McGuinness opens 'Art and Conflict' Conference

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today opened the Arts Council’s Annual Conference, themed “Art and Conflict” at the Grand Opera House, Belfast.

Speaking at the opening of the conference Mr McGuinness said: “As we strive to transform our society we must use all means at our disposal to do so and the role of the arts in this is fundamentally important.

“Today’s conference will explore not only the ways in which artists respond to and represent societies in conflict but also the critical role they play in post conflict society.”

Mr McGuinness paid tribute to key note speaker Justice Albe Sachs from South Africa. He said: “Justice Sachs has been an inspiration to many people around the world because of his dedication to promoting human rights and justice for all. His experience of how a society divided by conflict and inequality can be transformed into a more democratic, tolerant and peaceful is inspirational to all of us here today. We can all learn from South African experiences in healing a divided society.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The conference was chaired by the distinguished writer and broadcaster, Feargal Keane. Justice Albie Sachs, with architect Vanessa September, discussed the significant role art played in peace-building and the development of the constitutional court in South Africa.

2. Other speakers included Sean Hillen, artist, Omagh memorial sculpture ‘Garden of Light’ and Belfast poet and recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Poetry, Michael Longley, ‘in conversation’ with novelist, Glenn Patterson. Acclaimed Magnum war photographer, Jenny Matthews shared her experiences from war zones around the world. The line-up of top international speakers was completed by Zoe Lippett, Curator of the Northern Ireland Collection, Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

3. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel 028 9051 5045 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.