The challenge was to devise a programme that would highlight the social, celebratory and enjoyable aspects of engagements with the arts without compromising the highest standards of excellence, professionalism and challenge. What was perhaps most surprising to the Management Committee was the tremendous breadth of artistic activity already happening in the area. This included a circus school, a musician's collective, two art galleries and a College of Art, a media resource centre, the Community Arts Forum, creative writing organisations, as well as cafe's and bars strongly identified with arts activity. It soon became clear to the organisers that a Festival to celebrate all this activity was, quite simply, an idea waiting to happen. In April this year the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival became a company limited by guarantee with an independent bank account.
Charitable status is pending.
The Festival was extremely fortunate in having Laganside as a core sponsor from the outset, as well as having monies allocated from the Millennium Festivals. An inaugural 'Friends of the Festival' scheme was launched which brought support from the Northern Bank, Harry Ramsden's, the Cutter's Wharf and the Europa Hotel. It was clear from an early stage that post-agreement Belfast has a certain cachet amongst artists with performers such as Germaine Greer , Rob Newman , Bill Drummond agreeing to take part almost immediately, in some cases for just a nominal fee. Despite having secured a number of artists of international stature, the Festival that emerged was in no way 'celebrity' driven but contained a very strong 'fringe' or alternative ethos. Indeed it was the very organic, local feel to the Festival that drew much of the positive comment and goodwill towards the Festival.