Overview

Belfast International Arts Festival is the leading multi-disciplinary, contemporary arts festival in Northern Ireland, with over 200 events from home and abroad taking place across the city every October. You can expect an exciting world-class programme of theatre, dance, classical and roots music, visual arts, film and digital arts, talks and literature, and outdoor events, accompanied by outreach and educational events. We create, stage and promote irresistible and compelling stories of our time and our communities – seen through artistic events that tackle contemporary topics beyond the arts. The mission of Belfast International Arts Festival is to be the preeminent, progressive international arts event within Northern Ireland, actively engaging both global and local communities in the richness and diversity of contemporary arts practice. Through shared cultural experiences we aim to inspire, provoke and entertain audiences. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is Principal Funder. Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the British Council are core funders. Cover image ©Christopher Heaney, courtesy of Visit Belfast.