Hugh O’Donnell, Artist

Hugh O’Donnell graduated in 2002 from the University of Ulster with a degree in Fine and Applied Art, followed in 2006 with a Masters degree in Fine Art. A full-time performance-based artist, he was actively involved in the Belfast arts scene, including several years serving on the committee of Bbeyond and, from 2013-19, as Creative Outreach Officer at the University of Atypical. He was lead curator of the 2013 ‘Duo Days’ International Performance Art Festival in Belfast and the University of Atypical’s performance artist in residence during the first Covid lockdown of 2020.

Originally based in Platform Arts Studios, Hugh moved his practice to Flax Art Studios in Belfast, where he remained a long-standing studio holder, making a valuable contribution there for many years. Hugh, who identified as disabled, had an exhibition and curatorial track record of more than fifteen years. He performed nationally and internationally in key gallery spaces, including Tate Modern, with exhibitions in Austria, Poland, Germany, France and USA. Recent performances included the Belfast International Festival of Performance Art in 2020, LAB Gallery Dublin in 2020, and Bbeyond’s 20th anniversary celebrations in 2022.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland was pleased to have been able to support Hugh on a number of occasions, including a funding award through our Support for Individual Artist Programme earlier this month.

Our thoughts are with Hugh’s family and his sister Sinead at this sad time.