The Arts Council of Northern Ireland welcomed the new Arts Minister, Gregory Campbell MP MLA, to its headquarters at MacNeice House in Belfast today (Wednesday 10 September) to meet the Council and eminent artists and arts organisations from across Northern Ireland. Minister Campbell met several of Northern Ireland’s leading artists during his visit, including Susan MacWilliam, who is representing Northern Ireland at next year’s major international arts showcase, the Venice Biennale. He was also introduced to Beverley Whyte, Musical Director of the Open Arts Community Choir, actor Dan Gordon and playwright Owen McCafferty.
Speaking at the event, Arts Minister, Gregory Campbell said: “The Arts Council has played a key role in developing the arts and I’m looking forward to working with them and the arts sector as we address the challenges that they will face over the coming years.
“A thriving and vibrant arts sector can be a major factor in attracting investment and tourism. People want to work and holiday in places that have a well developed arts and cultural sector. Evidence shows that successful companies chose to locate and invest in attractive locations with a strong cultural offering. My vision for Northern Ireland, therefore, is of a region renowned, on the international stage, for its creativity, its talent and the variety and quality of its arts offering.”
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: “We’re delighted that Minister Campbell chose to visit the Arts Council early in his tenure as Arts Minister for Northern Ireland. The Minister has now met with many of the inspirational artists and representatives of organisations whose dedicated work enhances the life experience of all of us who live in Northern Ireland. We have also had the opportunity to discuss the important contribution that the arts are making to wider government priorities, such as health, education, disability and economic growth.”
The Minister spent more than an hour meeting members of the arts sector and enjoyed a performance by flautist, John Brown, the 2008 winner of Camerata Ireland’s Clandeboye Young Musician of the Year, accompanied by pianist, Michael Harrison.