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The Orange Order will this week launch its bid to be featured
in one of America's most prestigious cultural festivals.
Every year organisers of the Smithsonian Institute's festival
in Washington focus on a different country or region in order
to highlight its history, culture and traditions. In 2007,
the Smithsonian plans to turn the spotlight on Northern Ireland
and is already talking to potential festival contributors
from the Province.
Commenting on the festival, Dr David Hume, the Orange Order's
Director of Services, said: "We believe that any exhibition
on Northern Ireland and its folk culture has to include the
Orange Order. But the space and funding available is limited,
so - along with everyone else - we're going to have to make
a case for our inclusion."
The Order's pitch for a place in the 2007 Smithsonian Festival
starts in earnest on Wednesday evening (12 October, 2005)
at Carrickfergus Museum with a special presentation to a delegation
from the Smithsonian headed by Dr Nancy Groce.
"We've been working with Carrickfergus Council to put
together a pretty impressive presentation on Orangeism just
a stone's throw from where King William landed in 1690, "
said Dr Hume.
"As well as silver and pipe bands, banners and historical
re-enactment groups, we'll also be screening a new DVD we've
produced on what it means to belong to the Orange Order in
the 21st century. The 2007 Smithsonian Festival provides a
fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland and the Orange
Order is keen to play its part in helping to promote the Province
to the American people."
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