24/06/2016

Ulster Bank To Stop Belfast International Festival Funding

The Ulster Bank is to stop funding the Belfast International Festival after it takes place in October this year.

Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank's Head of Northern Ireland, said: "At Ulster Bank, we're really proud of the work we've done to date with Richard and the whole team behind the Belfast Festival. 2016 marks the end of our ten-year partnership with the Festival.

"Over that time I have been inspired by the way it has grown and evolved, and I look forward to this year being another excellent celebration of the arts. We wish them well for the future as an important platform for the arts in Northern Ireland."

Director of the festival, Richard Wakely, said: "The Ulster Bank has been a tremendous partner to the Belfast International Arts Festival and while this phase in our partnership is coming to a close, our work together, particularly over the last 12 months has created the best foundation for establishing a civic arts event of international stature, that engages all our communities in the joys of creative practice.

"We are enthusiastic about the future of the new Festival and we remain steadfast in furthering the shared ambitions of our audiences, artists and funders and the impact the Festival will continue to have on our great city."

The festival is now seeking a new sponsor for 2017.

(CD/JP)

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