Chairperson’s Welcome

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I write to you as the new Chair of Belfast International Arts Festival. For over six decades, Festival has been a beacon of creativity, resilience, and innovation, and 2024 is no exception.

Reflecting on the success of the 2023 festival, we welcomed 46,156 attendees to experience a vibrant and diverse programme. A highlight was our new partnership with BBC Introducing, featuring a special guest appearance by Snow Patrol. This partnership, which continues into 2024, has broadened our reach and enriched our programme.

Our commitment to inclusiveness continues through our Community Ticket Scheme, providing free tickets to community groups such as people seeking asylum, LGBTQ+ communities, and young people facing homelessness. Supported by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, we were recognised with the Arts & Business NI’s ‘Commitment to Diversity Award 2023’.

Festival’s international appeal is growing, with 9.5% of our 2023 audience being Out-of-State visitors, up from 8% in 2022. This increase underscores the festival’s role in attracting visitors to our vibrant city. From our 2023 Audience Survey, 95% of respondents would recommend Festival to friends and family, and 98% believe that it promotes Belfast and Northern Ireland positively.

Despite serious budgetary constraints, the true spirit of the arts shines brightest in adversity. We are more determined than ever to ensure Festival thrives, exploring new funding avenues, forging partnerships, and harnessing digital platforms to reach wider audiences. Our mission is to make the arts accessible to all, breaking down financial, social, and geographical barriers.

Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our Principal Funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, as well as Belfast City Council, Tourism
Northern Ireland, the British Council, and the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. We owe them, and our many other partners and stakeholders,
a debt of gratitude for their unwavering support.

I would also like to acknowledge my predecessors, Louise Johnston and Professor Jackie McCoy, for their professionalism and commitment in recent years, and Richard Wakely,whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping Festival.

As we embark on another year of artistic exploration and cultural celebration, I invite you to join us in experiencing the transformative power of the arts. Let us continue to build on our successes and create unforgettable moments that will inspire and uplift our community.

Fiona Kane
Chairperson
Belfast International Arts Festival