The creative talent of some of Ulster’s most dynamic art students will be showcased during the annual St Patrick’s Day breakfast at the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.

Several hundred guests at this prestigious event will experience the cutting edge digital animation and visual arts skills of University of Ulster students during a four minute video presentation.

The focus of this year’s celebrations, hosted by First Minister, Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, is creative industries in Northern Ireland.

And to showcase the best of what is being produced in the electronic media, the University of Ulster recently submitted examples of students’ work to the Bureau in the areas of video, film and animation.

A selection has been included in the video presentation which will be shown at the breakfast to around 400 influential guests, including US politicians, diplomats, academics and representatives from the creative sector.

Norman Houston, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, paid tribute to the high standard of work from both staff and students.

“We know that the American audience will be impressed with the wide range of skills that will be on display this St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.

“This event gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the best that Northern Ireland has to offer in the creative sector and we are delighted to feature some of the most dynamic and cutting edge work produced by students and faculty from the University of Ulster.

“The quality of this content is a testament to the perfect intersection of a dedicated staff and ingenuity of the students that come together at the University.”

Professor Greg Maguire, Professor of Animation at Ulster, was involved in the submission of the students’ work.

“I am honoured and excited that we have been asked to be part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington, showcasing the work that clearly reflects the global impact of Northern Ireland’s creative industries,” he said.

“There is a wonderful ambition here, backed with a creative talent, that enables Northern Ireland to punch above its weight in this fledgling, digital economy.

“The University of Ulster’s strategic outlook for regional development, aligned with that of the industry, is pivotal in creating the environment for this transformation.”

Professor Ian Montgomery, Dean of the Faculty of Art Design and The Built Environment, welcomed the chance for students to share their talents with such an influential audience.

“The opportunity to showcase the creative talents of staff and students across a broad spectrum of art and design activity is testament to the high quality work being undertaken by the University in preparing graduates towards work within the creative sector,” he said.

“The Faculty of Art Design and The Built Environment is pleased to work with Invest Northern Ireland in showcasing our creative talent.”

The Northern Ireland Bureau, the Stormont Executive’s official presence in Washington, will host the St Patrick’s Day breakfast at 8am in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Centre.