DCAL Minister Supports Ulster-Scots Academy Shared Inheritance Conference

The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure is funding a two day ‘Shared Inheritance Conference’ at the Europa Hotel on the evening of 25 March and all day 26 March. The major event will have a representative cross-section of speakers and activities, and will be attended by a wide range of exhibitors across the community, including the Orange Order and the GAA, amongst others. The Ulster-Scots Academy Ministerial Advisory Group is working in partnership with the Ulster Historical Foundation to organise the Conference. The theme is to explore, explain and improve understanding of our rich and diverse cultural inheritance. The programme will consist of spoken, literary, musical and historical contributions from all sections of society as well as a host of around 30 exhibitors from across the community. These exhibitors will showcase the work of their organisations and will include the Ulster-Scots Agency, Ulster-Scots Community Network, Ulster-Scots Language Society, the Ulster-Scots Academy, the GAA, Colmcille, Foras na Gaeilge and the Orange Order. In supporting the conference, Minister of Culture Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín said: “I am delighted to be supporting such an important event through the work of the Ulster-Scots Academy. Both the Ulster-Scots and Gaelic traditions are something that everyone on this island and especially those of us from the north can benefit from and cherish, as are the common traditions, dimensions and cultural history that we all share. “The key aim of the conference is to celebrate our shared inheritance and recognise that a wide range of commonalities and bonds exist across our community. This is another example of steps we are taking to help build a united community and a shared and better future.” Entertainment will include a fusion of Ulster-Scots and traditional Irish music and dance. Speakers include Dr Roger Blaney, Director of the Ullans Academy, Aodán Mac Poilin of the ULTACH Trust and Tim McGarry, well known actor, comedian and broadcaster.