McGimpsey welcomes Grant Reprieve for Belfast Festival
Commenting on the award today of a one-off grant to the Belfast Festival at Queen’s, former Arts Minister Michael McGimpsey said:
“We enjoy a vibrant local arts scene. The Belfast Festival at Queens, alongside the Lyric Theatre and the newly improved Opera House, act as major international showcases for our local talent.
“While this award is welcome – it’s clear that we need sustained investment in arts, rather than ‘one-off’ grants.
“It is vitally important to invest in arts and culture. For example, every pound spent by the Arts Council sees over £3 returned back into the local economy. This makes supporting our local arts scene, and festivals such as that at Queen’s, not only a culturally but a financially sound decision.”