NI can become culture centre of excellence

Northern Ireland has the potential to become a centre of excellence in culture, arts and leisure.

This is according to Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Angela Smith who was speaking today at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where she was launching ‘Vision’, the Department's corporate strategy for the period 2004-2007.

The Minister said: “There is no doubt that since its establishment in 1999, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has made a difference and has contributed to the well-being of our society.

“I am convinced that our success has been achieved through our people, together with the good management of our cultural infrastructure and excellent delivery of our products and services.

"It is these strengths that will take us through the next phase of the Department’s life and help to develop the emerging concept of ‘cultural capital’, which is the embodiment of the total value of our efforts.

“It is ‘cultural capital’ that will add to the quality of life and help us meet Government’s priorities and plans for the future.”

Angela Smith explained that the Department would also use the knowledge it had gained to continue to promote innovation, creativity and lifelong learning and to cultivate respect for and to celebrate diversity.

She emphasised that these goals would be underpinned by ongoing improvement and efficiency through reform and modernisation.

Today's event was attended by representatives of the arts, museums, libraries, sports, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland and other partner organisations.

(MB)