The Minister was speaking at the Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast during the Press Launch for the Venice Biennale 2007.
Paying tribute to the work of Willie Doherty, the internationally acclaimed artist, who will be Northern Ireland’s exhibitor at the Biennale, the Minister said: “Our local artists have much to offer and it is fitting that they do so on an international stage. Willie Doherty’s work is at the cutting edge of contemporary art and he has deservedly received much critical acclaim internationally. His work is included in public collections all over the world.
“To have someone of Willie’s calibre showing alongside the likes of Tracey Emin, representing England, shows that Northern Ireland has the excellence of talent. We can rightly take our place with pride along with many other countries and regions all over the world at this prestigious event.
“This exhibition will portray a positive image of Northern Ireland as a confident, creative and progressive society and let people internationally see the wealth of talent and diversity of culture we have here.”
The Minister continued: “Through international events like this and the Re-discover Northern Ireland programme and Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington this year, we aim to attract considerable inward investment and visitors to Northern Ireland. I understand that over 15,000 people visited the Northern Ireland exhibition in Venice in 2005, which was a great achievement.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of the excellent partnership between the British Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and his Department in working to achieve these goals. “By working together and pooling our resources we can expect to achieve more and make our presence felt on the international stage.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) and the British Council Northern Ireland (BCNI) is promoting Northern Ireland’s second showcase visual arts presentation at the 52nd Venice Art Biennale 2007. DCAL and ACNI have provided £80k each over a two year period and will present a solo exhibition of video installations by Willie Doherty, who has developed an international reputation while remaining in Northern Ireland.
All four UK nations will be represented at the Venice Biennale 2007 as well as the Irish Republic.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel: (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
