A Newry-based member of National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) has spoken of her utter “dismay and disbelief” at the Arts Council’s decision to withdraw funding from the organisation, calling the move “short-sighted” and an “act of cultural vandalism”.
Training choir members of NYCNI say the choir’s alumni – which comprises many young people from across County Armagh – are a “testament” to its impact with many going on to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage.
In an email to members earlier this week it was announced that the Arts Council was to withdraw the funding of approximately £60,000 per year and that the board of trustees had decided “to close the organisation down” after 26 years in operation.
Speaking to Armagh I, the member said: “Without organisations like NYCNI, the youth arts sector in Northern Ireland will die.
“I can say with certainty that this decision threatens the very existence of one of Northern Ireland’s most valuable cultural institutions.
“To withdraw support from this cross-community charity — which for over 25 years has provided thousands of young people with access to world-class choral training — is not only short-sighted, it is an act of cultural vandalism.
“NYCNI is not “just a choir” NYCNI is a beacon of musical excellence, inclusion, and aspiration.
“Its loss would not simply mark the end of a choir, but the deliberate dismantling of a vital pathway for young people in Northern Ireland to engage in transformative artistic experiences in a safe, peaceful and happy cross community environment.”
Training choir member, Keeley Magill – with the support of other active NYCNI members – has now launched a petition to work towards overturning the Executive’s decision which has so far gathered over 2,000 signatures in support.
“To defund such an organisation is to deny current and future generations the chance to realise their potential, and to rob us of the immense value that the arts bring to our youth,” they add.
Calling on the public to take action, the members said: “I urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to intervene and ensure that this decision is reversed.
“NYCNI is not an expendable luxury — it is a cornerstone of Northern Irish cultural life, and its survival depends on the actions you take now.”
NYCNI enters hundreds of schools, delivering workshops, auditions to join choirs and offers a first stepping stone to music and arts education.
In 2024-2025 alone, Andrew Nunn (NYCNI Artistic Director) delivered workshops to local schools including The Abbey Grammar, St Paul’s High school Bessbrook, Our Lady’s Grammar, The Armagh Royal and St Patrick’s school which has led to local students becoming members of the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland, letting young people represent Co. Armagh’s artistic talents at a national stage.
Backing the effort is SDLP Newry Councillor Doire Finn, who is urging Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to intervene to prevent the closure of the North’s National Youth Choir.
Councillor Finn has written to the Minister asking him to consider ways to safeguard the future of the choir.
Councillor Finn said: “The news that the National Youth Choir is being forced to close its doors is devastating not only for the hundreds of current members, but the thousands of young singers who have benefitted directly as a result of getting involved over the years. Some of our most renowned singers have been part of the choir and closure would be a huge blow to the arts and cultural scene in the North.
“The choir is not only important for those who go on to successful careers in music, but for all of the young people who build confidence, develop skills and build life-long friendships through their involvement. The end of the choir-led workshops in our schools will end many young people’s first opportunity to engage seriously with music.
“This is the latest attacks on our arts and cultural scene that has seen funding continuously eroded in recent years with the loss of many vital programmes and community groups. I am urging the Communities Minister to recognise the importance of the youth choir and to directly intervene to stop this closure. Leaving the North as the only part of these islands without a National Youth Choir is totally unacceptable and the SDLP will do everything we can to prevent it.”
Issuing a statement on the withdrawal of funding, a spokesperson for the Arts Council said: ““Unfortunately, with disappointment this year the National Youth Choir did not receive funding from the Arts Council’s 25-26 Annual Funding Programme.”
“The decision not to fund the NYCNI this year was unrelated to funding pressures and based on the ability of the organisation to meet the programme’s criteria.
“Our staff members have provided the company with detailed feedback on their application, and have met with them to discuss their immediate plans and future funding opportunities.
“Provision of high-quality youth choral training and development in Northern Ireland remains a priority for the Arts Council and we recognise the important role NYCNI has played in the same.
“Decisions relating to applications for future funding are of course a matter for the NYCNI Board.”
Dungannon-born actor Fra Fee – of Les Misérables fame – also attended the choir in his youth before finding his springboard into stardom.
