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05/08/2002
Ministers welcome Capital of Culture judging panel
Despite Belfast's image on the international stage being tarnished as a result of the upturn in street violence, the capital still has a good chance of netting the European Capital of Culture nomination, according to Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey.
The Minister was speaking at ‘W5’ in the Odyssey building this morning where he met with Sir Jeremy Isaacs, chair of the judging panel, along with vice-chairs Sue McGregor and Judith Mayhew, and other members of the panel.
Mr McGimpsey said: “There is no avoiding the fact that the image of Belfast that has recently been on television screens throughout the UK has been one of violence and confrontation. But there is much more to our city, and our province, than that.
“The qualities that made us frontrunners in this project are enduring ones. Our record of achievement in the arts, in sport, in industry and in innovation and creativity, are not diminished by recent problems. Our resilience and our determination to create a better life for everyone in Belfast and in Northern Ireland have enabled us to make huge progress over the last few years.
“That spirit will not be diminished by recent violence. We are frontrunners in this bid because we have earned that respect. I am determined that that will not change,” he added.
Economy Minister, Sir Reg Empey, who also welcomed the judging panel to Belfast, stated how important it was for Belfast to become an official City of Culture.
The Minister said: “If we succeed in our bid, then we can shout from the rooftops that Belfast is a great place in which to live, to invest and to visit. What better outcome, than to emerge in 2008 as one of the world’s most unique, progressive and innovative cultural destinations. Our bid paves the way.”
Previously known as City of Culture, the European Capital of Culture is a competition run by the European Union. The competition has recently been revised and from 2005 onward, each EU country will take it in turn to host the title and in 2008 it is the UK's turn.
The other 10 UK cities competing for the 2008 nomination are Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Canterbury East Kent, Brighton and Hove, Inverness Highland, Liverpool, Newcastle and Gateshead, Oxford and Norwich. (MB)
The Minister was speaking at ‘W5’ in the Odyssey building this morning where he met with Sir Jeremy Isaacs, chair of the judging panel, along with vice-chairs Sue McGregor and Judith Mayhew, and other members of the panel.
Mr McGimpsey said: “There is no avoiding the fact that the image of Belfast that has recently been on television screens throughout the UK has been one of violence and confrontation. But there is much more to our city, and our province, than that.
“The qualities that made us frontrunners in this project are enduring ones. Our record of achievement in the arts, in sport, in industry and in innovation and creativity, are not diminished by recent problems. Our resilience and our determination to create a better life for everyone in Belfast and in Northern Ireland have enabled us to make huge progress over the last few years.
“That spirit will not be diminished by recent violence. We are frontrunners in this bid because we have earned that respect. I am determined that that will not change,” he added.
Economy Minister, Sir Reg Empey, who also welcomed the judging panel to Belfast, stated how important it was for Belfast to become an official City of Culture.
The Minister said: “If we succeed in our bid, then we can shout from the rooftops that Belfast is a great place in which to live, to invest and to visit. What better outcome, than to emerge in 2008 as one of the world’s most unique, progressive and innovative cultural destinations. Our bid paves the way.”
Previously known as City of Culture, the European Capital of Culture is a competition run by the European Union. The competition has recently been revised and from 2005 onward, each EU country will take it in turn to host the title and in 2008 it is the UK's turn.
The other 10 UK cities competing for the 2008 nomination are Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Canterbury East Kent, Brighton and Hove, Inverness Highland, Liverpool, Newcastle and Gateshead, Oxford and Norwich. (MB)
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19 July 2018
Culture Night Belfast To Expand To New City Quay's Development
Culture Night Belfast is expanding to the new City Quays development as part of plans to make it even bigger and better this year. Organisers are are expecting a record 115,000 people to attend almost 300 events at over 100 different venues. The principal corporate sponsor of Culture Night Belfast is Belfast Harbour.
Culture Night Belfast To Expand To New City Quay's Development
Culture Night Belfast is expanding to the new City Quays development as part of plans to make it even bigger and better this year. Organisers are are expecting a record 115,000 people to attend almost 300 events at over 100 different venues. The principal corporate sponsor of Culture Night Belfast is Belfast Harbour.
16 October 2009
Belfast Won't Bid For 'City Of Culture'
The City of Derry is to go a 'clear-run' in a UK-wide race for a prestigious cultural title. Belfast City Council's Development Committee announced yesterday - after voting for a second time - that it has decided not to bid for the title of UK City of Culture 2013, leaving the way clear for a bid by Derry.
Belfast Won't Bid For 'City Of Culture'
The City of Derry is to go a 'clear-run' in a UK-wide race for a prestigious cultural title. Belfast City Council's Development Committee announced yesterday - after voting for a second time - that it has decided not to bid for the title of UK City of Culture 2013, leaving the way clear for a bid by Derry.
10 September 2009
Belfast and Derry Bid To Become "City of Culture"
Belfast and Derry City have put themselves forward as potential candidates to become the UK City of Culture in 2013. The winning place, to be announced next spring, will host big ticket national cultural events, as well as putting on a year-long programme of their own. A total of 29 cities and local areas from across the UK have placed bids.
Belfast and Derry Bid To Become "City of Culture"
Belfast and Derry City have put themselves forward as potential candidates to become the UK City of Culture in 2013. The winning place, to be announced next spring, will host big ticket national cultural events, as well as putting on a year-long programme of their own. A total of 29 cities and local areas from across the UK have placed bids.
04 November 2004
Belfast City Council target 2006 culture celebrations
Belfast City Council is to begin consultations into how to turn the year 2006 into a celebration of cultural excellence. Councillor Ian Crozier, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said that the Council wanted both to enhance existing events and provide scope for new events and innovative commissions throughout the year.
Belfast City Council target 2006 culture celebrations
Belfast City Council is to begin consultations into how to turn the year 2006 into a celebration of cultural excellence. Councillor Ian Crozier, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said that the Council wanted both to enhance existing events and provide scope for new events and innovative commissions throughout the year.
30 October 2002
Belfast fails to make City of Culture shortlist
Belfast has failed to make the shortlist of UK cities for the European Capital of Culture 2008 bid. Imagine Belfast 2008, which was set up by Belfast City Council to manage the city's bid, expressed its "disappointment" at the news.
Belfast fails to make City of Culture shortlist
Belfast has failed to make the shortlist of UK cities for the European Capital of Culture 2008 bid. Imagine Belfast 2008, which was set up by Belfast City Council to manage the city's bid, expressed its "disappointment" at the news.
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