Ian Hill RIP

Since hearing about Ian Hill's sudden death yesterday, I've been remembering the man I first met back in the early 1990's. I was just starting out in radio and I was making a short feature for the then BBC Radio Ulster arts programme "All Arts and Parts" which Ian presented. Derry's IMPACT 92 festival was on and he and his producer Chris Spurr had come down to Radio Foyle to do the show. I can't even remember the actual feature I worked on, but I do remember Ian.

Over the years and all the subsequent incarnations of the arts programme, Ian remained a cultural champion of local arts and a friend and colleague on Radio Ulster. 

He was also a unique voice.

Northern Ireland is a small place and the arts community here is even smaller. Unlike the metropolitan critics of the London or New York broadsheets who have a certain anonymity, Ian was well known. But this never fazed him. You knew when you asked him on "Arts Extra" to review a play or an art exhibition, he would shoot from the hip. And that's no easy thing to do here, especially if the review isn't too favourable and he was more than likely to bump into the artist or director on the street or in the local Tescos. 

That's why you knew when you heard his opinion on something you were getting the truth. He was a true critical voice, fearless about putting his head above the parapet because he loved and believed in what he saw. 

On behalf of everyone who has worked with Ian on the arts programmes on BBC Radio Ulster over the years we send our condolences to his wife and family. He will be missed.