VIP Endorsments

Northern Ireland's VIP supporters for Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the events in the “Rediscover Northern Ireland” programme will demonstrate the truly amazing transformation which has taken place and continues every day.  This region deserves a wider audience and it is time to let the rest of the world experience the real Northern Ireland.

At the Folklife Festival, Northern Ireland’s participants will demonstrate the richness of their culture, which is diverse and fascinating.  The resilience and ingenuity of Northern Irish people will become better known through these events. Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to promote itself on a totally new level, focussing on arts and culture, innovation, higher education and research opportunities, tourism, trade and economic opportunities, and not forgetting the excellence of its food and drink.

This is part of a new chapter in Northern Ireland’s history, one of which the region should be very proud.  It is time to recognise Northern Ireland not for its past, but for its future.

Consul General Dean Pitman

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Rediscover Northern Ireland program could not come at a better time. The centuries-old ties that bind the US and Northern Ireland - whether historic, familial, cultural, or commercial get stronger every single day. It's simply terrific to watch as technology, trade, and tourism flourish, encouraged by the easy direct air route. These world class events will no doubt give all three a huge boost. The Smithsonian’s Festival and Rediscover Northern Ireland will truly be a celebration of these links, but more importantly, are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Northern Ireland to show the tremendous progress and great changes that have occurred here over the last decade.