Arts protest held in Londonderry

Image caption The Mayor of Derry Colm Eastwood and city centre manager Jim Roddy join with Guildhall Press and Yes Publications staff, writers, artists and supporters in protest for a 'Fair Deal for the Arts'.

A protest has been held in Londonderry against proposals to cut the Arts Council's budget by almost a quarter.

Campaigners demonstrated outside the City of Culture offices on Wednesday.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is planning cuts to arts funding by £4.2m over a four-year period.

Noelle McAlinden, of the City of Culture Team, said the protest had provided "an opportunity for those opposed to the cuts to be heard."

"This is a crucial time for all artists, arts and cultural organisations and the creative industries in a city that has been designated City of Culture 2013," she said.

"This a sector that already faces severe cutbacks and works in a climate of extreme funding constraints."

Campaigners are due to present a petition signed by those against the proposed cuts at the budget consultation office in Belfast later this month.