ACNI Welcome

As the principal investor in Belfast International Arts Festival, Arts Council is delighted to welcome another wonderful contribution to this great annual celebration of the arts. This is a festival which prides itself on reflecting and responding to contemporary arts and cultures from around the world, in all their richness and diversity, so audiences know that we will be introduced to new ideas, new experiences and new inspirations.

This beautifully curated programme enhances connections between artists and arts made in Northern Ireland, and the wider international scene. Several of our finest local companies are represented here, some returning with work that has already been celebrated far beyond our shores, some with work that soon will be. They are joined by a number of the most exciting and significant artists from West Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America, with whose art Northern Irish audiences may be just a little less familiar.

For now. It’s important to both the festival and the Arts Council that all this great art should be available to everyone and that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to share in these amazing experiences. The Embrace programme, community ticketing incentives and free public events all help to create a truly welcoming, enjoyable and special festival for all.

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland