New Exhibition Celebrates “Twenty-Five Years of Vision, Cooperation, and Achievement”

The North South Bodies were established in 1999 as a direct result of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. The purpose of the Bodies is to enhance cooperation and co-delivery on areas of mutual interest and collaboration across the island of Ireland. 

The work of the Bodies covers a wide range of industries and sectors including cross-border trade, environment, health, language, culture, and investment.

The North South Bodies are; Special EU Programmes Body, Waterways Ireland, Food Safety Promotion Board, InterTradeIreland, Loughs Agency, Foras na Gaeilge, Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch and Tourism Ireland.

The new exhibition at the Ulster Museum, which is entitled “North South 25”, has been developed in partnership between the North South Bodies and National Museums NI. 

The exhibition is made up of eight informative panels, each one dedicated to the work of a specific Body. 

The exhibition will be on permanent display in the Lecture Theatre at the Ulster Museum throughout 2024 while a second version of the exhibition will tour throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland. 

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition,

The Joint Secretaries to the North South Ministerial Council, Hilary Reilly and Richard Hill said:

“We are delighted to recognise the important work that has been taken forward by the North South Bodies since their creation. These unique institutions, which are at the heart of Strand 2 of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and which are jointly sponsored by both administrations, have been delivering positive and practical benefits for people right across both jurisdictions for the past 25 years.”  

Kathryn Thomson Chief Executive of National Museums NI said:

“It’s fitting that this exhibition is displayed in the Ulster Museum – an institution that continues to play an important role in documenting and raising awareness of our complex history through exhibitions such as Troubles and Beyond and now North South 25. We are very pleased to help play our part in supporting this exhibition; it is a testament to the journey we have all been on together.”

The North South Bodies issued a joint statement saying,

“The achievements of the North South Implementation Bodies over the last twenty-five years have been truly significant and have touched the lives of people living across the island of Ireland. This exhibition gives us a welcome opportunity to inform and educate the public about the diverse work of the North South Bodies and their unique role within the region.”

The NORTH SOUTH 25 exhibition is the first in a series of initiatives which will take place throughout 2024, celebrating the immense achievements of the North South Bodies over the last twenty-five years.