Menu
18/12/2007
Belfast Festival Funding Lifeline - But More Needed
There's to be a much needed cash injection into the Province's premier arts event - although it is only a temporary reprieve for the annual Belfast Festival at Queen's - as much more corporate cash is still needed too.
It has just been announced that the Festival is to get £300,000 over the next three years from the NI Government.
The Assembly Arts Minister Edwin Poots said it meant the festival could develop "a more sustainable model based on box office receipts and commercial sponsorship".
He said £125,000 would be allocated to the 2008 festival, with £100,000 in 2009 and £75,000 in 2010.
Queen's University said the funding was recognition of "the festival's enormous contribution to the economy".
The cash comes not a minute too soon as the festival organisers have been battling in recent years to secure its long-term future.
Even the university has threatened to cancel the event - because of a cash crisis - but a £150,000 one-off grant from the Department of Culture gave it a lifeline for 2007.
In a statement, Queen's said the festival "puts more than £6.5m a year into Northern Ireland businesses, benefiting a number of sectors including tourism and hospitality".
"The university hopes now that other funding partners who benefit directly from the festival will recognise the substantial opportunities provided by a properly-funded international festival and respond accordingly," it added.
Mr Poots said he had "every hope that the corporate sector will play an increasing role".
(BMcC)
It has just been announced that the Festival is to get £300,000 over the next three years from the NI Government.
The Assembly Arts Minister Edwin Poots said it meant the festival could develop "a more sustainable model based on box office receipts and commercial sponsorship".
He said £125,000 would be allocated to the 2008 festival, with £100,000 in 2009 and £75,000 in 2010.
Queen's University said the funding was recognition of "the festival's enormous contribution to the economy".
The cash comes not a minute too soon as the festival organisers have been battling in recent years to secure its long-term future.
Even the university has threatened to cancel the event - because of a cash crisis - but a £150,000 one-off grant from the Department of Culture gave it a lifeline for 2007.
In a statement, Queen's said the festival "puts more than £6.5m a year into Northern Ireland businesses, benefiting a number of sectors including tourism and hospitality".
"The university hopes now that other funding partners who benefit directly from the festival will recognise the substantial opportunities provided by a properly-funded international festival and respond accordingly," it added.
Mr Poots said he had "every hope that the corporate sector will play an increasing role".
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
07 August 2019
Local Theatre Talent Set For Edinburgh Festival
Three local theatre groups are due to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this month. With the support of the Arts Council and British Council of Northern Ireland, the arts organisations will stage productions that showcase some of the best of local talent at the popular festivals.
Local Theatre Talent Set For Edinburgh Festival
Three local theatre groups are due to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this month. With the support of the Arts Council and British Council of Northern Ireland, the arts organisations will stage productions that showcase some of the best of local talent at the popular festivals.
20 March 2015
Queen's No Longer Supporting The Belfast Festival
Queen's University has confirmed it will not be supporting the Belfast Festival due to the lack of funds.
Queen's No Longer Supporting The Belfast Festival
Queen's University has confirmed it will not be supporting the Belfast Festival due to the lack of funds.
11 January 2007
Campaign launched to save Belfast festival
Whilst Belfast Festival at Queen's has repeatedly broken all box office records in recent years bringing international acts from all around the world to Belfast, the festival is in grave danger of ending due to continued funding cuts.
Campaign launched to save Belfast festival
Whilst Belfast Festival at Queen's has repeatedly broken all box office records in recent years bringing international acts from all around the world to Belfast, the festival is in grave danger of ending due to continued funding cuts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
