Statement from Queen's University Belfast on the future of Belfast Festival at Queen's
Statement from Queen's University Belfast on the future of Belfast Festival at Queen's
"It is no secret that Belfast Festival at Queen's is facing significant financial problems due to underinvestment from the public sector compounded by a reduction of a third of its public sector income over the past three years.
"The University has invested £2.5 million in Culture and Arts over the past three years. Without support from other partners who benefit from the delivery of Northern Ireland's only international Festival, the University cannot continue to fund deficits.
"The University hopes that Festival 2006 will not be the last but it will be unless additional funding ensures its sustainability. It is currently working with other funders to secure Festival's future.
"With proper investment Belast Festival at Queen's can enhance economic, social and cultural regeneration. Festival contributes £6.5 million a year to the Northern Ireland economy, and this year it has reached 100,000 people, breaking all box office records.
"Government must recognise the enormous contribution the Arts makes across many of its priority areas and work with arts organisations and the private sector to ensure they are sustainable and deliver society's culture, social and economic objectives.
"Northern Ireland needs an international Festival. The University has played its part, it now needs its partners to step up to the mark too."
For further information contact Kevin Mulhern, 028 9097 5323 / 07813 015431
"It is no secret that Belfast Festival at Queen's is facing significant financial problems due to underinvestment from the public sector compounded by a reduction of a third of its public sector income over the past three years.
"The University has invested £2.5 million in Culture and Arts over the past three years. Without support from other partners who benefit from the delivery of Northern Ireland's only international Festival, the University cannot continue to fund deficits.
"The University hopes that Festival 2006 will not be the last but it will be unless additional funding ensures its sustainability. It is currently working with other funders to secure Festival's future.
"With proper investment Belast Festival at Queen's can enhance economic, social and cultural regeneration. Festival contributes £6.5 million a year to the Northern Ireland economy, and this year it has reached 100,000 people, breaking all box office records.
"Government must recognise the enormous contribution the Arts makes across many of its priority areas and work with arts organisations and the private sector to ensure they are sustainable and deliver society's culture, social and economic objectives.
"Northern Ireland needs an international Festival. The University has played its part, it now needs its partners to step up to the mark too."
For further information contact Kevin Mulhern, 028 9097 5323 / 07813 015431
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