Member's statement: Success of Local Artists
Member's statement by Ms Aisling Reilly on .
- MLA
- Ms Aisling Reilly
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 17 February 2025
- Type
- Member's statement (made as a minister)
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Success of Local Artists
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4802399
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The weekend was nothing short of monumental for local artists, and, once again, West Belfast was at the very heart of it all. I begin by offering my congratulations to two exceptional actors, Lola Petticrew and Anto Boyle, both of whom won prestigious awards at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) awards last week. Their talent and dedication continue to set new standards in the world of performance. Just last night, Kneecap added a BAFTA to its growing list of accolades. Liam Óg, Naoise and JJ have revolutionised the Irish language, showcasing and putting an Ghaeilge to the forefront on the global stage. Their work has helped make the language relevant to a new and growing generation, ensuring that it is not just preserved but celebrated. Through their art, they have opened doors to a worldwide audience, delivering a powerful message about language, identity and culture. They have shown us how creativity can be a vehicle for preserving the language. As the director of 'Kneecap', Rich Peppiatt, rightly said in his acceptance speech, everyone should have their language, their culture and their homeland respected. That success is a testament to the power of art to promote cultural identity and to build awareness of political and social causes, not just here at home but internationally. That includes the struggle for freedom in Palestine. Last night's victory marks another significant step in the ongoing resurgence of the Irish language, which continues to grow in strength, influence and pride. Maith sibh, a Lola, Anto agus Kneecap
on an incredible weekend and career. You make us all incredibly proud in West Belfast and across the island. Keep pushing the boundaries, raising the bar and showing the world the incredible power of creativity, culture and identity to deliver positive change across society.
298 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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