To mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement we hosted a week-long international arts and culture programme.
Highlights included:
Monday, 17 April: SARC British Council showcase
The Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC, Queen’s University Belfast), presented a showcase of artworks and performances including those featuring international collaboration – with a performance based on a project with Space21 from Kurdistan-Iraq.
Tuesday, 18 April: Belfast Film Festival 2023: A Journey through film
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Journalist Brian Rowan and filmmaker Brian Henry Martin explored how Northern Ireland has been represented on screen and ask what role drama has in navigating unresolved concerns, ongoing debates and controversial questions for our communities.
Wednesday, 19 April: Diverse voices shaping positive peace through socially engaged arts (online event)
An online panel discussion considering the role of diverse voices within socially engaged arts in shaping long-term positive peace. Northern Ireland's Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director at Kabosh Theatre, was joined on a panel by César López, Messenger of Non-Violence for the United Nations, Christine Wilson, Director Research and Insight British Council, and Sylvia Ospina, Director Arts Colombia British Council.
Wednesday, 19 April: History of the Present (premiere): a new experimental film-opera by Maria Fusco & Margaret Salmon with Annea Lockwood
A new experimental film-opera by Belfast writer Maria Fusco and American-British filmmaker Margaret Salmon, tells the story of ordinary lives still dominated today by the looming presence of the Belfast peacelines. The work premiered at the QFT Belfast, before a national and international tour.
Thursday, 20 April: Launch of Difficult Conversations with Ulster University and the University of Canberra
A collaboration between Ulster University, the University of Canberra and the British Council, this Difficult Conversations book features 10 essays from artists, performers, poets, curators and cultural researchers, focusing on the roles of art, creativity and culture in helping to navigate provocative and divisive issues in our communities.
Thursday, 20 April: Launch of Dig With It at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast
Belfast music and culture magazine, Dig With It, launched a special 10th edition at Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre, looking at the role music has played in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years. The launch night featured performances from Problem Patterns and songwriter Niall McDowell, followed by a DJ set from broadcaster Kwame Daniels.There was also a panel discussion about subculture and resilience, plus an art installation by Designer Lily Bailie called 'It's Personal'.
Friday, 21 April: Selector Radio's Good Friday Agreement special: Spotlight on Northern Ireland music
British Council’s global radio show, Selector, showcased some of Northern Ireland’s best music. The show is broadcast in over 35 countries to over four million listeners every week, with this week focusing on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. It will include an interview with the editor of Dig With It, Stuart Bailie, who will talk about how music has helped conflicts in the past and how it helps currently - playing tracks from Stiff Little Fingers, Chalk, Susie Blue and Phil Kieran. There will also be interviews with three-piece Derry-Londonderry pop-punk group Cherym, County Down musician Lemonade Shoelace, and BBC presenter Gemma Bradley. In addition, listeners will hear from Northern Ireland not-for-profit organisation Free The Night, and Cartin, one of Derry-Londonderry’s most exciting new producers, will play his favourite tracks.
