ONE of the highlights of Derry's City of Culture year is to go on permanent display as a reminder of the area's one-time status as a shirtmaking capital of the world. The Lumiere lights festival drew thousands to the city at the start of this month.
A Stitch in Time, a banner spelt out in huge steel letters was studded in bulbs above the Rosemount Shirt Factory. Visual artist Tim Etchells said: "The work makes a playful but direct reference to the historical context of shirt making and the work that went on at Rosemount factory for so many years. "At the same time, in recalling the complete text of the proverb from which it is taken - a stitch in time saves nine - the work suggests ideas of repair and care and of disaster averted. "Mending of fabric is on our minds of course but the timely and patient work of mending lives, communities, political and social relations is also suggested in this simple phrase."
Lumiere included 17 spectacular light sculptures and installations, scattering specially created artworks in outdoor spaces, buildings, landmarks and walkways across the city.
It was produced by arts company Artichoke as one of many stand-out festivals during Derry's year as UK City of Culture.
Among the newly commissioned works were Teenage Kicks by local artist Deepa Mann-Kler, inspired by the Undertones' greatest hit. The 30-metre neon sign adorned BT's building and was visible across the city. The world's oldest independent department store, Austins, was used as a canvas for Novak's Voyage, an audiovisual projection which told a tale of time travel.
Culture minister Caral Ni Chuilin has secured more than £2 million for the January to March 2014 period to support
continuation of key projects from the City of Culture's programme in 2013.
They include music, digital, literacy and community schemes.
The minister said she aimed "to prevent the loss of key benefits, partnerships and momentum after December 2013 and to invest in strategic sports facility development".
A £900,000 Legacy Fund and a range of programmes for music, fashion, storytelling and visual arts has been announced for the city. During 2014 the Beach Boys will play in Derry and there will be a Foyle International Maritime Festival in June.