We may already be halfway through the summer holidays but there’s plenty going on through the month of August to keep you entertained, from family events, to great music, theatre and more.  The Arts Council of Northern Ireland picks out some of the best events happening across Northern Ireland this month…

Looking out across Belfast’s dank misty tundra in early July, it’s hard to imagine burnt necks, the lilo, the cocktail with an umbrella in it, and a few tasty pages of a new(ish) read smeared with suncream. But someone’s got to live the dream.

Once in a lifetime a residency comes along that you feel was created just for you. That’s how I felt as the Irish Writers Centre Roaming Writer-in-Residence.

"On the art of taking a request, I assume no responsibility as I offer the last tweet I posted before I deleted my account:

My poetry is Marilyn Manson, your poetry is Michael McIntyre.

Belfast-based writer Jan Carson represented Northern Ireland at the prestigious Jaipur Literature Festival last month with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and British Council Northern Ireland.

Here’s her thoughts on her trip…

Damian Smyth, Head of Literature selects some of the best works published by local writers.

Still struggling with the Christmas shopping?  From books and original art, to tickets for a great play or concert, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland picks out some perfect presents to warm the heart on Christmas morning…

Back in March, Margret Henry, CEO of Thrive attended the Creative Industries Federation Brexit Conference in London, hoping to get some insight or answers as to how Brexit will affect arts and culture in Northern Ireland. Here’s her take on the day:

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support many of our leading literary greats as well as some of the most talented emerging writers of our generation. Damian Smyth, Head of Literature, picks some of the best of the recent reads now in the shops by local writers.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support many of our leading literary greats as well as some of the most talented emerging writers of our generation. Damian Smyth, Head of Literature, picks some of the best of the recent reads now in the shops by local writers.