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What's on in the Arts
24th April, 2025
From theatre performances, to concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the Arts....
Festival of Fools
Festival of Fools returns from the 3rd–8th May 2025adn this year the team is celebrating 20 years of silliness and amazing feats on the streets of Belfast. The festival is the largest comedy, circus and outdoor arts festival in Northern Ireland, with over 50 performances taking place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter. All daytime shows are free to attend and apart from the shows in our Circusful building, no booking is required. The Festival is a firm fixture on Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to Cathedral Quarter and the city centre – don’t miss it!
View the full programme at https://www.foolsfestival.com/
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival return this May with a wide range of comedy, films, documentaries, talks, literature and music events. Highlights include:
• John Shuttleworth: Raise the Oof!, The Black Box, Thursday 1 May, 8.00pm. Extra show Friday 2 May, 8.00pm
• Réalta, Rosemary St. Church, Thursday 1 May, 8.00pm
• In association with Ulster Presents, I’m With Pulp, Are You? Mark Webber in Conversation, Ulster University Block BC (Belfast), Friday 2 May, 7.00pm
• Presented by The Mac, CQAF and Moving on Music, Córas Trio- AV show, The Mac Upstairs, Saturday 3 May, 8.00pm
• ‘I Hear You’- Live Readings – Paul McVeigh, The Deer’s Head, Monday 5th May, 7.00pm
• In association with Bán Poitín and Echlinville Distillery, Screening of Poitín with Bán Poitín Tasting & Talk, Oh Yeah Centre, Thursday 8 May, 7.30pm
• Presented in association with The Linenhall Library, Fortuna and Chips, The Linenhall Library, Friday 9 May, 1.00pm (ends 2.30pm) & 6.00pm (Extra show Added)
• Presented by CQAF and The MAC, Lisdoon Nirvana, The Mac Upstairs, Saturday 10 May, 7.45pm
• Presented by Seamus Heaney Centre and CQAF, Theresa Lola – ‘Ceremony for the Nameless’, The Seamus Heaney Centre (Belfast), Saturday 10 May, 2.00pm
• Sreang Dhofheicthe: Tionscadal Taylor Swift/Invisible String: The Taylor Swift Project, Áras Mhic Reachtain, Dé Sathairn 10 Bealtaine | Saturday 10 May, 8:30pm
• Rachel Sermanni, The Deer’s Head, Sunday 11 May, 2.00pm
• King Creosote, The Black Box, Sunday 11 May, 8.00pm
View the full programme at www.cqaf.com
Belfast Book Festival
The 15th edition of The Belfast Book Festival returns to The Crescent Arts Centre from 5 – 12 June with highlights including:
• Art of Translation: Exhibition Curated by Anna Morrison, Thursday 01 May 2025 until Monday 30 June 2025. Every book cover tells a story. They aim to capture the essence of what’s inside – a novel, a collection of poetry or short stories, a memoir - but that essence can look and feel very different depending on where and when you buy the book. The book you buy in Belfast may look very different to the same title you buy in Italy or China. Curated by Anna Morrison, this exhibition features titles by Irish writers - in their original language, alongside editions in translation: see how the covers vary!
• Pathways to Publication: Panel Discussions for Writers, Thursday 05 June 2025. From fiction to radio, non-fiction and self-publishing, the day includes a series of panel discussions and Q&As with literary agents, industry experts and acclaimed authors.
• Short Stories from the North: Martin Doyle, Declan Meade & Tara McEvoy, Thursday 05 June 2025.
• A Special Event with Oliver Jeffers, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Celebrating the work of Michael Longley: Hosted by Paul Muldoon, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Mind Your Language! Jan Carson & Clara Ministral in conversation, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Page to Screen: Kathryn Ferguson, Wendy Erskine & Stacey Gregg, Sunday 08 June 2025
• Irish Writers Centre Showcase: Young Writer Delegates & New Voices: North 2025, Sunday 8th June 2025
• Life on the Fringes: Eoin McNamee & Darran Anderson, Monday 09 June 2025
• Roddy Doyle: In conversation with Glenn Patterson, Monday 09 June 2025
• Robert Fisk: Reporting from the Frontline - Nelofer Pazira-Fisk, Tuesday 10 June 2025
• Priya Mistry & the Lost Treasure with Babita Sharma, Thursday 12 June 2025
For all of this and much more visit www.belfastbookfestival.com
Lyric Theatre
• 8 April – 4 May, Our New Girl. From the writer of the hit series The Dry comes her latest heart-pounding thriller, Our New Girl. Beneath the polished facade of Hazel Robinson’s pristine home lies a world of fractures and hidden tensions. With her husband Richard on a humanitarian mission to Haiti, Hazel is left to juggle the pressures of a struggling business and her deeply troubled son. Just as Hazel begins to feel the weight of her life closing in, a young and confident nanny, Annie, unexpectedly arrives at the door. But as this poised stranger integrates herself into Hazel’s household, it becomes chillingly clear she isn’t just there to help—and her arrival may upend Hazel’s world in ways she never imagined.
• 30 April – 10 May, Nell Gwynn presented by Lyric Theatre Drama Studio. Suitable for 14+. Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, who became one of Britain’s most celebrated new ‘actresses’ and the mistress of the King. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the Court. Jessica Swale's exhilarating take on the heady world of Restoration theatre premiered at Shakespeare's Globe, London, in September 2015, before a successful run in the West End.
• 14-16 May, Reply Theatre Company presents, PRISM, suitable for 7+. Inter-dimensional travellers, Dawn and Dusk, have been stuck in an empty void dimension for far too long. When Dusk devises a radical solution to their problem it hurls them into our dimension and has catastrophic consequences for their onboard guide and best friend, PRISM. PRISM, written by Gary Crossan, is immersive sci-fi theatre for audiences of all abilities and backgrounds. Packed full of adventurous retro-synth vibes, exciting leaps into unexplored virtual dimensions, and extraordinary personal discoveries, the twists and turns of PRISM will delight child and adult alike.
• 31 May – 29 June, The Important of Being Earnest. Step into a world of wit, charm, and sheer hilarity as The Importance of Being Earnest takes centre stage at the Lyric Theatre. Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies in the English language, Oscar Wilde’s sparkling masterpiece is a riotous satire of Victorian manners, packed with razor-sharp dialogue, tangled romances, and plenty of mistaken identities. Follow the mischievous Jack and Algernon as they navigate secret identities, meddling aunts, and scandalously misplaced handbags, all in the pursuit of love and social standing. But as their carefully crafted lies unravel, chaos reigns—leading to revelations as uproarious as they are unexpected. This vibrant new production brings Wilde’s iconic characters and unforgettable one-liners to life, offering a fresh take on a play that continues to captivate audiences over a century after its debut.
For further details on these and to view all events visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Grand Opera House
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, 29 April – 3 May
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, 6-24 May
• Six the Musical – 10-14 June
• NI Opera Morning Melodies, 11 June
• Kinky Boots the Musical, 17-21 June
• Only Fools and Horses The Musical, 23-28 June
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Strand Arts Centre
The Strand Arts Centre is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment. Visit www.strandartscentre.com
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry
• 1 May, Jazz Festival, No Citation
• 18 May, Murder for Two, a new musical comedy
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Linen Hall Library
Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. The library is free for all to enter and enjoy. The Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. To view the full events programme at this wonderful library visit www.linenhall.com
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry
• 17 May, Wicked Sing-along
• 28 May, The Snapper by Roddy Doyle
• 30 May, UB40
• 30 May, Diona Doherty
• 2-4 June, Christy Moore
• 18-21 June, Annie
• 18-23 August, The Rocky Horror Show
The Millennium Form also has a number of regular accessible events including:
• Act Your Age, Age Friendly Drama Group – 2 sessions a month
• Moves & Melodies, age friendly song and dance workshop – monthly event
• Dementia Friendly Tea Dance – monthly event
• Energy of Light 15+ Disco – monthly disco
• Sensory Musical Theatre – weekly event
View all events at www.millenniumforum.co.uk
The MAC
• 24 Apr-11 May, Murder for Two by Bruiser Theatre Company, a new musical comedy. Bruiser Theatre Company and the MAC present a hilarious high-energy musical whodunit - Murder For Two is a madcap murder mystery with a twist. Two actors play thirteen characters… and the piano. They put the LAUGHTER into MANSLAUGHTER. A loving homage to the canon of murder mystery plays, Murder For Two is a hysterical blend of music, mayhem and murder.
• 20 March to 4 September, Queer Set Dancing. Come along to a Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore. Part of the MACtivate programme, in association with The Rainbow Project, the MAC’s fortnightly Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore is specifically beginner-friendly. Join Alexa and the group for a fun class with no expectation of any prior dancing experience. The class is run by a queer woman and we aim to create a welcoming and friendly environment for LGBTQ+ people and allies to learn a new dance, have some fun, and meet new people. Come along when you can - you don't need to have joined from the first date to attend. All welcome.
• 5-7 June, Anthem for Dissatisfaction by Gina Donnelly. Irish Twins Sarah and Jamie are about to hit 30. But before they do, they're reliving their greatest hits; ‘Credit crunch’, ‘Austerity’ and ‘Free School Meals’… Benefits Britain never sounded so good! And in 2023 everything’s going wrong again, the bills keep going up and the opportunities keep going down. Sarah and Jamie aren’t two kids in one bedroom anymore, the future is uncertain and there’s only so long you can hang on to the past. A euphoric, working-class celebration of the power of live music, teenage angst, sibling rivalry and love in this electric and hilarious, coming-of-age anthem for anyone who ever wanted more. Winner of the Solas Nua Award at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2024.
For all this and more visit www.themaclive.com to view a full programme of events and exhibitions.
Crescent Arts Centre
• 2 May, Super Connected. Is it time to break up with our phones. A return of the stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed album by Tim Arnold, The Crescent is delighted to bring to Belfast Super Connected: An art rock Black Mirror-esque show fusing film, live music, and theatre about the ticking time bomb of social media and big tech. As the film rolls, Arnold performs on stage and screen accompanied by pianist Sarah Kershaw. With the scale of Radiohead and panache of Bowie, Super Connected is a digital age take on the silent movie. With narration by Stephen Fry. Full of wit, wisdom and terror, the show explores a family’s struggle with technology addiction.
• Belfast Book Festival: The 15th edition of The Belfast Book Festival returns to The Crescent Arts Centre from 5 – 12 June with highlights including:
• Art of Translation: Exhibition Curated by Anna Morrison, Thursday 01 May 2025 until Monday 30 June 2025. Every book cover tells a story. They aim to capture the essence of what’s inside – a novel, a collection of poetry or short stories, a memoir - but that essence can look and feel very different depending on where and when you buy the book. The book you buy in Belfast may look very different to the same title you buy in Italy or China. Curated by Anna Morrison, this exhibition features titles by Irish writers - in their original language, alongside editions in translation: see how the covers vary!
• Pathways to Publication: Panel Discussions for Writers, Thursday 05 June 2025. From fiction to radio, non-fiction and self-publishing, the day includes a series of panel discussions and Q&As with literary agents, industry experts and acclaimed authors.
• Short Stories from the North: Martin Doyle, Declan Meade & Tara McEvoy, Thursday 05 June 2025.
• A Special Event with Oliver Jeffers, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Celebrating the work of Michael Longley: Hosted by Paul Muldoon, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Mind Your Language! Jan Carson & Clara Ministral in conversation, Saturday 07 June 2025
• Page to Screen: Kathryn Ferguson, Wendy Erskine & Stacey Gregg, Sunday 08 June 2025
• Irish Writers Centre Showcase: Young Writer Delegates & New Voices: North 2025, Sunday 8th June 2025
• Life on the Fringes: Eoin McNamee & Darran Anderson, Monday 09 June 2025
• Roddy Doyle: In conversation with Glenn Patterson, Monday 09 June 2025
• Robert Fisk: Reporting from the Frontline - Nelofer Pazira-Fisk, Tuesday 10 June 2025
• Priya Mistry & the Lost Treasure with Babita Sharma, Thursday 12 June 2025
For all of this and much more visit www.belfastbookfestival.com
• 23 August, Belfast Guitar Festival 2025 Songs in the key of Fleetwood Mac
Visit www.crescentarts.org for details.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Has launched its arts programme for summer 2025. The summer programme offers a range of world class music, literature and film events including an appearance by one of the UK’s most loved comedians, Frank Skinner, and one of the first performances of Charlotte McCurry’s new play, Julie. View the full programme at www.seamusheaneyhome.com
Strand Arts Centre
• 24-25 May, a special screening of Rocky inside Holywood’s boutique boxing gym, Hooked, complete with a talk from founder Jack McBride, a free drink, and an optional boxing session earlier in the day.
• Silver Screenings at Belmont Bowling Club, every Thursday at 2pm. Silver Screenings is a great opportunity not just to see a movie classic, but also for people to meet and interact, and enjoy a trip down memory lane. Films are chosen with seniors in mind but open to anyone who loves a classic movie! Tickets are £4 and include free tea, coffee and biscuits.
Visit www.strandartscentre.com
Sestina Music
Northern Ireland's leading baroque ensemble, is continuing its 2024-25 season in Belfast, Wexford and Kilkenny with a captivating evening celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Concert Spirituel. This renowned French baroque concert series returns to life in a stunning performance featuring a 12-piece period instrument ensemble, talented vocal soloists and emerging young artists. The concert is featuring the works of Arcangelo Corelli and Michel-Richard de Lalande, under the direction of the acclaimed countertenor, Mark Chambers.
The first concert takes place on 25th April at 7:30 PM at the historic Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast, where Sestina Music is the ensemble in residence. Concert Spirituel will be at the St Iberius Church Wexford on 26th April at 8:00 PM, in association with Music for Wexford and Music Generation Wexford. The last performance will take place on 27th April at 3:00 PM at the Thomastown Concert Hall in Kilkenny, in association with Music in Kilkenny.
An education and outreach programme will run alongside the Concert Spirituel performances. Sestina Music presents a multifaceted event which includes choral workshops and a Harmony Hub Family Concert and workshop in Belfast and Wexford, demonstrating national reach. For more information and tickets visit https://www.sestinamusic.com/e...
David Lyttle Live at the MAC
Celebrated jazz musician David Lyttle hosts a weekly series at the MAC every Saturday from 2:30pm featuring acclaimed international performers, next generation NI talent and the unique Jazzlife Jam for under 18s. Born in Co. Armagh, David has brought his projects to almost 50 countries and received nominations in the MOBO Awards and Urban Music Awards for Best Jazz Act. He has collaborated with cutting edge jazz icons of today from Joe Lovano to Kurt Rosenwinkel, as well as unique studio projects in hip-hop with Talib Kweli and spoken word with Liam Neeson. Closer to home he founded the Jazzlife Alliance charity in 2018 and in 2021 established its flagship jazz improvisation programme Jazz Juniors, which now operates nationally in three NI hubs.
David will perform in the MAC’s upstairs cafe space from 2:30pm every Saturday until June with special guests from six countries scheduled and up-and-coming NI talent featured regularly. Free to the public thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and The MAC, the event’s second half will see under 18s from Jazz Juniors and beyond take to the stage for the Jazzlife Jam in association with Jazzlife Alliance.
For David Lyttle on social media for news and updates.
Northern Ireland Opera
• 5 June: La Voix Humaine, The Everyman, Cork
• 11 June: Morning Melodies – The Golden Age of the Musical
• 22-24 August: The Glenarm Festival of Voice
• 13-20 Sep 2025, Follies, Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman. Northern Ireland Opera’s next major production at the Grand Opera House is ‘Follies’, winner of 7 Tony Awards on its debut on Broadway in 1971. Set in that same year, the girls of Weismann’s ‘Follies’ are returning with their partners to the decaying theatre on Broadway which holds so many memories for them for one last time before it is demolished. Time may have moved on, but inside the theatre old connections stir, rivalries flare and ghosts of the past are woken. By the time they all leave the theatre for one last time, their world’s will have shifted and nothing will be the same again. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman, this legendary work features unforgettable songs including ‘Broadway Baby’, ‘I’m Still Here’, ‘Could I Leave You’, and ‘Losing My Mind’. ‘Follies’ will be directed by Cameron Menzies, Artistic Director of Northern Ireland Opera.
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music
• 9 May, Mohammad Syfkhan, Black Box
• 14 May, The Necks, The Empire
• 16-18 May , Genticorum (tour), various venues
• 2 June, Tengger, Crescent Arts Centre
• 3 June, Eric Chenaux, American Bar
• 8 June, Josephine Foster, Black Box
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards
Ulster Orchestra
• 2 May, Take the Stage, This concert shines a spotlight on music filled with sumptuous drama. Strauss’s incidental music for Ariadne auf Naxos gives more than a flavour of its protagonists flitting across the opera stage. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.24 just pre-dates Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro and it too brings all the poise and characterful drama of opera to the concert stage. Our second half moves from the world of opera to ballet, as Tchaikovsky finished his Third Symphony before writing Swan Lake and this work pirouettes with the kinetic energy of the corps de ballet.
• 10 May, Epic Film Scores, Hans Zimmer and John Williams, Hans Zimmer and John Williams are two of the greatest film music composers of all time, creating epic scores for some of the most iconic films ever made. Experience this incredible symphonic celebration of music from blockbusters such as Gladiator, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Superman, Batman Begins and of course Harry Potter and re-live your memories of hearing and seeing it for the first time.
• 16 May, Grand Masters, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff are three giants of Russian music, and this concert foregrounds all their exceptional talents. Arensky uses one of Tchaikovsky’s Sixteen Children’s Songs to capture a range of moods and character, while Stravinsky’s Concerto for Violin is a feisty, joyful romp for the instrument, full of cheerful melody and musical wit. To close, a second visit to the no-holds-barred emotional world of Rachmaninoff’s symphonies (though you’ll have to wait until 2025/26 for Symphony No.3!) and the achingly beautiful, flamboyantly majestic Second.
• 30 May, Act of Defiance, Was it, or wasn’t it, an act of defiance and bitter retort to Stalin’s displeasure? Shostakovich’s life was so utterly and constantly in peril that he could never publicly declare whether his Fifth Symphony was simply ‘a Soviet artist’s reply to just criticism’ or a satirical puncturing of the dictator, deliberately hollow but dressed as adulation. But either way, it’s a phenomenal piece of music – playful, poignant and magisterial, it’s a blockbuster end to the Season. Walton’s lyrically romantic Cello Concerto sets the scene for Shostakovich’s dramatic fireworks.
Visit www.ulsterorchestra.com for the full programme.
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast
• The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more. Exhibition Opening Times, Mon – Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12-5pm. To enquire about a visit, or for further info and group bookings please contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com or call 02890310845
• 8 May, Screening of Poitín with Bán Poitín Tasting & Talk
• 28 Jun, Girls with Guts Fest 2025
Visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com
The Black Box
Presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events with highlights including:
For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club
Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. The club provides a welcoming environment for world class jazz music to be experienced in a concert setting. For upcoming performances visit Scott's Jazz Club (scottsjazzclub.com)
ITMA
'Drawing from the Well' is an online monthly ITMA series which connects artists with archival materials to inspire new art. To date, nine videos, podcasts and blogs have been created by leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers, including Louise Mulcahy, Martin Hayes, Edwina Guckian and Cormac Begley. All episodes are free to view online at https://www.itma.ie/drawingfro...
Festival of Fools
Festival of Fools returns from the 3rd–8th May 2025adn this year the team is celebrating 20 years of silliness and amazing feats on the streets of Belfast. The festival is the largest comedy, circus and outdoor arts festival in Northern Ireland, with over 50 performances taking place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter. All daytime shows are free to attend and apart from the shows in our Circusful building, no booking is required. The Festival is a firm fixture on Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to Cathedral Quarter and the city centre – don’t miss it! View the full programme at https://www.foolsfestival.com/
Circusful
• Circus Explored - an all-Ireland project delivering events on 7th June for Crinniu na n'Og (day of children's creativity) and an ongoing collaboration between 6 youth circus organisations across the island of Ireland - Circusful, Galway Community Circus, Circus Factory Cork, Dublin Circus Project, Cloughjordan Circus Club and In Your Space Circus Derry.
• Circusful also currently have some class spaces available for 2-3 year olds (attending with a parent/guardian) and 12 -15 year olds. To find out more or book a spot for your young person, get in touch with them at classes@circusful.org
Visit www.circusful.org
Crescent Arts Centre
A new term of classes to book and enjoy now. Fancy learning to speak some Italian before your holiday to Italy this year? Well now’s your chance! From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something to tantalise all tastes. Visit https://crescentarts.org/
Duncairn
Presents live music from the following:
• 25 Apr, Jinx Lennon + Rare Witch
• 26 Apr, Zoé Basha - Gamble Album Launch
• 1 May, Carsie Blanton
• 9 May, Alannah Thornburgh - Shapeshifter Album Launch
• 18 May, Genticorum
• 23 May, Lewis McLaughlin
The Duncairn also has a range of workshops and craft classes and courses. For further details visit www.theduncairn.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
• Irish Language Intensive Course. Intensive courses are a great way to boost your language skills in a short space of time. The course will be both motivating and informative and will take your confidence in the Irish language to another level. The levels we offer are: Bunrang|Beginner , Meanrang | Intermediate , Ardrang | Advanced . Please email sinead@culturlann.ie for more information
• Yoga Classes with Dunla, 6:30-7:30pm, £5. No need to register, just pay on arrival.
For this and more visit www.culturlann.ie
Greater Shantallow Community Arts
Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio2/GSCA. This amazing group of creative young people have launched their very own podcast and it can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcast. The young people plan, host, interview and edit the Podcast. To date they have interviewed some of their local MLA’s, Councillors, survivors and local Derry’s own Serena Terry, creator of Mammy Banter. As well as this they have a voice and a safe place where they can openly talk about mental health and what it means to them. You can find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast.
Eden Place Arts Centre
Has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Landscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contemporary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
WheelWorks Arts
ArtCart: Unique to WheelWorks Arts (WWA) is their ArtCart community engagement and outreach programme, which brings creative and artistic activities to your community. ArtCart is also the name WWA gives to its bespoke vehicle that can travel across Northern Ireland and transform into a unique workshop space. ArtCart is available for hire at youth, community, education, and festival events, bringing artistic and creative activities to the community. The available inventive activities cover digital and traditional arts and can include animation, DJing/music making, arts & crafts, and digital arts using augmented and virtual reality. For further information and to hear about their special Art Cart offers over Christmas, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com... or email artcart@wheelworksarts.com.
TS3 Programme: The Tech Studio Skills Share (TS3 programme) is a new initiative by WheelWorks Arts (WWA) that offers training to help people improve their creativity and skills in digital communication by harnessing the specialist artistic expertise of the WWA team. The staff team at WWA consists of professional artists and digital innovators who have a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience in delivering creative activities. They are now offering a range of training opportunities to the corporate and commercial sectors. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com....
TechStudio: This is a 60m2 meeting room and collaboration space available for hire at our office in Weaver's Court, close to Belfast city centre (BT12 5GH). The room is equipped with a range of digital and recording resources, including cameras, green screens, tripods, iPads, and an interactive whiteboard, all available for hire. For pricing and to book the TechStudio, please use our online booking system. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com... or email info@wheelworksarts.com or business@wheelworksarts.com.
ChangeMaker: This is a programme by WWA that connects people from diverse communities with varied identities within organisations, communities, or geographical areas. It encourages open dialogue, exploration, and recognition of differences to foster mutual inclusion, enhance interpersonal understanding, and ultimately boost inter and intra-community cohesion. The programme explores perceptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions that workshop participants may have, with a view to understanding other contributors' values, heritage, biases, and experiences, and why people may have certain views or stereotypes. It also highlights how many of these perspectives may be unintentional, unconscious, and often unchallenged. For more information, contact Lesley@wheelworksarts.com.
Streetwise Community Circus: Fancy learning how to juggle and other circus skills?! In response to Covid 19 Streetwise Community Circus has developed a team of tutors who are now working via Zoom to reach out to those who can no longer participate in workshops. To take advantage of this opportunity all you have to do is email Streetwise on streetwiseathome@gmail.com. Suitable for participants who range in age from 8 to 80 plus.
Late Night Art Bangor
LNA Bangor is an initiative that aims to share Bangor’s amazing arts and cultural venues and showcase the creatives who live and work there. On the last Thursday of every month from 6-9pm you can enjoy open house across the city centre. LNA is about encouraging collective effort. All you need is to share the goal of creating a vibrant arts community. Visit www.latenighartbangor.com
The MAC Belfast
We Lose Sight of the Night, an exhibition by Aisling O’Beirn across all three galleries at The MAC from 17 Apr until 22 Jun 2025. Aisling O’Beirn’s exhibition We Lose Sight of the Night is the first in a series of exhibitions which address climate and environmental change. O’Beirn (born in Galway) is a Belfast based artist, her practice explores the relationship between art and science and manifests variously as sculpture, installation, animation and site-specific projects. Visit www.themaclive.com
Craft NI
New exhibition, ‘Makers Who Teach: ME. HERE. NOW.’ Dates: March 6 – May 2, 2025; exhibition opens March 6 at 6pm. Building on the success of the first ‘Makers Who Teach’ exhibition which took place in 2023, Craft NI are pleased to present the 2025 edition of this unique event. This year’s theme, Me. Here. Now, highlights the creative practices of makers who teach others as part of their overall practice, whether it’s in classrooms, workshops and communities. The show focuses on their current creative endeavours and it shines a spotlight on their recent works, ensuring they are seen and appreciated not only as teachers, but also as makers.
Exhibiting makers: Aisling Higgins, Alison Gault, Andrea Hayes, Clare Bowe, Heather Burgess, Helen Hancock, Jonathan Williams, Justine Bonenfant, Louisa McCartney, Maggie Napier, Natasha Duddy, Nichola Dalton, Patrick Colhoun, Ruzica Ruane, Sandra Kerr, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Theresa Kelly, Tracey Johnston. Visit www.craftni.org
Seacourt Print Workshop
Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland. They offer membership, courses and resources for all, as well as our self-arranged residency programme and exhibitions. Visit https://seacourt-ni.org.uk/#
Golden Thread Gallery
Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry.
• Stay a While: Stuart Calvin Exhibition, 3 April – 7 June 2025. The Golden Thread Gallery is delighted to present new work by Belfast sculptor Stuart Calvin in their Lower Gallery. Calvin’s sculptural work explores themes of human fragility, and the search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil, societal collapse, and environmental anxiety. His art delves into the shared experience of feeling helpless in the face of seemingly insurmountable world tragedy and reflects on reclaiming control and personal agency in the face of this chaos. Through mediums like wax, gold, plaster, metal, and light, Calvin’s practice bridges the personal and the universal, offering an immersive installation of sculpture that invites reflection and connection. His work attempts to turn darkness into a resonant exploration of hope, truth, and discovery, reflecting a collective uncertainty and the precarious nature of human existence today.
• Decoys & Ghosts: John Rainey Exhibition, 12 April – 7 June. ‘Decoys and Ghosts’ at the Golden Thread Gallery is an ambitious exploration of two recurring sculptural themes in John Rainey’s work over the last 10 years – imitation and revisiting. Materials, their histories and associated processes have always formed a core component of his practice. In the staging of work in exhibitions, Rainey aims to create environments and designed experiences where groupings of sculptures form relationships and act as installations. Plinths become sculptural extensions, evolve into dioramas, or morph into viewing platforms for audiences to climb. This exhibition will feature a combination of retrospective and new work by the artist, centered around a new large scale installation. As the the broadest survey of Rainey’s work to-date, it will be an opportunity to explore recent developments in his practice, alongside works that trace his path to this current moment.
Golden Thread Gallery also has a range of other events on including:
• Mindful Colouring Drop-In Workshops (ages 18+). Mindful colouring is great for your brain. Engaging in art activities has been proven to benefit mental health and help with anxiety and depression, improve focus, and promote relaxation. Come down to the Hub on Friday mornings and end your week on a calm note. Go outside the lines if you like All materials are provided, as well as tea, coffee & biscuits. No booking required, just drop in!
• NEW: Out of Office Drop-In Sessions Wednesdays 12-2PM. Give your head a brain shower over lunch with a simple creative activity in our Hub. Bring your lunch with you. Engaging in art activities has been proven to benefit mental health and help with anxiety and depression, improve focus, and promote relaxation. ll materials are provided, as well as tea, coffee & biscuits. No booking required, just drop in!
For all of the above, Easter events for the family and more visit https://goldenthreadgallery.co...
Belfast Exposed
• Gallery I: ULSTER UNIVERSITY MFA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 2025, 1-30 May.
• Gallery II: Between the Lines: Capturing Liminality in Inclusive Young Masculinities | Bronagh Corr McNicholl, 1-30 May.
Visit www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre
The Wishing Forest. Launching on Saturday 26 April 2025, 6-8pm at Void Art Centre. Runs until Saturday 7 June 2025. Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11am to 5.00pm. The Wishing Forest is a project initiated by Stéphane V. Bottéro in collaboration with Boris Raux, Maud Louise-Marie, George McLaughlin and Prehen Woods, Rachel Duffy and the Playtrail, Roy and Kathryn Nelson at Killymuck, Philip Allen and Ruth McCartney. The Wishing Forest is a long-term socio-ecological art project which aims to instigate a collective rethinking of how local institutions can collaborate on life-nurturing commitments that benefit more-than-human communities.
Titled after a poem by Seamus Heaney, The Wishing Forest seeks to repurpose modern institutional tools, such as the tradition of artwork acquisitions by public art collections, in order to restore biodiverse woodlands. In doing so, the project thinks through ways in which forestry can be redefined as an artistic process in its own right. Visit www.derryvoid.com
Platform Arts: Visit www.nuacollective.com for more information.
CCA Derry~Londonderry
Take Hold - an exhibition guest curated by Rachel Botha at CCA
Duration: 28 March — 7 June 2025
Take Hold is a group exhibition curated by Rachel Botha, as part of New Curating 2025 at CCA Derry~Londonderry. Take Hold explores "hope as a practice" in the face of crisis through diverse artistic mediums. Featuring works by nine artists, it reimagines hope as a tool for resistance, interconnectedness, and action. Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
Market Place Arts Centre
25th Anniversary Exhibition 28/03/25-10/05/25
A group exhibition of up to 25 works from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland I Collection selected by the Market Place, celebrating the work of artists from the ABC borough held in the Collection across disciplines and also those who have previously exhibited in the centre in its 25-year history.
