Donaldson Visits Mural Arts Program In Philadelphia

Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson on Tuesday urged everyone to take pride in their community following a tour of the once run down neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

On the first day of his two day visit to the U.S., Mr Donaldson visited the Mural Arts Program (MAP) which sustains urban regeneration and community development and he got the opportunity to meet with some of the organizers and artists involved. MAP began in 1984 as a component of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network to eradicate the graffiti crisis that was plaguing the city.

Jeffrey Donaldson said: "The city reached out to graffiti writers, urging them to redirect their energies from destructive graffiti writing to constructive mural painting.

"It is wonderful to see this work firsthand and to talk to some of those who have been involved in such worthwhile work.

"Many parts of Northern Ireland have fallen foul to graffiti artists, with negative messages being portrayed. People should take pride in where they come from and have communities which are welcoming to all.

"There is a real sense of community spirit here with people working together to make their neighborhoods better places.

"It doesn't matter whether you are from Philadelphia or from Belfast, the message is the same - be proud of where you are from and ensure your community is not only a motivation for yourself, but will be an inspiration to those who visit.

"I look forward to sharing with my colleagues back home what I have learned from this extremely worthwhile project in Philadelphia."

Mr Donaldson also visited biopharmaceutical company ALMAC where he was given a tour of its facilities.

On Wednesday Mr Donaldson will speak at the Co-Operation Ireland dinner in New York along with Junior Minister Gerry Kelly.