‘People perceive our cultures to be competing... they’re not’ 

Dr Katy Radford MBE is Northern Ireland’s first ever director of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.  The office, created as part of the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal, says it aims to ‘promote and protect the cultural heritage of all communities in Northern Ireland’. Dr Radford was hired alongside Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds and Commissioner for Ulster Scots and Ulster British Identity Lee Reynolds – but she says she’s ‘not quite sure’ what their relationship entails yet.  Having served as Equality Commissioner and the Vice-Chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, she’s bringing extensive experience to her new role.  

Dr Katy Radford MBE joins Ciarán Dunbar.  

The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.