Embrace

Embrace is Belfast International Arts Festival’s on-going programme of public engagement and professional development, aimed at involving communities throughout the city.

Embrace is designed to both encourage active participation in the arts and to enhance audience enjoyment and understanding of specific events presented in the programme. It includes free performances and active creative learning activities such as workshops, performance opportunities and artist talks. As an inclusive organisation, we encourage participation from diverse communities of interest and place.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2025 EMBRACE PROGRAMME INCLUDE:

• IN-visible ID-entities 7: The Search for Harmony is a free community programme funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Reconciliation Fund. It will engage with up to 1,200 young people across Belfast, exploring themes of friendship, cooperation, and second chances— reflecting those in Cahoots’ The Musicians of Bremen Live! and Unlocking Sherlock.

• A free outdoor performance for all the family in CS Lewis Square on Saturday 18 October of Anchored In Air, the ground-breaking aerial theatre show by a disabled & non-disabled company, Head Over Wheels.

• Free recitals at St Mark’s Church, Dundela on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October from our partners BBC Radio 3, featuring classical musician Charles Owen performing duo repertoire with his long-time friend Katya Apekisheva – one of Europe’s most renowned and gifted pianists.

• Free entry to exhibitions in our Visual Arts & Film programme. There will also be a series of free post show talks and discussions with performers appearing in the programme.