McCausland opens Ceramics Exhibition at Craft NI

Arts Minister, Nelson McCausland today officially opened the Northern Ireland Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition at Craft NI.

Speaking during the opening, the Minister said: “The creative sector in Northern Ireland has the capability to contribute to Northern Ireland’s economy and is focused on achieving a £23million turnover per annum.

“The sector is helping to create a culture which inspires people from all walks of life. The Creative Industries Innovation Fund has contributed to the development of this important sector and the sector is growing and thriving.”

Continuing the Minister said: “The Northern Ireland devolved administration placed a high priority in its Programme for Government on developing the economy and it set a key goal of growing the creative industries sector by up to 15% by 2011.

“This exhibition will further promote contemporary craft and applied art and design practice and will demonstrate how local ceramicists have, for some time, led the way in their field and are continuing to do so.

In conclusion, the Minister thanked everyone involved in supporting August Craft Month and Craft NI in bringing together the great number of events and activities on offer and he said that he hoped it will inspire people to learn more about the craft tradition and the many talented makers that Northern Ireland has.

Notes to Editors:

1. August Craft Month 2009 is Northern Ireland’s annual celebration of craft. This year the focus is on ceramics and a programme of 40 exhibition, workshops, talks and seminars will take place in venues across NI. A full listings guide is available at tourist info centres, libraries, arts centres and galleries.

2. Craft NI and its activities are currently funded by Arts Council NI, Invest NI, EU monies and private trusts and sponsors. In 2008, £56,850 was awarded from the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

3. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 90 515 045 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk .

Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.