Derry City and Strabane District Council and Ulster University today announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing this year’s local festival and events programme and the wider cultural profile of the City and District.
Council and the university already work closely as strategic partners on a range of significant projects, and this is just the latest collaboration to benefit both citizens and students at the Derry Campus.
Derry is known as the Festival City and with the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the Foyle Maritime Festival just around the corner, it will be thronged with visitors over the coming months.
The city has already established itself as the home of Halloween, and festivals and events are a huge draw for international visitors and a major contributor to the local economy.
Ulster University has confirmed it will support the programming of the city’s three most renowned festivals over the coming months, enriching the cultural offering and enhancing the profile of the area as an attractive place to study, work and visit.
Welcoming the partnership, Head of Culture with Council, Aeidin McCarter, said it would have wide ranging benefits.
“Council already has a strong collaborative partnership with Ulster University in terms of our work on the City Deal projects and our shared ambitions for the growth and development of the university and the economic and social benefits that will bring.
“Much work has gone into establishing Derry as a vibrant cultural destination with an events programme that is second to none, despite the increasing challenges and tightening budgets.
“I am delighted to welcome this partnership announcement as it continues to strengthen our ties with the university and will also positively impact on the programmes of our three flagship festivals.
“I hope we can continue that collaboration long into the future.”
Ulster University plays a key role in the rich culture of Derry and is a hub for the thriving creative and technology industries and a nucleus for drama, music and cinematic arts.
Through the organising and hosting of local, national and international events and conferences the Derry campus brings visitors, students and staff to the North West creating a halo effect for local tourism.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost, Ulster University said she looked forward to the exciting months ahead:
“Derry is renowned for hosting world class festivals such as Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, Foyle Maritime and Halloween attracting 100,000’s visitors annually.
“We are proud to partner with Derry City and Strabane District Council to sponsor these flagship events which regionally define the city as a festival destination.
“We’re absolutely committed to growth at our thriving Derry campus, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance.
“We are a university that spans a region of great potential and great passion with, at its heart, a deep commitment to people.”
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