Minister Poots says good luck to festival particpants

Arts and Culture Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA has bid farewell to 160 participants off to Washington DC for the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival.

Wishing them ‘good luck’ the Minister said: “I am extremely proud of the calibre and variety of people going to Washington to represent Northern Ireland and show off our culture to an international audience.”

The Minister made his remarks at a reception for the group hosted by the Ulster Bank, one of the programme’s lead sponsors.

He continued: “Participation in this prestigious event in the political capital of the United States is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something really special. At such a significant time in our history, there has never been a better time for the new Northern Ireland to be centre stage and for the focus to be on all that is best about our region.

“For those taking part, this is the opportunity to show the world that we are a creative, confident, industrious region that is talented and innovative. That’s why you, the participants are so special as you embody all those qualities that I have just mentioned.”

The Minister met with a number of the participants who are about to embark on their journey to America.

The 160 people will represent Northern Ireland at this year’s Festival from 27 June – 8 July on Washington’s National Mall. They will showcase the region’s diverse and contemporary culture to over one million visitors and tell the story of our people and our place.

Alan Gillespie, Chairman of the Ulster Bank and joint lead sponsor of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival said:

“I am very pleased to hold this reception in honour of the people going out to represent Northern Ireland at this wonderful occasion. This public-private sector partnership with leading Northern Ireland companies is testimony to Northern Ireland's growing economic confidence and ability to compete on an international stage.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will feature three programs. In addition to "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian," other programs are "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures" and "The Roots of Virginia Culture."

The Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honours people from across the United States and around the world. With about 1 million visitors each year, the Festival unites presenters and performers in the nation's capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

The Festival's Web site is http://www.folklife.si.edu The Festival is co-sponsored by the National Park Service.

2. For a full list of those participating in both the Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, please go to www.rediscoverni.com

3. All media enquiries to Joanne Eland at DCAL Press Office on 028 90 254215 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk