International Showcase 2026
A key aim of Belfast International Arts Festival is to support Northern Ireland’s independent performing arts community in their ambitions to explore and create on an international scale.
We are delighted to bring back our professional developmental initiative for the third consecutive year under Embrace: a three-day event showcasing the best theatre and performing arts from across NI to international delegates.
BIAF’s International Showcase has established itself as one of the most significant opportunities for Northern Ireland’s theatre and dance sector to connect with the world. From 22-25 October, we welcome cultural leaders from more than 30 cities across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and beyond to experience outstanding work by our leading artists and companies.
Our programme promises an exciting range of performances, pitches, and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and exchange between NI’s performing arts sector and the international arts community.
Our showcase is generously sponsored by Culture Ireland and Belfast City Council and is delivered in partnership with British Council NI and Theatre and Dance NI.
The showcase takes place in venues across Belfast from 22 – 25 October featuring performances from:
- Big Telly Theatre Company
- Cahoots
- Dumbworld & Curious Industries
- Helena Hamilton
- Keith Singleton
- Lyric Theatre
- Northern Attitudes Dance Company
- Prime Cut Productions
- Shaymaa Shoukry
- Tinderbox Theatre Company
