MPs and MCs rarely ever mix. But on September 3rd, Shaun Woodward, the Secretary for Northern Ireland, left behind traditional ministerial duties to made good on his promise to visit Urban Development.

The former minister for culture took advantage of a scheduled visit to the nearby Olympic site to indulge his passion for the creative sector, with a visit to East London’s leading arts organisation. Team UD swung into action, inviting past interns, UD Creatives and members of UD Vocal Collective to give him the lowdown.

Shaun Woodward arrived at Stratford Circus on Thursday morning and was given a guided tour of the arts complex by director Pamela McCormick before being led into Circus 1, where the minister and his team were treated to a full presentation.

After an introductory speech from Education Coordinator Natalie Maddix, UDVC broke the morning with song. Sherelle McKenzie led the vocalists as they delivered their clarion call ‘UK’s Moving’. Fired up and focussed, the troupe hit all the right notes before ending the set with ’You Can Be’, an uplifting number penned as a homage to those who excel and achieve goals in life.

Fusion, Head of Marketing, stepped on stage next to talk about LDA and Arts Council funding and how it has helped Urban Development expand its internships programme and youth-based initiatives. Members of the UD Creatives proceeded to take turns on the mic to shed light on the forthcoming Industry Takeover project.

 Previous UD interns Ayo and Thembi spoke of the planning sessions leading to the pilot launch last January. Footage from the sold out event shone from the big screen to provide further illumination. Eighteen-year old Vanessa, who attended the launch as an audience member, reflected on the last six months with the UD Creatives team and how it has helped her develop skills as a budding photographer and journalist. New UD Creative recruits Sharon and Faiza closed the presentation, painting a vision of the forthcoming seminars and showcases they are helping to orchestrate from Oct through to early 2010.

Shaun Woodward and team were visibly impressed, as was evidenced by Shaun's parting words of inspiration and an impromptu Q&A. As one of Gordon Brown’s highest-flying ministers, Mr Woodward provided an insight into his own humble roots, his passion for creativity and why he believes that education is the key. Follow the link below and check out what he had to say.

PICS: YINKA | WORDS: FUSION

LINKS:

• Check out what Shaun Woodard had to say in the Q&A session right here