The Belfast International Arts Festival has announced the line-up for this year’s programme. Established in 1962, the BIAF is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a new extended season of over 300 events that celebrate the best in local and global contemporary art.
The season opens on October 5 with the UK premiere of Frank McGuiness’ play Dinner With Groucho at the MAC. In partnership with Principal International Partner, British Council, a number of artists and events from North Africa and the Middle East, including Youness Atbane, Shaymaa Shoukry will present, along with acclaimed Palestinian artist/performer, Riham Isaac, who brings the world premiere of her new work, Another Lover’s Discourse to The MAC. Canadian artists also feature, including the bittersweet story of Vivek Shraya’s journey through showbiz in How To Fail as a Popstar; a critical look at the world of opera in The Queen in Me and the magnificent and powerful Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools, over the closing weekend.
This year also features a new strand of programming that will take a more in depth look at the work of a leading artist or ensemble. The works of the young rising star of French and European dance, Noé Soulier will be showcased both live in The MAC with The Kingdom of Shades-Signe Blanc & Portrait of Frédéric Tavernini and online with his short film Fragments.
As always, homegrown artists and ensembles form the backbone of the festival and this year is no different with new works and programmes from Oona Doherty, David Ireland, Conor Mitchell, Paul McVeigh and Big Telly among others.
To celebrate Belfast’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music last year, the BIAF will boast a series of stunning stand-alone gigs featuring Festival mainstays Paul Carrack and Martin Hayes with his new group, the Common Ground Ensemble, both at the Grand Opera House, alongside special concerts by the Ulster Orchestra, Ruth McGinley, Lisa O’Neill, Fews Ensemble, Matt Andersen and more.
A selection of the best literature from around the world will also be featured, both in person and online. This year one of the finest and funniest chroniclers of modern England, Jonathan Coe shall read from and talk about his new novel Bournville. Two of France’s most original and acclaimed novelists GauZ’, and David Foenkinos join us in a special digital event as part of our longstanding partnership with the Institut Français. Acclaimed Irish writers Tish Delaney and Donal Ryan will chat about their stunning new novels, while the authors of two of the year’s funniest novels, Charlotte Mendelson and Claire Powell will sit down with an audience in Belfast’s famous No Alibis Bookshop.
That’s not to say that homegrown talent will be forgotten; there will be two new editions of the Poetry Jukebox, readings from The John Hewitt Society, a centennial celebration of Phillip Larkin and no less than nine different cultural walking tours from the Northern Ireland Tourist Guide Association.
The Festival is also proud to continue its tradition of showcasing the best of homegrown and international visual artists. The outdoor panel trail Irish Craft Heroes, in Botanic Gardens, celebrates Ireland’s inspirational crafts people and makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of craft and design practice in Ireland.
Featured exhibitions will include the work of iconoclast, anarchist, punk, hippie, trouble-making rebel and romantic Jamie Reid with Taking Liberties! in Ulster University, Mairéad McClean’s new solo show HERE inside Belfast Exposed, meanwhile the works of Mexican born artist Elvira Santamaria will be presented at the Golden Thread Gallery. The Royal Ulster Academy will also present the 141st edition of their hugely popular annual exhibition in the Ulster Museum.
For films, look out for BIND, an innovative cross art-form collaboration, directed by leading choreographer Eileen McClory, with original text by poet and producer Maria McManus, appearing online. Queen’s Film Theatre will transport audiences to the smoky corners of Japan’s jazz scene with a special evening of live music and a screening of the 1957 classic The Stormy Man. Strand Arts Centre will commemorate the Festival’s 60th edition with a screening of To Kill A Mockingbird – which also celebrates its 60th anniversary!
Away from the festivities, soak up the Belfast atmosphere with luxury hotel group Hastings Hotels, who are our official accommodation partner. The family-owned group runs seven luxury hotels across Northern Ireland and is universally regarded for their very warm welcome and 4 star visitor experience.
The BIAF runs from October 5 – November 6. For more information go to belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.