What is the role of arts in polarised and divided societies?
In 2023, we hosted a week-long international arts and cultural programme to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/ Good Friday Agreement. This focused on the role of arts in divided and polarised societies.
The programme brought together 33 delegates from 10 countries (including from Colombia, Viet Nam, Lebanon, Iraq and Ukraine) to discover how artists and creative organisations have played a key role in Northern Ireland’s post-conflict journey and to connect with arts professionals from other countries and contexts to share their experience.
The focus of the week will be to engage with and learn about those working in Northern Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors and take part in talks, workshops, exhibition openings and tours about socially engaged arts practice, and international collaboration.
The programme follows on from British Council's Peace and Beyond Conference, which was held in 2018 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Agreement.
