Revere, MA USA

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Aaltje Cuperus, ACMassage, Belfast

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Elizabeth Freer, Fablevision Studios, Glasgow

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Mariano Enrique Fernández Cabarcos, Colectivo de Universitarios Activos (CUAC), A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Jeffrey Hansell, Belmont Media Centre, Belmont, MA, USA

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Paula Johnson, Sandwich Community TV, Sandwich, Massachusetts

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Susan Fleischmann, Cambridge Community Television, Massachusetts

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Chris R Jackson, Americana Promotions Ltd, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire UK

To the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, I count on your leadership to preserve the only community digital media and arts resource of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Shauna Tohill, Silhouette, Northern Ireland

Save Northern Visions

Tony Craig, Belfast

Best of luck.

Noel Russell, Belfast