THE links between Portrush and the culture of skateboarding are the focus of a new research project by Ulster University (UU)
The north coast town has long been a popular spot for skateboarders, and a 25-year campaign for a new skate park in the region remains ongoing after being boosted this year by the world's most famous skateboarder, Tony Hawk.
Now UU has secured £58,000 from the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council to "explore Portrush’s cultural skateboarding tradition and develop new knowledge about community and cross-sector partnership working in the town".
The funding will see the appointment of a new ‘community innovation practitioner’ from UU, Dr Jim Donaghey, who will work with the Causeway Association of Urban Sports and skateboarders in the town "to tackle shared challenges faced by the local community".
The work will build on a recent project by north coast skater and videographer Slaine Browne, whose work secured the support of Tony Hawk in backing a permanent skate park for Portrush during a showcase at San Diego State University in April.
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Dr Donaghey said: “The campaign to ‘Get Portrush a Skatepark!’ has been ongoing for more than 25 years now.
"Thanks to the tenacity of local groups such as Causeway Association of Urban Sports and the wider skateboarding community, that goal is within reach.
"This research support from AHRC’s Creative Communities fund and Ulster University’s Impact Acceleration Account enables me to showcase the creativity of skateboarders in Portrush and to highlight their innovative use of public space.
"In support of CAUS’s campaign work, the project aims to develop understanding of the value of skaters as a ‘creative community’.”