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NI singer songwriter showcased in Brussels

16th October, 2026

Belfast based artist, Dani Larkin, recently performed at a special showcase at the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels, to celebrate the European Capital’s Culture Night.

A man playing a guitar and a woman playing guitar and singing on a stage
Dani Larkin perfroming with George Sloan accompanying on guitar

Dani Larkin is the latest artist to travel to the Belgian capital as part of the Brussels Platform, a joint initiative by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with funding from the National Lottery, and the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels.

The showcase audience of MEPs and EU representatives were treated to a set by the Belfast musician, an exhibition curated by Belfast Exposed, and a Northern Ireland inspired menu from chef Paula McIntyre.

Launched in 2011, the Brussels Platform has previously hosted writers, musicians, theatre practitioners and dancers, providing opportunities for NI based artists to showcase their work to international audiences.

Siobhán Molloy, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council is really proud to have Dani Larkin and Belfast Exposed represent Northern Ireland artists to an international audience. Working with the NI Office in Brussels is a terrific opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the immense talent we have in Northern Ireland and help our strategy to expand our reach and diversify audiences.”

Dani Larkin’s music is described as modern folk inspired by Irish Traditional music, with accolades earned that include artist in residence at Belfast International Arts Festival, touring with Snow Patrol, Rufus Wainright and Lisa O’Neill, and performing with the Ulster Orchestra.

Dani added, “It was great to be part of an event celebrating our food and culture in Brussels. Sharing my album, Next Of Kin, with a new audience was a real treat and Paula Mcintyre's food was sublime.”

4 adults standing in a row smiling at the camera
Aodhán Connolly, Director of the NI Office, George Sloan, guitarist, Dani Larkin, musician, Paula McIntyre, chef.

The showcase follows previous Brussels Platform performances of ‘Anthem for Dissatisfaction’ earlier in 2026 by SkelpieLimmer Productions in association with Brassneck Theatre Company, and in 2025 by Crybaby Production’s ‘Float’ and Jane McKeever’s ‘Janey Mac is Hot (Blame the Hormones)’.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently launched a new Arts Impact section on their website. Arts Impact offers reports, official statistics and case studies that can help all of us tell the story of the outcomes of public investment in the arts. View Arts Impact here - https://artscouncil-ni.org/resources/arts-impact