Arts Council makes Austrian connection

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland were delighted to welcome the new Austrian Ambassador, Her Excellency Dr. Gabriele Matzner-Holzer to their headquarters on the Malone Road in Belfast today. The visit was organised by the Northern Ireland Office in Whitehall as part of a familiarisation programme for the newly – appointed ambassador who has a particular interest in culture, arts and tourism.

(L-R) The Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Corporate Services Director, Paul Burns and Strategic Development Director, Nick Livingston, welcomed the new Austrian Ambassador, Her Excellency Dr Gabrielle Matzner-Holzer, on her fact-finding visit to the Arts Council’s HQ on Tuesday October 10th

The Ambassador was eager to meet with representatives from the Arts Council to learn more about cultural activity in Northern Ireland. Paul Burns, Director of Corporate Services at the Arts Council said, “This very welcome visit gave us the opportunity to discuss a broad range of arts and cultural matters. Both countries are keen to strengthen their links, and the Council hopes to build upon this meeting and look for future exchange opportunities.”

The discussions also focused on the potential for job creation within the Creative Industries and the possibility of future cooperation between Northern Ireland and Austria.