The Fermanagh Live Arts Festival (FLive) takes place annually in October and continues to bring a diverse and dynamic programme of events including a series of fringe events leading into and beyond the festival weekend.With vibrant visual arts, poetry, literature, dance, drama, music, events and performances for all, the festival always entertains, enthuses and inspires.

Over the last two years, Noelle McAlinden has held the position of Chair of the FLive committee, leading a team of enthusiastic individuals whose combined skills have succeeded in raising awareness of arts and culture in Fermanagh.

As Noelle steps down from the position of Chair, longstanding FLive committee member and Chair of the Fermanagh Film Club, Ann McDermott, will take up the role.

Speaking of her time as Chair, Noelle said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with a committed team, creating a series of events, exhibitions and performances for the FLive Arts Festival. I really enjoyed supporting artists, emerging as well as established, local and internationally renowned, as they exhibited and performed.” She added: I enjoyed exploring new possibilities, new partnerships, using venues in creative ways and identifying new opportunities for local artists of all ages to be celebrated.”

The new Chair, Ann McDermott, who has been involved with FLive for approximately 10 years, highlighted the importance of arts and culture in Fermanagh.

She said: “I think the importance of arts and culture to a community cannot be overestimated. It is the unquantifiable element that adds richness and depth to our lives.”

Talking of her new role, she said: “As Chair I hope to continue in the large footsteps of my predecessors and with the help of all the hard-working board of FLive, bring a diverse and artistic extravaganza to our Island town again.”

With plans for this year’s festival, now in its 12th year, already in progress, Ann commented about what FLive means to her: “To me FLive is a long weekend where the good folk of Fermanagh can experience art in all its wonderful diversity in their own community.”

She added: “We in Fermanagh are under resourced in many of the arts and its a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich artistic talents on our own doorstep.”