Presidential praise for Phibsboro festival

A NORTHSIDE voluntary group that has worked tirelessly
to promote and enrich Phibsboro has been praised by President Michael D Higgins
after being awarded the top prize in a prestigious competition.

The Phizzfest Community Arts Festival beat off stiff
competition from both Ireland and the UK to scoop the top prize in the Epic
awards, which are aimed at highlighting excellence and innovation in voluntary
groups.

Phizzfest, which is a 100 per cent voluntary
initiative, was established three years ago with the goal of bringing together
the community and local businesses to promote and celebrate Phibsboro as an
area rich in culture, art, talent and diversity.

Representatives from the group flew to London last
month for the awards ceremony in which they were praised and commended for
their inspirational project to enrich the famous Northside suburb.

On presenting the award, an official from Voluntary
Arts England told the group they were very deserving of the recognition.

“We received many brilliant entries but the judges felt
that yours showed evidence of all the elements that make up an epic arts
project; it was engaging, reaching out to make new partnerships, made
innovative use of communications and showed significant creative group
development,

? the official stated.

Tina Robinson who accepted the award on behalf of
Phizzfest, said the Epic award was a huge validation for the efforts of all the
volunteers who have supported the project since its inception.

“Our experience to date has shown us the importance of
the arts as a community development tool for forging links and creating
channels of communication within the many diverse groups in our area,

? she
said.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and Culture Jimmy Deenihan
congratulated the group describing them as a

“wonderful example of local
volunteers and business interests working in tandem for the benefit of the
wider community

?.

“The festival was a resounding success with something
for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy,

? he praised.

“Through art and arts related events new experiences
were shared by all the participants.

?

As icing on the cake, Phizzfest were treated to a
reception in Aras an Uachtarain where they were celebrated and praised by
President Michael D Higgins who had previously visited Phibsboro for the
festival.

The Phizzfest festival takes place this year from
September 1 to September 9. For more information visit phizzfest.ie