rediscover northern Washington DC 2007

Review

Lead Sponsors www.rediscoverni.com Program of events Washington DC 2007

Introduction reintroduced to the US or trade showcase because it provided leaders, public servants, cultural experts, very effectively. visitors with an insight into our culture academics, artists and performers, through access to a wide range of local chefs, journalists, craft workers, poets, 112 million audience of Fox News Live, CBS, CNN, The Rediscover Northern Ireland people acting as cultural ambassadors. researchers and students combined to Channel 9, Channel 5. programme was designed to maximise Quite simply, it showcased ordinary show the US that Northern Ireland is now 96% of all media coverage in the US was positive Northern Ireland’s presence at the Rediscover Northern Ireland was a people, with extraordinary talents. moving forward. Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival 1,006,195 visitors attended the 10-day Smithsonian unique initiative that began on St in the summer of 2007, by presenting Northern Ireland’s participation in 2007 They grasped the opportunity that the Festival. Patrick’s Day 2007 and culminated in aspects of Northern Ireland that would sent out a powerful and persuasive programme presented, pulling together 97% of visitors rated their experience of visiting the prestigious Smithsonian Annual enlighten, educate and entertain US message about the new spirit and to make it a success and to show the Festival as excellent, superior or good. Folklife Festival – Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian - in Washington citizens. Rediscover Northern Ireland transformation underway here. An their determination to build a more 80% of visitors said they might visit or would DC, from 27 June to 8 July 2007. It met staged over 60 arts events, involving over unprecedented partnership of politicians harmonious and prosperous future for all consider visiting Northern Ireland. all its objectives and proved to be an 40 US partners taking place at venues from all parties, business and community in Northern Ireland. 71% of visitors stated that they learned a lot outstanding success. such as Capitol Hill, Library of Congress, or something about Northern Ireland from the National Geographic and the American Festival. Over million people, mainly from University. More than 200,000 people the US, visited the 10-day Festival. 40,719,219 hits on the Smithsonian’s Festival related attended Rediscover Northern Ireland websites including Smithsonian Global Sound Surveys and other gathered arts events from the Washington DC, which included webcasts from the Festival. by the Smithsonian Institution, the Maryland and Virginia communities. 87,929 visitors to the Rediscover Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Over 3,000 key influencers, business web site with 22.6 million page views. (DCAL) and other bodies, indicate that people and politicians attended a series the key objectives underpinning the of events based around the key themes Rediscover Northern Ireland programme of business and investment, tourism, food and Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian and drink, education and arts and culture. initiative were either met or exceeded. The Rediscover Northern Ireland Ninety seven per cent of visitors, programme succeeded in raising US mostly from the US, described the awareness of Northern Ireland as a good Festival as excellent and 80% per place in which to invest, visit, live, work cent expressed an interest in visiting and study. The timing of the event within Northern Ireland. months of the formation of the new This immensely important initiative Northern Ireland Executive was ideal. showcased Northern Ireland in a very The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a different and positive light. It helped prestigious and widely respected annual to sweep away outdated stereotypes event that provides “a professionally and perceptions by highlighting the curated, outdoor museum exhibit of region’s best qualities to the US contemporary, cultural traditions”. As public, media and decision makers. It such, it was much more than a tourism

2 3 Washington DC 2007 Background

Northern Ireland was invited by the Smithsonian Institution to participate in the 41st Smithsonian Annual Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC. The Festival is held annually between the last week in June and the first week in July incorporating 4th July celebrations and is the largest cultural event in the US capital. As participation at the festival is a once in a lifetime opportunity, there was a widespread view that Northern Ireland should build on it to create a buzz in the US and highlight our region’s best features. The programme was conceived and delivered through the work of the members of the Leadership and Coordinating Groups drawn from government departments, public agencies and the corporate sector both in Northern Ireland and the US. The Leadership Group of public and private sector representatives succeeded in its objective of leveraging significant support from the private sector. A total of £580,570 cash and in-kind support was donated by corporate sponsors in Northern Ireland. Three steering groups were formed to plan and deliver the Rediscover Northern Ireland programme. The Leadership Group was co-chaired by the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Nigel Hamilton, and the Chair of Bank, Dr Alan Gillespie. Members included business leaders and DCAL officials with responsibility for the different strands of the programmes. Additionally, there was a group of VIP supporters comprised of Senator George Mitchell, Sir James Galway, Barry Douglas, Kenneth Branagh, Brian Friel, Brian Kennedy and Geraldine Hughes, who lent their support to brochures, websites, letterheads and attendance by some at events. Management and accountability were provided by the Coordinating Group drawn from senior government officials and representatives from the key public bodies involved. In keeping with the nature of the event, a Curatorial Group was set up and provided expert guidance on cultural issues. The group contributed substantially to discussions with the Smithsonian’s Curator.

4 5 Washington DC 2007 Reaching a wider audience Harnessing the US media to highlight Northern Ireland’s transformation was a vitally important objective of Rediscover Northern Ireland. The Festival was an ideal platform that could be used to reach the vast audience beyond the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia regions. Research indicates that over 110 million people in the US watched television coverage of Rediscover Northern Ireland on broadcasters such as CNN, CBS, and Fox News Live. It was also mentioned in 127 articles in newspapers and magazines. Keeping people in Northern Ireland briefed about the initiative was just as important. Rediscover Northern Ireland featured 259 times in the local press and received television coverage totalling 37 minutes and 45 seconds on BBC and UTV news. A Strategic Approach The steering groups agreed the following people, mostly from overseas, generated strategic message would underpin Northern 22.6 million page views. It provided Ireland’s activity in the US: To present essential cultural, business, tourism and Northern Ireland as a creative, confident, other information about Northern Ireland outward looking region and to develop and the programme of events from St further strong relationships with the Patrick’s Day to the end of August 2007. United States that would be mutually The website also acted as a signpost beneficial. to the sites of other organisations and bodies involved in the Rediscover A Rediscover Northern Ireland brand, Northern Ireland initiative. logo and website were created with the strap line See, Feel, Discover for use by A further 40,719 219 people viewed the all participants and on all marketing and Smithsonian’s Festival website, which promotional materials and activities. included information about Northern Ireland. These were the highest website The Rediscover Northern Ireland web figures in the Festival’s history. portal, which was accessed by 88,000 Delivering the campaign An administrative team was established including officials from DCAL and executives seconded from the Arts Council Northern Ireland, Business in the Community and CraftNI to facilitate and deliver the core programme. Each of the stakeholder bodies: Arts Council, Department of Agriculture, Invest NI, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, , University of Ulster, NI Bureau delivered their own events and programmes. 6 7 Washington DC 2007 Northern ireland at the smithsonian Key themes Doing business in the festival marketplace More than 145 participants from Mr McGuinness said: “I have visited the United States and I am sure you will Craftspeople and musicians attending the festival had an opportunity to supply items for sale in the Smithsonian’s Festival Northern Ireland exhibited, performed this city many times but is be pleasantly surprised.” Marketplace beside the National Mall. A wide variety of goods from Northern Ireland were on offer which gave visitors a more and talked about issues such as heritage different. Today I am here not just as complete Festival experience. Included for sale were jewellery, ceramics, books, linen, music CDs, candles/soap, Bog Oak, willow, Mr Robinson said: “When you visit and the environment, traditional crafts, a representative of one part of the giftware, sports wares, paper goods, consumables and glass. Sales worth $81,000 were recorded for the participants. us - as I hope you will - you will be food and drink, industrial and agricultural community. Today I am proud, honoured in no doubt about the astounding heritage, sports and traditional and humbled to speak to you as the progress that is being made. Our two performing arts. joint leader of an administration which traditions are serving together in a new represents our entire society. Two powerful moments that highlighted government. It is a government that is Northern Ireland’s transformation and “A society not just in transition but in about change, about building, about the growing confidence were provided transformation; a society moving from progress, about promoting a confident by deputy First Minister, Martin division to one united in our celebration and capable Northern Ireland and I McGuinness MP MLA and then Finance of diversity. believe there is no limit to what we can Minister, The Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP achieve together. “When you meet our performers and MLA, who represented the First Minister, participants you will see at first hand “Over the next two weeks our both speaking at the launch of the the vibrancy, diversity and creativity of common heritage can be explored Festival on the National Mall. our cultural life and its influence here in and experienced here. You will see innovation is central to our development and will be the springboard for our future prosperity. “As we look to the future with hope, expectation and realism, we need only reflect on our common heritage to realise the potential for future relationships between our two countries.” Demonstrating Northern Ireland’s culture on the National Mall were musicians, dancers, sports coaches, mural artists, cooks, biomass technicians, historians, makers, industrial workers to name but a few. The presentation included a network Congressmen Richie Neal and Jim Walsh pictured with of stages and a sports field laid out for deputy first minister Martin McGuinness and Finance Minister, Peter Robinson soccer, rugby and Gaelic.

8 9 Washington DC 2007 Arts & Culture

The longstanding creativity The exchanges have already resulted theme of the Folkways recording was a and developing confidence in a visit by US partners to Northern sense of place. Ireland in March 2008. in Northern Ireland were Funding of $29,700 was provided towards demonstrated by 66 arts and Another important initiative that the production costs of the CD to be cultural events held at venues helped to raise awareness of the used as a promotional tool to raise the • 39 artists from Washington were also involved such as the Library of Congress quality of Northern Ireland’s traditional profile of musicians from Northern Ireland in the Northern Ireland programme music was the production of a CD by on the international stage. Initial sales of and the National Geographic. the Smithsonian’s in-house Folkways the CD, which can also be downloaded • 27 Northern Ireland arts organisations This aspect of the Festival was recording label. Folkways is dedicated to for MP3 players, were $ 22, 807.95 partnered with funded by grants of £512,000 the recording and preservation of folk, between July 2007 – March 2008. • 21 bodies/venues in Washington from DCAL and the Arts Council traditional or indigenous music styles. The of Northern Ireland. • $175,000 in-kind support from Washington partners in support of the programme Taking part were 147 artists and administrators who formed • 200,000 audience from Washington DC and relationships with arts organisations, Maryland & Virginia communities such as Americans for the Arts, and other cultural businesses in the • Some 210,536 people from the Washington DC, Washington area. Maryland and Virginia region visited the arts These links have also led to discussions events including the ‘Made in Northern Ireland on joint US-Northern Ireland initiative craft exhibition such as a new poetry anthology with • In addition, support-in-kind worth around the National Endowment for the Arts; a theatrical project for Buffalo, the $175,000 was donated by venues and partners in New York state capital; and resulted Washington DC in a further cultural exchange when 11 American partnerships were engaged in a week of cultural events in Northern Ireland in March.

10 11 Washington DC 2007 Food and drink Receptions, gala gourmet master-classes, demonstrations and samplings showcasing the quality and variety of Northern Ireland’s food produce were held both before and during the Festival. The programme, supported by £30,000 from Northern Ireland departments, private sector sponsorship and in-kind contributions, included presentations by a group of Northern Ireland’s best chefs and featured a unique Masterclass Gala Dinner at Restaurant Eve in Alexandria Va hosted by Michelle Gildernew, Agriculture Minister. It provided an opportunity to connect with key influencers from the food industry, travel trade, politicians and the media.

National Mall, which demonstration stage. Of the four food provided opportunities concessions at the Festival – Thai, to promote and sample Vietnamese, Virginia and, Northern local food and drink Ireland, the Northern Ireland concession and cooking styles. recorded the second highest sales after Flanagan’s Harp and the Thai outlet. Sales at the Northern , a restaurant from Ireland food concession, in fact, were Bethesda, Maryland among the top ten sales figures in the was selected by the Festival’s history. Smithsonian to produce The most popular and a unique feature the Northern Ireland of Northern Ireland’s food concession menu. Over 170 key people from food, tourism was a stage for session musicians and politics also attended a special To ensure that Northern Irish accents designed like an Irish pub that included reception hosted by the UK Ambassador, were heard at the service counters, the day long traditional music sessions which Sir David Manning to celebrate Northern hospitality and catering department Washingtonians were invited to join at Ireland’s food and drink. The guests of Southern Regional College, Newry, weekends. This was the first time that the included executives from Northern sponsored by DCAL, took eight catering Smithsonian had attempted anything of Ireland food companies. students and a hospitality lecturer this kind and it was a resounding success. to Washington to assist Flanagan’s in This extra draw for visitors contributed A hugely successful aspect of the preparing and particularly serving the towards generating food and beverage Northern Ireland presentation was the meals. Some of the students supported sales of $221,349. food concession for visitors on the the Northern Ireland chefs at the food 12 13 Washington DC 2007 Trade and business A total of seven Ministers attended Rediscover Northern Ireland events and the Festival. This was the first opportunity for the newly devolved Executive to demonstrate to US political and business leaders that Higher education the new Executive was a sustainable administration, focused on addressing socio and economic priorities. Whilst in the US the Ministers held a number of meetings with Promoting Northern Ireland as a modern and progressive region with political, business and policy representatives in Washington, New a world class education system and as a global leader in research and York and elsewhere. development activities underpinned the programmes led by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster. One of the most important meetings A mini trade mission was held around food sector mission that coincided outside the Festival was with the US the two Department of Agriculture with the Gala Master-Class Dinner Special Envoy, Paula Dobrianski and and Rural Development food events and the reception hosted by the UK seven Chief Executive Officers and and £500,000 sales are predicted in Ambassador. business representatives from the United the US over the next 2 years by one Economy Minister Nigel Dodds also States. As a result of this meeting, Paula participating food company. Three led a mission of 10 companies to Dobrianski agreed three key deliverables other Northern Ireland companies Fairfax County organised to promote to assist the Northern Ireland Executive: have returned to the US to further innovation, skills and investment Queen’s University, Belfast University of Ulster develop their contacts with the • Connections for the opportunities in Northern Ireland. US market. Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) held a poetry Activities included a reception organised by the University Investment Conference in Companies on this mission expect to symposium at the National Geographic Society. The of Ulster at the Katzen Center, American University, that was Spring 2008 Invest Northern Ireland provided achieve sales of more than £5,000,000. event, hosted by Dana Gioia, Chair of the National attended by 80 key influencers including alumni, honorary £140,000 for a series of focused business • Three US-led missions in Linked to the US launch of the Endowment for the Arts, showcased the work of poets: graduates, academic and other existing and potential partners events designed to promote trade and support of planned Rediscover Northern Ireland Paul Muldoon, Ciaran Carson and Michael Longley. in higher education, the arts, business and public life. The event investment between Northern Ireland Investment Conference programme, the former Northern Seamus Heaney appeared on film. The audience was featured work from more than 20 Northern Ireland artists. and the US. The US is one of Northern • US administration Ireland Office Minister Maria Eagle composed of invited guests and members of the There was a strong emphasis on the wealth of talent emerging Ireland’s most important export markets participation in the MP hosted an investment lunch for public. President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter from the University’s School of Art and Design. and the leading source of inward Investment Conference existing and potential investors at Gregson, Queen’s hosted a reception at the event investment projects. Another reception was held by the University of Ulster at Over 150 influential business the end of St Patrick’s week. She also attended by 400 people from Queen’s alumni, US arts the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC for 140 guests leaders, influencers and potential These included three trade missions hosted an Invest NI business reception & business community, the media, & academics. including alumni, some of whom travelled from Florida, Texas investors, representing 90 major to the US. A 15-strong group of in the Library of Congress on 23 Queen’s has established and increased communication and New York. corporations travelled to the technology companies attended the March 2007 which was attended by between QUB and other senior academics in These receptions have enabled the University of Ulster to Investment Conference and had FOSE exhibition in Washington DC to almost 200 existing and potential US Washington DC. Queen’s hosted the Mitchell strengthen its relationships in the US and make further worthwhile an opportunity to see at first explore business with US federal and investors, influencers and media. Conference 22-23 May 2008, attended by the President contacts. The opportunity to invite alumni allowed the University hand what Northern Ireland has state authorities. The second was a of Georgetown University and 15 academics. to re-establish contact with 800 alumni across the US. to offer.

14 15 Washington DC 2007 Titanic ‘Built in Belfast’ Exhibition at Union Station Tourism

Over one million dollars (£500,000) of positive coverage for Northern Ireland was obtained through Tourism Ireland’s and NITB’s PR programmes in the run up to the festival and in the months directly following the event. Preliminary forecasts for 2007 show an increase of 12% for visitors from North America. A ‘Titanic - Built in Belfast’ exhibition was 1.6 million visitors estimated to • A massive economic opportunity on a held at Union Station, Washington DC have visited the exhibition during world scale (Titanic Quarter, city centre, during the Festival. the period 26 June – 15 July, 97 retail, inward investment). per cent of whom said they An extensive promotional programme was Landscape and The Big House Tradition. • Drawn heavily from the Ulster • National Museums Northern Ireland would consider Northern Ireland organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Over 700 people attended the lectures. The Folk and Transport Museum’s held a Business Networking Event in as a holiday/business location. Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland (TIL) joint NITB/Tourism Ireland presentation archive material relating to Titanic Union Station in conjunction with the as their contribution to the Rediscover at the Festival recorded 60,000 visitors. and shipbuilding in Belfast, the DC Chamber of Commerce. The event Northern Ireland initiative. NITB was also • The exhibition informed and was supported by NITB’s contribution was particularly event involved a unique public / a partner in the food programme and educated visitors across four key and the Port of Belfast and guests significant in terms of newspaper, magazine private partnership led by National supported the gala dinner and Ambassador’s themes: included Chief Executives of major and television promotion. NITB conducted Museums Northern Ireland which reception, while Tourism Ireland was a major companies, banks and international an intensive media briefing tour in New included Titanic Quarter, Tourism • A celebration of a city with sponsor of the Titanic Exhibition and travel businesses and other potential inward York and Washington with leading travel Ireland, Belfast City Council and the an impressive industrial past Industry lunch. investors. A “Presidents Liaison” and lifestyle editors. These promotional Department of Culture Arts and (shipbuilding, aircraft, engineering, between the National Association activities led 14 journalists and one television Leisure. design, innovation); As well as carrying out several promotions of Realtors and Northern Ireland was crew to visit Northern Ireland immediately, during the Festival, including the distribution • The location in Union Station DC • A demonstration of a place which announced after the event. with many more contacts being followed up was a perfect setting for the Titanic values its history and cultural heritage of 100,000 NITB branded fans highlighting National Museums also hosted, in with the media. exhibition and its opening launch (National Museums, arts venues, tourism websites, 7,000 visitor guides and conjunction with Tourism Ireland, a lunch (led by Ministers Poots and Dodds) schools, universities, churches and 18,000 DVDs, NITB and Tourism Ireland Northern Ireland featured strongly in for 160 of the most influential tourism for attracting and generating media Christian sites); organised five events as part of the the Smithsonian Institution’s Associates professionals from across the States. The interest. The major exhibit included a Smithsonian Associates lecture programme. magazine, which has a circulation of 85,000, • A fantastic destination for event was hosted by Joe Byrne of Tourism dramatic reconstruction based on the These included An Evening with Phil Coulter and six US travel writers attended Associates international visitors (Titanic, City Ireland and addressed by Minister Dodds, hull section of the Titanic with National and lectures on The Northern Ireland programme events. Hall, Giants Causeway, St Patrick, Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers and Tim Cooke, Museum’s costumed interpreters emigration); Chief Executive of National Museums bringing the exhibition to life. Northern Ireland. 16 17 Washington DC 2007 Funding

Funding Rediscover Northern Ireland and support needed to launch participation, Sponsorship enabled Northern Ireland Reaching a participation in the Smithsonian Folklife underwrite the costs of both programmes to enhance its programmes in terms Festival is an excellent example of a and mitigate two key risks – possibility of numbers of participants taking part; wider audience successful partnership between the public, that sufficient sponsorship might not the ability to show more facets of local private and voluntary sectors. Public and materialise and fluctuations in currency life and better exhibits. Washington private sector financial and in-kind support exchange rates. Initial contacts with the partners also provided in kind support totalling £2.61 million was secured. This corporate sector indicated there was such as providing arts venues either included £ 426,000 Corporate sponsorship, excellent potential for the involvement at reduced rates or free: inclusion of £104,000 from each government of business and by November 2006 a Rediscover Northern Ireland events in department, £192,000 from the Arts Council, concerted sponsorship drive had begun. their publicity and marketing; ticketing and £ 424,000 from the Smithsonian and booking arrangements; security and Corporate sponsorship exceeded Institution. £87,500 of in-kind support was ushering. This has not been quantified the original target. In addition, many received from the US. but it is important that their generous companies and organisations provided contribution to our programmes is A budget was developed by DCAL for the in-kind support such as services, staff acknowledged. period 2005-08 to cover public sector and advice.

Budget 2005/06 – 2007/08

Year 05-06 06-07 07-08 Total Budget £100,000 £498,000 £970,000 £1,568,000

Titanic Exhibit at Union Station £402,000 (Corporate sponsorship, DCAL funds, Tourism Ireland and Belfast City Council) Total Costs Smithsonian Folklife Festival Corporate Sponsorship £1.046 million (£622,000 from DCAL’s £426,000 (Target of £250,000). Value of budget and £424,000 from the in-kind support £155,760. Harnessing the US media to highlight Research indicates that over 110 Keeping people in Northern Ireland Smithsonian Institution) Northern Ireland’s transformation million people in the US watched briefed about the initiative was just as Marketing and Publicity was a vitally important objective of television coverage of Rediscover important. Rediscover Northern Ireland The Rediscover NI Arts and Culture £237,000 including costs of a Washington Rediscover Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland on broadcasters featured 259 times in the local press and Programme PR company. News and media stories Festival was an ideal platform that could such as CNN, CBS, and Fox News received television coverage totalling £512,000 (£320,000 DCAL funding from in the US reached television audiences be used to reach the vast audience Live. It was also mentioned in 37 minutes and 45 seconds on BBC and its existing international showcasing of 112 million alone. Print media through beyond the Washington DC, Maryland 127 articles in newspapers and UTV. fund and an additional contribution of newspapers such as the Washington Post and Virginia regions. magazines. £192,000 from the Arts Council) would have extended the audience reach further.

18 19 Washington DC 2007 Outstanding success

The clear message from all the It succeeded in presenting Northern large and small are building emerging participants is that the Rediscover Ireland as a creative, increasingly relationships from this platform. Northern Ireland programme and confident and outward looking region. Finally, it demonstrated the role that Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian It has created an environment in the US culture can play as the key to opening was a successful public and corporate in which Northern Ireland is received doors for the delivery of other business diplomacy initiative that delivered more positively across many different messages related to the economy, value for money especially in terms of layers of business and cultural life and in tourism and education and that cultural acquired media coverage. It succeeded which US organisations and businesses diplomacy is an important part of in a very short space of time of are much more receptive and confident any international initiative promoting turning round many of the outdated about forming partnerships with Northern Ireland. perceptions held about our region. us. Already numerous organisations

20 21 Washington DC 2007 The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure are particularly grateful to Rediscover Northern Ireland Arts and Culture Programme the following people: The Smithsonian Institution: Pat Wilson, DCAL Pat Wilson, NI Folklife Festival Project Artists and Performers Dr Richard Kurin Dr , DCAL/ACNI Manager Artists in Health at Printmakers in DC Visual Arts at the Katzen Musicians at the Phillips Dr Diana Parker, Festival Director Ryan Williams, DCAL Ryan Williams, Business Links Manager Lombardi Cancer Center Paula Gallagher Center Collection Dr Nancy Groce, Senior Curator NI Jill Heron, DCAL Joanne Eland, Press / Communications Kate Newman Robert Peters Noreen Taggart Jonathan Byers Programme Marian Kelly, DCAL Manager Elaine Agnew Elaine Megahey Peter Richards Richard Sweeney Jason Morris, Assistant Curator Noreen Taggart, UU Marian Kelly, Logistics Manager Andrea Spencer Jill McKeown Ian Charlesworth Daragh Morgan Leadership Group: Shan McAnena, QUB Rosemary Petrie, Finance Manager Lorna Hastings Paul Seawright Mary Dullea Sir Nigel Hamilton, KCB, Co-chair Sue Ward, NITB Julie Steen, Events Manager Artists in the Community at Michael McHale Dr Alan Gillespie, CBE, Co-chair Roisin McDonough, ACNI Kerry Savage, Office Manager Drama in Education/ Anacostia Opera Theatre Company David Quigley Austin Baird Tim Losty, NIB Janice Stevenson, Marketplace Co- Production at Catholic Mervyn Smyth Eimer Murphy Place Names Symposium at Terry Brannigan Stephen Grimason, EIS ordinator university Colette Bryce Rosa Solinas the Library of Congress Ruth Laird Colm Shannon, EIS Orla McCarthy, Participants Co- Tom Maguire Kirsten Kearney Andrew Clancy Kay Muhr Des Kennedy Tracey Gallogly Brendan Collins Michael Gould John Speers, DARD ordinator Literature in DC Orla McKeagney Mick Cory, NI Programme Director Pat Murphy, Invest NI Kevin Loy, Freight Co-ordinator Lucy Caldwell Press Photography The Brian Irvine Ensemble David Knotts Dr Philip Hammond, Creative Director Gillian McLean, NMNI Titanic Exhibition Alan Lewis in DC Glenn Patterson Pat Wilson, NI Folklife Festival Project Siobhan Logue, DEL Anne McMullan, NMNI John Harrison Peace Café production Owen McCafferty Manager Norman Houston, DETI Aubrey Irwin, TIL Poetry in DC Marie Jones Harpist Ryan Williams, Business Links Manager Aubrey Irwin, TIL US Media and Public Relations Barry Douglas and Camerata Ciaran Carson Marty Maguire Cliona Doris Co-ordinating Group: Smithsonian Unit, DCAL Susan Davis International Ireland at the Library of Leontia Flynn Film in DC Edgar Jardine, Chair Mick Cory, NI Programme Director Congress Nick Laird Traditional Music at the Cian Smyth Mick Cory, Deputy Chair Dr Philip Hammond, Creative Director Michael Longley Library of Congress Moyra Locke Popular/Contemporary Edna Longley John Moulden John Joe O’Neill Music in DC Shan McAnena Rosie Stewart John T Davis Curatorial Group Ross Graham Sinead Morrisey Francis McPeake III Pearse Elliott Dr Aideen McGinley, DEL, Chair Hazel Campbell, DCAL Mick Cory, DCAL, Deputy Chair John Edmond Paul Muldoon Francis McPeake IV Terry Loane Alice O’Rawe, Arts & Business Heather Carr, Arts & Business Nancy Groce, Smithsonian Iain Archer Mairead Forde Craft in DC Anna Carragher, BBC Helen Gormley, Rural Community Network Nick Harkness, Sports Council NI Foy Vance Composers in DC Sean O’Kane Joe Kelly, CraftNI Anthony Cranney, NITB Jane Campbell, NI Events Company Olga Gallagher, Rural Dev Council Snow Patrol Chris McClelland Robert Watt Andrew Livingstone, Aubrey Irwin, Tourism Ireland Joe Kelly, Craft NI Pat Wilson, DCAL Duke Special Dave Morris Brian Mullen Ceramicist Brian Lambkin, Centre for Migration Studies John Gilmour, MAGNI Paul Flynn, Arts Council Oppenheimer Deirdre Gribbin Gary Hastings Cara Murphy, Silversmith Cathie McKimm, Down District Council John Gray, Linenhall Library Peadar O’Cuinneagain, Foras Na Gaeilge Claire Sproule Frank Lyons Michael McCrory, Silversmith Cathy Hurst, US Consulate John Speers, DARD Philip Hammond, DCAL Stephen Deazley Arts Critics Exchange Céline Traynor, Jeweller Children’s Theatre at Brian Irvine Sioned Hughes Colette Norwood, British Council John Walsh, BCVB Shan Mc Anena, QUB Hazel Bruce, Textile Artist Imagination Stage Linda Christmas Colm McGivern , British Council Linda Houston, Libraries Teresa Canavan, RDC Janet Ledsham, Textile Artist Cahoots NI Matt McCreary Colin Jack, DCAL Lorraine Craig, EHS Ullrich Kockel, University of Ulster Karl Harron, Glass Artist Linda McKee Michael Moore, Ceramicist Declan McGovern, BBC Mairtin MacCathmaoil, Foras Na Gaeilge Valerie Adams, PRONI Artist in Education at School David Lewis Peter Meanley, Ceramicist Fiona Lavery, Invest NI Manus Deery, EHS Vanessa Wilson, Ulster Scots Agency for Arts in Learning George Patton, Ulster Scots Agency Michael Coulter, EHS Yvonne Murphy, Linenhall Library, David Campbell 22 23 Washington DC 2007

Philip Holland, Ulster Carpets, William Magowan, Brush Creations, James McIlhernon, Cuckoo’s Nest, Northern Ireland Participants Portadown, Co. Armagh Garvagh, Co. Londonderry, Banner Cushendun, Co. Antrim, Traditional George Holmes, Donaghadee, Co. painter Musician Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian Down, Ulster-Scots culture/Traditional Eamon Maguire, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Ivan McFerran, The Low Country Boys, musician/Presenter Bodhran maker/Bog oak sculptor Glastry, Ballyhalbert, Co. Down, Valerie Adams, Public Records Office of Jimmy Darragh, Comhairle Uladh Cumann Wes Forsythe, University of Ulster/ Robbie Hughes, Strangford, Co. Down, Jonathan Mattison, Historian, Grand Traditional musician Northern Ireland, Belfast, Genealogist Lúthchleas Gael/GAA, Armagh, Co. Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Marine Bagpipe maker Orange Lodge Stephen McGeehan, Comhairle Uladh Cumann Lúthchleas Gael/GAA, Brendan Bailey, The Armagh Rhymers, Armagh, Gaelic sports archeologist David Hume, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Rev. Robert James Mattison, Poyntzpass, Armagh, Co. Armagh, Gaelic sports Portadown, Co. Armagh, Mummer Margaret Deevy, PlayBoard, Belfast, Mary Fox, All Set Ensemble, Portadown, Historian, Grand Orange Lodge Co. Armagh, Ulster-Scots cooking and Mark McGuigan, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Linda Ballard, Ulster Folk and Transport Co. Antrim, Childrens’playleaders/ Co. Armagh, Traditional dance/ dance Declan Hurl, Environment and Built culture Sustainable Agriculture Museum, Holywood, Co. Down, Traditional games instructor Heritage, Belfast, Co. Antrim Tanya McAleenan, Newry, Co. Down, Jim McGrath, Hidden Fermanagh, Monea, Presenter Kevin Doherty, Four Men and a Dog, Andrew Galvin, Northbrook Technology, Conservation specialist Hospitality Lecturer Mabel Bogie, Saintfield, County Strabane, Co.Tyrone, Communication Co. Fermanagh, Traditional musician Traditional musician/songwriter Bob Johnston, Ulster Folk & Transport Gabriel McArdle, Hidden Fermanagh, Down, Lacemaker and decorative Coach Christine McIvor, Centre Migration Gordon Donoghue, Bushmills, Co. Museum, Bangor, Co. Down, Irish , Co. Fermanagh, Traditional needlework Brian Gardiner, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, Studies/Ulster American Folk Park, Antrim, Whiskey Maker Basket maker singer/musician Sheila Boylan, All Set Ensemble, Belfast, Motor sports Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Genealogist Danny Donnelly, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Mary Keenan, Co. Down, Catering Intern Michael McBarron, Aughakillymaude Co. Down, Traditional musician Kenneth Garvin, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Una McKay, Comhairle Uladh Cumann Historian and Lough Neagh expert Tom Kelly, Bogside Artists, City, Co. Community Mummers, Derrylin, Co. Sinead Boyle, Co. Down, Catering Intern Whiskey Maker Lúthchleas Gael/GAA, Armagh, Co. Londonderry, Muralist Fermanagh, Captain Mummer Michael Black, Derry, Co. Londonderry, John Doogan, Derrygonnelly, Co. John Gilliland, Rural Generation Ltm/ Armagh, Gaelic sports Will Kelly, Bogside Artists, Derry City, Co. Adrian McBrien, Aughakillymaude Rugby coach Fermanagh, Belleek Pottery worker Brook Hall Estate, Londonderry, Richard McKee, Co. Down, Catering Londonderry, Muralist Community Mummers, Derrylin, Co. , , Co. Patsy Downey, Cuckoo’s Nest, Belfast, Co. Willow/Biomass/Green technologies Intern John Kennedy, Cullybacky, Ballymena, Fermanagh, Mummer Londonderry, Traditional musician Down, Musician Maybelline Gormley, Belfast, Co. Antrim, William McKeown, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Co. Antrim, Traditional singer and Donard McClean, Aughakillymaude Colin Breen, University of Ulster, Leanne Drumm, Aughakillymaude Archaeologist Whiskey Maker musician Community Mummers, Bangor, Co. Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Marine Community Mummers, Enniskillen, Co. Len Graham, Mullaghbawn, Newry, Pat McManus, Hidden Fermanagh, Conor Lamb, Craobh Rua, Belfast, Co. Down, Mummer archeologist Fermanagh, Mummer Co. Armagh, Traditional Singer and Teemore, Co. Fermanagh, Traditional Antrim, Traditional musician Rosemary McConkey, University of Norah Brown, Grange Lodge, Dungannon, Gavin Duffy, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Hurling storyteller musician , Catering Intern Co. Tyrone, Cook and Guesthouse stick maker David Alexander Grant, Bushmills, Co. Bernice Larkin, Co. Down Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Shirley Elizabeth McMullan, Bushmills, Co. Owner Henry Johnston Elliott, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Whiskey Maker Lee Lawson, Waringstown, Co. Down, Marine archeologist Antrim, Whiskey Maker Snare Drummer Cathal McConnell, Hidden Fermanagh, Hugh Browne, Newry Institute, Antrim, Whiskey Maker Alex Greene, Co Down, Catering Intern Niall McShea, Markethill, Springfield, Jim Ledwith, Aughakillymaude Co. Fermanagh/Edinburgh, Traditional Warrenpoint, Co. Down, Chef, Trevor Erskine, Irish Football Association, Joanne Haire, Northbrook Technology, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Motor fisherman, Mournes expert Communication Community Mummers, Enniskillen, singer and musician Belfast, Co. Antrim, Soccer Coach Strabane, Co.Tyrone, sports Ian Carmichael, All Set Ensemble, Coach Co. Fermanagh, Group Coordinator/ Mary McCormack, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Caroline Fegan, All Set Ensemble, Newry, David McVeigh, Harland and Wolff, Portadown, Co. Armagh, Dancer/ Elaine Harrison, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Mummer Farmer Co. Down, Traditional musician Belfast, Co. Antrim, Company historian dance instructor Whiskey Maker Louise Lilburn, Dromore, Co. Down, Alasdair McCracken, Agri-Food and Carina Ferguson, Aughakillymaude David McVeigh Irish Football Association, Michael Cassidy, Craobh Rua, Belfast, Co. Anne Hart, The Armagh Rhymers, Farmer and Cattle Breeder Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Community Mummers,Belcoo, Co. Belfast, Co. Antrim, Soccer Coach Antrim, Traditional musician Armagh, Co. Armagh, Mummer Gino Lupari, Four Men and a Dog, Belfast, Sustainable Developmentand Fermanagh, Mummer/Irish Dancer/ Terence McWilliams, Comhairle Uladh Fergus Cleary, Co. Fermanagh, Head of Kevin Hasson, Bogside Artists, Derry City, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, & Renewable Technologies Cumann Lúthchleas Gael/GAA, Design, Belleek Potteries, Designer Musician Co Londonderry, Muralist Traditional Musician Philip McDermott, Waterside, Co. Derry, Armagh, Co. Armagh, Gaelic sports Brian Connolly, Craobh Rua, Belfast, Co. Patricia Flynn, Mullaghbawn, Newry, Co. Cathal Hayden, Four Men and A Dog, Jack Lynch, Co. Armagh, Storyteller Genealogy Liz Moore, Belle Isle School of Cookery, Antrim, Traditional musician Armagh, Traditional singer Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone, Traditional Padraig Mac Cionnaith, All Set Ensemble, Joe McDonald, Ulster Farmers Union, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, Chef and Dee Craig, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Muralist Paul Flynn, Arts Council of Northern musician Colomiers, Traditional Musician Belfast, Co. Antrim cooking instructor Michael John Dalzell, Bushmills, Co. Ireland, Mullaghbawn/Belfast, Jarlath Henderson, Dungannon, Co. Antrim, Whiskey Maker Presenter/Musician Tyrone, Traditional musician 24 25 Washington DC 2007

Lucy Mulholland, Carryduff, Co. Down, Dessie Reilly, Aughakillymaude Mummers, Nisha Tandon, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Indian Ulster-Scots dancer and dance Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, Mummer community in Northern Ireland instructor and straw weaver Mark Thompson, The Low Country Boys, Fintan Mullan, Ulster Historical Ian Ritchie, Harland and Wolff, Traditional musician/singer Foundation, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Newtownabby, Co. Antrim, Graeme Thompson, The Low Country Mechanical fitter Traditional Genealogy Boys, Newtownards, John Robinson, Harland and Wolff, musician/singer Lorainne Mullin, Portadown, Co. Armagh, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Draftsman Aileen Tohill, Comhairle Uladh Cumann Dance dress maker and embroiderer Gary Rosborough, The Nerve Centre, Lúthchleas Gael/GAA, Armagh, Co. Donal Murphy, Four men and a Dog, Londonderry, Educator/ Claymation Armagh, Gaelic sports Traditional musician filmmaker Marie-Louise Tohill, Playboard, Belfast, Jonathan Neilly, Thomas Ferguson Irish Catherine McLean Sands, Ballycastle, Co. Co. Antrim, Childrens’playleaders/ Linen, , Co. Down Linen Antrim, Session Musician Traditional games Worker Colum Sands, Rostrevor, Co. Down, Caoimhin Vallely, Armagh Pipers Club, Robert Noade, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Presenter Armagh, Co. Armagh, Traditional Built Heritage and Conservation, Michael Sands, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, musician Conservation Specialist Traditional Musician Cillian Vallely, Armagh Pipers Club, Francine Nugent, Co. Down, Catering Tommy Sands, Rostrevor, Co. Down, Armagh, Co. Armagh, Traditional Intern Singer/Song writer musician Gerry O’Connor, Four Men and a Dog, Kenneth Shilliday, Moira, Co. Armagh, Dara Vallely, The Armagh Rhymers, Environment and Built Heritage Armagh, Co. Armagh, Mummer Traditional musician Peter J. Shortall, The Armagh Rhymers, Eithne Vallely, Armagh Pipers Club, Tomás Ó Maonaigh, The Nerve Centre, Keady, Co. Armagh, Mummer Armagh, Co. Armagh, Traditional Londonderry, Co. Londonderry, Rachel Sinammon, Belfast Co. Antrim, musician Educator/Claymation filmmaker Muralist Robert Watt, , Co. Londonderry, Maureen Paterson, Hats By Maureen, Lorraine Smith, Co. Down, Catering bagpiper/Pipe band culture Islandmagee, Co. Antrim, Hat maker/ Intern Roisín White, Cavanalaw, Armagh, Milliner Rodney Smyth, Portadown, Co. Armagh, Traditional singer/Irish language Mick Quinn, Mullaghbawn, Newry, Carpet Manufacture teacher Co. Armagh, Traditional singer and Nigel Spiers, Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen, Grahame Wickham, Co. Down, Catering storyteller Gilford, Craigavon, Co Armagh, Linen Intern Tommy John Quinn, Coalisland, Co. worker Barry Willis, Larne, Co. Antrim, Rugby Tyrone, Eel Fisherman Darren Sterritt, Markethill, Co. Armagh, coach John Quinn, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone, Eel Lambeg maker Janet Wilmont, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Richard Sterritt, Markethill, Co. Armagh, Whiskey maker Fisherman Lambeg drum maker Mark Wilson, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, Agnes Rainey, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Roland Sterritt, Markethill, Co. Armagh, Snare drumming/Pipe band Whiskey Maker Lambeg drum maker drumming Jim Rainey, Craobh Rua, Belfast, Co. Claire Tanney Ulster Carpets, Gibson Young, The Low Country Boys, Antrim, Traditional Musician Portadown Greyabbey, Co. Down, Traditional John Rankin, Newtownards, Co. Down, Billy Stirling, The National Trust/Carrick- musician/singer Dairy Farmer A-Rede, Ballybogey, Co. Antrim, Lyn Rankin, Carryduff, Co. Down, Ulster- National Trust warden/ Stories and Scots dancer and dance instructor traditions of North Antrim 26 27 Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors:

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