Queen's Festival Announces New Director

The Belfast festival at Queen's has announced arts programmer and producer Richard Wakely as its new director.

Mr Wakely is a former Managing Director of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, while his role as Commissioner for the China-Ireland Cultural Exchange Programme for the Irish government saw him tour throughout Europe, the UK and South America.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Wakely said: "Being appointed Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is both an honour and a privilege. The Festival is respected and acknowledged globally as offering a world-class mix of arts and entertainment and also holds a very special place in the history of Belfast and its people.

"My mission is to continue to bring the world’s best performers, known and unknown, to the stages of Belfast, to challenge preconceptions about the arts, create compelling new experiences, and, to ensure Festival can increasingly open its arms to audiences at home and across the world."

Queen’s University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson, said: "Richard is one of the most creative, driven and well-respected individuals working on the international arts scene, and we welcome him as the new Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Festival makes a substantial contribution, not only to arts and culture in Northern Ireland, but also economically and socially to the city of Belfast, generating around £5million each year."

Roísín McDonough Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: "The Arts Council welcome the appointment of Richard as the new Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. His creativity, extensive knowledge and significant experience with international arts, will bring a further rich dimension to one of Northern Ireland’s premier festivals. I wish Richard every success in his new role."

(IT/CD)