NZ to be Showcase Scotland Partners for Celtic Connections

New Zealand Announced as Showcase Scotland Partners for Celtic Connections 2015

Celtic Connections is delighted to announce that New Zealand will be Showcase Scotland partners at Celtic Connections 2015.

Ingrid Leary, Country Director of British Council New Zealand, said: “The opportunity for New Zealand music artists to develop their careers by performing at such a prestigious international showcase is part of a broad agenda of collaboration between the Scottish and New Zealand arts sectors in theatre, dance, music and digital arts.

"New Zealand has a long history, and much in common, with Scotland however it is only now that we are very purposely reconnecting the two countries in this way, and the long-term networks and collaborations being developed are truly exciting.”

Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections is the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland. The event continues to provide acts with the opportunity to perform in front of promoters, record labels and agents from countries all over the world.

The exposure that artists gain can lead to record deals and overseas touring contracts, promoting the artists and their music to new audiences around the world. The five day event is organised by Active Events on behalf of Celtic Connections.

Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 2014 celebrated its 15th festival partner with India and Australia. The five day event welcomed 214 international
music industry delegates from over 29 countries to Glasgow to sample a taste of the musical talent available.

The 16th Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections promises to the biggest and best yet when the festival will welcome the kiwis to the Celtic Connections internationally renowned stage. This will be a very fitting finale to an exciting year of welcoming the commonwealth community to the city of Glasgow.

“Donald Shaw, Artistic Director for Celtic Connections, said: "We’re delighted that Celtic Connections 2015 will be partnering with New Zealand for the Showcase Scotland element of the festival next year. I have just returned from a fantastic trip to New Zealand, thanks to the British Council, where I enjoyed some wonderful music. I can honestly say choosing only 6 acts out of the plethora of talent I was lucky enough to see will not be an easy task!”

Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life and Executive Committee Member for the Commonwealth Games, said: “It’s fantastic that Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections will be partnering up with New Zealand in 2015. Throughout 2014 we are welcoming the Commonwealth community to our city thanks to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Forming a partnership with New Zealand at Celtic Connections 2015 will be a fantastic opportunity to expand this existing relationship with our commonwealth partner and further explore the cultural links between the two countries.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for Event Scotland said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and it is exciting that we will welcome our friends from New Zealand to one of our globally renowned cultural gatherings, Celtic Connections next year. Over the past 15 years, Showcase Scotland has provided acts with an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure at the largest gathering of the international music community we have in Scotland. With

India and Australia featuring at the festival in 2014, hosting New Zealand will see Scotland continue engaging and promoting the Commonwealth following the Games in July.”

ENDS

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