BIAF appoints new Artistic Director & CEO
Belfast International Arts Festival has announced the appointment of Chris McCreery as its new Artistic Director and Chief Executive, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the flagship cultural event.
McCreery, who takes up the role in late 2025, succeeds current Artistic Director and CEO Richard Wakely under whose stewardship the festival has grown to become a major fixture on the international arts and culture calendar.
A dynamic cultural leader with over a decade of experience shaping and delivering transformative cultural strategies, programmes, and events across Northern Ireland, McCreery led the delivery of Belfast City Council’s Cultural Strategy, overseeing a £4.5 million investment portfolio that supports more than 100 cultural organisations. He played a central role in delivering city-wide programmes that celebrate Belfast’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music, amplifying its global cultural profile. In 2014, McCreery founded and led the NI Science Festival, which has grown into one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant celebrations of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “I’m deeply honoured to be appointed Director of the Belfast International Arts Festival. The festival has long been a beacon for bold ideas, international collaboration, and artistic excellence, and I’m thrilled to lead it into its next chapter. I’m excited to work alongside the talented team, our partners, and the wider arts community to build on its remarkable legacy and explore new ways to connect, inspire, and celebrate creativity in Belfast and beyond.”
Festival chairperson, Fiona Kane commented: “On behalf of the board, I want to take this opportunity to thank Richard for his remarkable leadership and deep commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of this place. During his time at the helm of this festival he brought Belfast to the world and the world to Belfast. As we reflect, we also look to the future and welcome Chris McCreery into the role of Artistic Director and Chief Executive. Chris has proven to be a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader whose lasting cultural impact on the city of Belfast is undeniable and we are excited by the fresh vision he will bring to the festival.”
Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Chris McCreery has already made a significant contribution to Belfast’s cultural life and his creativity, extensive knowledge and experience will bring a further rich dimension to the Belfast International Arts Festival. The Arts Council has been the festival’s principal public funder for many years. We are proud of our commitment because the investment of public money has enabled this defining festival to continue to aim higher than most, bringing the best and most sought-after arts, from home and abroad, within the reach of everyone.”
Belfast International Arts Festival is the city’s longest-running international arts event. Originally established in 1962, it was hosted by Queen’s University until 2015, after which a new independent charity was formed.
The festival returns for its 63rd edition from 14 October – 9 November.