The Arts Council has invested £1m in the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013 programme.

The programme, which consists of 18 new arts projects, will use the funding to support local arts organisations to present world-class standard work to international audiences. The projects will consist of new theatre productions, live music showcases, dance performances and visual arts exhibitions.

Highlights of the programme include the largest ever exhibition of works by the city's own twice Turner prize nominated artist Willie Doherty, Northern Ireland's first international contemporary dance festival, and a punk musical, written and produced by the acclaimed author Colin Bateman, featuring songs of Derry-based band, The Undertones.

The full City of Culture 2013 programme will be announced at the end of October.

Bob Collins, chair of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

"The Arts Council's £1m investment will be used to support local arts organisations to deliver new projects worthy of international attention.

"The arts are helping to transform our image and show the world what we already know, that we have some of the best artists right here in Northern Ireland. City of Culture 2013 is an opportunity to celebrate that and showcase their work to global audiences."