Streep boosts arts centre drive

Meryl Streep said the project was a cause for celebration

Hollywood actress Meryl Streep has paid a flying visit to Belfast to boost a fundraising campaign for a new arts centre in the city's Cathedral Quarter.

The Metropolitan Arts Centre project needs to raise a further £1.5m to reach its £16.5m target to build the new facility, planned to open in 2011.

Streep took a break from filming in London to boost the campaign.

"I'm proud to come to Belfast to celebrate this city's commitment to the centre and its great good work."

The two-time Oscar winner said such projects were a testament to the "healing power of art", as it is "sometimes easy to despair in the face of world events".

"It can feel like divisiveness and the urge to destroy has won the day - that's why the project is a cause for celebration and a template for hope," she added.

The new complex is being developed by the trustees of the current Old Museum Arts Centre.