Belfast International Arts Festival Returns with Diverse and Engaging Program

Strategic Insights -

The Belfast International Arts Festival will return to venues across Belfast from October 14-November 9, showcasing the best of international and local arts and culture. This year's program is a celebration of global creativity, featuring a range of performances, exhibitions, and events that promise to be a truly memorable showcase.

Key Takeaways:

  • The festival will feature a unique dance exchange between Belfast, Cairo, and Ramallah, funded by an International Collaboration Award from the British Council, titled Our Voice Together Now, which will see three new works created and presented to audiences in 2025 and 2026.
  • The festival's International Showcase returns for its second year, featuring performances from local and international artists, including BIAF's own production of Everynothing, Big Telly Theatre Company's Faust-ish, and Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre's My Grandfather's House.
  • The festival will also premiere a new Ulster Orchestra co-commission from Michael Gallen, titled Bád on Alltár, which is a fusion of Irish traditional and classical music.
  • The festival will welcome world-renowned artists Lisa O'Neill, Martin Hayes, and Chris Smither to the city for separate concerts, as well as Booker Prize-winner John Banville to discuss his new novel, Venetian Vespers.
  • The festival's Talks & Ideas strand will feature Geoff Dyer discussing his new memoir, Homework, alongside Joe Dunthorne and critic John Self, and Colin Davidson and broadcaster Mark Carruthers discussing their new book, Twelve Paintings.
  • The festival's Creative Youth Project, Future Parade, will bring together young people from diverse backgrounds to create a new shared island creative project.

Statistics:

  • The festival will feature over 100 events across 18 venues in Belfast.
  • The festival will showcase the work of over 300 local and international artists.
  • Attendance is expected to reach 100,000 people from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
  • The festival has received support from over 30 leading arts organizations, including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Ireland, and the British Council.
  • The festival has secured a major funding boost from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with Liam Hannaway, Chair of the Arts Council, commenting that the festival "continues to bring world-class arts to audiences here, a true showcase and meeting place for inspiring new ideas, new experiences and new creativity."

Sources:

  • Belfast International Arts Festival's press release
  • The Arts Council of Northern Ireland's website
  • The British Council's website
  • Belfast International Arts Festival's social media announcements