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NI Artist Brings ‘Silent Testimony’ to London’s National Portrait Gallery

Posted on April 24, 2024 by admin

Today, Wednesday 24th April, globally renowned Belfast-born artist, Colin Davidson, announced the opening of his powerful display of portraiture, ‘Silent Testimony’, at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

‘Silent Testimony’ has previously captivated audiences at prestigious venues including the Ulster Museum (Belfast), Stormont’s Parliament Buildings, the Irish Arts Center in New York, and the United Nations HQ in New York. Now, visitors to the National Portrait Gallery will have the opportunity to experience this moving collection for the first time in London.

Davidson, reflecting on the display, said: “It is a true privilege to see ‘Silent Testimony’ installed at the National Portrait Gallery, on one of its most important outings. This exhibition is not only my personal response to the lived legacy of the Troubles but a comment on the fallout of all conflict.

“‘Silent Testimony’ is not just about Northern Ireland but about conflict more generally and the people who are left behind in the wake of war. In making this exhibition, I wanted to explore the legacy of our past and how it still impacts people today, not by seeking out answers but rather by posing questions.

“Bringing this collection to the National Portrait Gallery offers people a chance to engage with the human stories behind the conflict, reflecting on its impact and the resilience of those who have endured it.”

Globally renowned artist, Colin Davidson.

Featuring 18 poignant portraits of people who suffered loss through the Troubles, ‘Silent Testimony’ is set to run from Monday 22nd April 2024 to Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Each of Colin Davidson’s large-scale portraits, created between 2014 and 2015, serve as a silent testimony to the individual experiences of loss during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. From the trauma of loss and injury, these portraits offer a deeply personal insight into the human cost of conflict and its ongoing reverberations.

Celebrated for his large-scale portrait paintings, Colin’s diverse subjects have included Her Majesty The Late Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt and Ed Sheeran.

Colin’s gratitude extends to his 18 sitters and their families for entrusting him with their stories, as well as to WAVE Trauma and National Museums NI for their valuable support.

A few of the portraits from ‘Silent Testimony’ can be seen below with information on each sitter:

Paul Reilly: Paul Reilly’s daughter, Joanne (20), was killed on 12th April 1989 in Warrenpoint. Joanne had been working in a builder’s yard when a no-warning bomb exploded beside her office. She was killed instantly. The sitting for this portrait took place in Joanne’s bedroom, kept exactly as she had left it that day. The clock on the wall is stopped at 9.58am, the time of her death.

Colin Davidson’s portrait of Paul Reilly.

Johnnie Proctor: Johnnie Proctor’s father, John (25), was killed on 14th September 1981. Johnnie was born the day before, and his father was visiting the Mid Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt to see his wife and new-born son when he was shot dead in the hospital car park. Johnnie was named after his father.

Colin Davidson’s portrait of Johnnie Proctor.

Virtue Dixon: Virtue Dixon’s daughter, Ruth (24), died in a bomb attack in Ballykelly on 6th December 1982. Ruth was celebrating her birthday in the Droppin Well public house when there was an explosion, causing the roof to collapse. Sixteen other people lost their lives in the attack. A witness tells of hearing the DJ play ‘Happy Birthday’ for Ruth at the moment the bomb exploded. Ruth’s son, who was six at the time of her death, died suddenly when he was aged thirty.

Colin Davidson’s portrait of Virtue Dixon.

Belfast Comedian to Host UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024 by admin

The UnderOne Festival has announced the launch of the highly anticipate 2024 UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards, set to take place on Thursday 25th July 2024 at the prestigious University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus. The star-studded event will be hosted by Belfast comic and actor, William Thompson, who will take to the stage alongside the dynamic British abstract artist and X-Factor finalist, Misha B.

Commenting on the awards, William Thompson said: “As someone intimately acquainted with the importance of diversity and inclusion due to my experience with cerebral palsy, I am honoured to host the UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024. It’s a joy to celebrate the efforts of individuals and organisations doing their bit for diversity. I hope to inject a little Northern Irish humour and bring smiles to the faces of these global trailblazers as we recognise their work to build more inclusive communities.”

The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the champions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), who fearlessly advocate for these core values and integrate them into the essence of their organisations. As an integral part of the UnderOne Festival, the awards bring together the world’s most inspiring DEI advocates – individuals and organisations committed to driving real, positive change.

“The UnderOne Diversity and Inclusion Awards offer a unique opportunity for organisations, individuals and initiatives across Northern Ireland to receive well-deserved recognition for their dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. There is an abundance of commendable work underway in Northern Ireland aimed at fostering greater social and cultural awareness and this is a perfect chance to celebrate those efforts”, said UnderOne founder, Lydiah Igweh.

The awards feature a diverse range of categories, including the Global Inclusion Excellence Award, Trailblazer Employee Resource Group Award, DEI Innovation Award, DEI Rising Star Award, Inclusion in Sustainability Award, DEI Thought-leader and Influencer Award, Diverse and Inclusive Company Culture Award, Creative Diversity Campaign, and Social Impact and Community Engagement Award.

Respected judges from renowned global companies such as Warner Bros., Discovery, Clyde & Co., HSBC, Channel 4, Innocent Drinks, Expedia, and more will meticulously evaluate the nominations, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.

Nominations for the awards are now open to both individuals and organisations, with the deadline set for Monday 3rd June 2024. Winners will be honoured in a glamorous event at the University of Northampton on Thursday 25th July 2024.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit: www.underonediversityinclusionawards.com.

William Thompson, Northern Irish comic and actor.

Lydiah Igweh, founder of UnderOne.

‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024 by admin

After a successful Irish tour in 2017, 2019, and again in 2022, as well as ten sold out seasons at the Irish Arts Center in New York, ‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

An omnium gatherum of poetry, prose and music, ‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ is a cabaret-style evening, by turns witty, exuberant and sophisticated, hosted by Pulitzer-Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, ‘the most significant English language poet born since the Second World War’. (Times Literary Supplement)

Each show on the tour has a bespoke mix of artists from the worlds of music and literature. The Market Place Theatre will be the venue for one of Ireland’s most beloved poets and recent TS Eliot Prize nominee, Jane Clarke. Jane will be joined by the sounds of composer and musician Colm Mac Con Iomaire, as well as internationally acclaimed author and Booker Prize winner, Anne Enright.

The title, ‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ refers to a popular 19th-century New York vaudeville act, which inspired the New York-based Irish poet, Paul Muldoon, to being hosting the carefully blended evenings of literature and music back in 2014.

Paul describes ‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ as a direct response to that ancient impulse to perform, to share, to make one’s own amusement. He said, “It’s one of our most basic instincts; to listen to a song, to listen to a poem. Even in this era when people have their noses stuck in their tablets, it still works.”

‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ will take place at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Wednesday 15th May at 8pm. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Lurgan Model Primary School Celebrates Becoming Integrated

Posted on April 23, 2024 by admin

The school community of Lurgan Model Primary School is celebrating after hearing the news that the Department of Education has approved their Development Proposal to transform to Integrated status. The school is one of 26 who have held positive parental ballots since 2019 and brings the number of Integrated schools in Northern Ireland to 72.

Lurgan Model Primary School is a well-established primary school, having educated children since 1863. The school building itself is listed as a building of great historical significance. When the school opened it was part of the ‘Model’ school system operating in Ireland at that time. As such, the school was established for all children, regardless of religion and was proudly non-denominational. This ethos was reaffirmed and strengthened when the school looked to start the process of Transformation to become an integrated school.

No school can become integrated without the consent of a majority of parents. Due to the evident parental demand in the Lurgan Model Primary School community, a democratic ballot was held in Summer 2022. The outcome of the ballot was that an overwhelming majority of 99% of the parents voted yes to the school submitting a Development Proposal to the Department of Education, including a Transformation Action Plan.

Almost two years after the parental ballot, Lurgan Model Primary School was delighted to get confirmation that the Development Proposal has been approved. The school continues to offer an excellent standard of education, as it has for over 160 years, educating around 180 pupils, who will now receive an Integrated Education.

Neil Campbell, Principal of Lurgan Model Primary School, said: “On Thursday 18th April 2024, we received written confirmation from the Department of Education that the Education Minister has approved our development proposal to transform to an integrated school from 1st September 2024.

“We are delighted at this news and thank the Education Minister for his decision. The Minister has ensured we can now plan for the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year with clarity and optimism, and we are grateful for his carefully considered approval.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our Transformation, especially our parents who voted overwhelmingly to formally begin this process in June 2022, the NI Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and the Education Authority’s Sectoral Support Team.

“Lurgan Model opened 161 years ago as an expressly non-denominated school for all children, regardless of religion. Our Transformation to controlled Integrated status reaffirms and strengthens our inclusive ethos as a school where all communities, cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.

“Our little people who continue to cross our threshold every day will remain at the heart of all that we do. No matter the background they come from they will be cherished, valued and respected for who they are in an inclusive environment that nurtures empathy and understanding for everyone, in the hope of a better tomorrow.”

Tina Merron, Chief Executive of the IEF, said: “We congratulate the Board of Governors, staff and parents of Lurgan Model Primary School on their successful Transformation to integrated status. It has taken a lot of time, dedication and commitment from the entire school community to complete this process and become an integrated school. We look forward to welcoming Lurgan Model Primary School to the growing community of integrated schools across Northern Ireland.”

Roisin Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of NICIE, said: “Having worked alongside the Lurgan Model Primary School community, NICIE is thrilled that the Development Proposal to Transform to become an integrated school has been approved. We look forward to continuing to work with the school and supporting them on their Transformation journey.”

Almost every school in the country, apart from hospital and special schools, can apply to transform to Integrated status. The IEF and NICIE provide support and advice for parents, staff and Governors considering taking the first steps towards Integrated Education.

If you would like further information on Integrated Education and the process of Transformation, visit: ief.org.uk.

Pupils at Lurgan Model Primary School celebrating their successful parental ballot to Transform to Integrated status.

RTS NI Announce Seven New TV Awards for 2024

Posted on April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 by admin

Yesterday, Monday 22nd April, the Royal Television Society in Northern Ireland (RTS NI) in partnership with BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Channel 4 launched its 2024 Awards for the local creative industries with seven new award categories this year.

The new categories for 2024 are; Actor (Male); Actor (Female); Writer; Breakthrough Award On-Screen and Breakthrough Award Off-Screen for newcomers to the industry and special recognition for those working behind the scenes with a new Post-Production category and a special Hidden Hero award.

The winners will be announced at the 9th RTS NI Awards Ceremony which will take place in the prestigious Titanic Belfast as part of the Belfast Media Festival on Thursday 14th November 2024.

Sarah McCaffrey, Chair of RTS NI, said: “I am delighted to announce seven new additions to this year’s RTS NI award categories to highlight the amazing work of our writers, actors, newcomers and those who work behind the scenes. After a tough year for the industry in 2023, it is great to see so many productions back in action in Northern Ireland, plus we have the opening of the amazing new £72m Studio Ulster virtual production complex to look forward to in November. It’s now more important than ever for the RTS to recognise the exceptional talent working in Northern Ireland’s screen industries.”

Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, said: “We are committed to supporting the local creative sector and to showcasing the best in homegrown storytelling and talent to audiences here and throughout the UK. The RTS NI Awards recognise the excellence of television production in Northern Ireland and we’re pleased to support them again this year.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “The Royal Television Society Awards for Northern Ireland celebrate the vibrant creativity and talent that define our local industry, and we are delighted to support the awards again this year. We welcome the introduction of the new categories that will recognise the emerging talent both on and off screen, honouring and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our industry’s brightest stars and unsung champions at this year’s ceremony.”

Georgia Parkinson, Chair of the RTS NI Awards 2024, said: “The RTS NI Awards are the most sought-after TV awards in Northern Ireland and we look forward to applauding the very best of the creative industries of the creative industries in Northern Ireland, at our awards ceremony in the Titanic Belfast. With 19 awards up for grabs this year, our aim is to recognise and promote high-quality content being made here by independent producers, broadcasters, streamers and freelancers based in Northern Ireland.”

The 2024 RTS NI Award categories are:

Children’s/Animation
Comedy
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual Entertainment Format
Lifestyle and Features
News Coverage
Original Music Score
Post-Production
Specialist Factual
Actor – Female
Actor – Male
Writer
Breakthrough Award (off-screen)
Breakthrough Award (on-screen)
Hidden Hero
Brian Waddell Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

The RTS NI has once again partnered with BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Channel 4 for these prestigious awards. Judging in each category will be carried out independently by an experienced panel of judges with the finalists being announced in Autumn 2024 ahead of the Awards Ceremony in November 2024.

The deadline for all entries is Friday 5th July 2024 at 5pm. To qualify for entry, all content must have been aired on television or released online for the first time between 1st January 2023 and 31st May 2024 inclusive, except for the Brian Waddell and Hidden Hero awards. Full entry criteria can be viewed at rts.org.uk.

Pictured at the launch of the 2024 RTS NI Awards which will be held at the Titanic Belfast are (L to R) Northern Ireland Screen Chief Executive Richard Williams with RTS NI Chair Sarah McCaffrey, RTS NI Awards Chair Georgia Parkinson and BBC Northern Ireland Director Adam Smyth.

First Ever Sustainability and Arts Festival at Queen’s

Posted on April 22, 2024 by admin

A new art exhibition which explores the impact of plastic waste on our oceans has kicked off a new sustainability and arts festival at Queen’s University Belfast.

The exhibition, which launched on Thursday 18th April, showcases work from US artist Ingrid Hess, and highlights the challenge micro plastics pose for our oceans. Ingrid has teamed up with local social enterprise Bryson Recycling for the exhibition, who have provided 2,000 used plastic bottles for the art piece.

The exhibition also features an accompanying sound installation by Bihe Wen, a PhD candidate at the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen’s, alongside noises from plastic bottles and takeaway containers, weaves an auditory tapestry that transports listeners into the heart of nature, making the exhibit even more immersive and engaging for visitors.

On Friday morning, a group of local schoolchildren from Holy Rosary Primary School also attended a unique event to hear more about the art from Ingrid, and took part in a plastic and environment workshop with Belfast City Council, designed to advance their understanding about the impact plastic waste is having on the world around us.

‘Full of Wonder or Full of Plastic? You Decide’ will run in the Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University Belfast until Sunday 12th May.

Between Thursday 18th April and Saturday 20th April, a 3-day festival, ‘Reach 24’, was held, which aims to examine the climate emergency and sustainable solutions via various mediums including a drawing workshop, film screenings, performances, talks and the art exhibition.

The festival hosted inspiring presentations from people who are leading the way when it comes to pairing arts and sustainability, including a keynote presentation from Alison Tickell, Director of Julie’s Bicycle, a pioneering not-for-profit that mobilises arts and culture organisations to act on the climate crisis.

Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT) hosted a special screening of two important environmental documentaries about rising sea levels, followed by a panel discussion.

Attendees were invited to immerse themselves in sound at the Sonic Laboratory in Queen’s Sonic Arts Research Centre. The Sonic Lab, which is often called the ‘cinema for the ear’ is a specialist acoustic space designed to provide a unique listening experience via 48 loudspeakers. A showcase of sounds was played in the Sonic Lab as part of the festival, including ‘Breathe’, which shows the impact of climate and environmental damage on woodlands by simulating the atmosphere we’re predicted to have in 2050, and ‘Dune’s Song’, which allowed attendees to hear a sound often heard in deserts, but which is sadly being lost due to climate change.

Professor Michael Alcorn, Pro-Vic-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen’s said: “As a global institution, Queen’s has an important role to play in making a positive impact on our environment.

“Our Strategy 2030 sets out how we will embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities, and the Reach 24′ arts and sustainability festival is one of the ways we are nurturing a culture of sustainability. In partnership with SDSN, we are bringing together leading experts in the art world to explore the climate crisis and to discuss sustainable solutions to help tackle it.”

Pictured at the art exhibition launch event on Thursday 18 April (L-R) Ingrid Hess, Professor of Graphic Design, UMass Lowell and Bihe Wen, PhD student at the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen’s.

Pictured during Day 2 of the ‘Reach 24’ Festival on Friday 19 April (L-R back row) Aileen Monahan, Bryson Recycling; George Lyttle, Belfast City Council; Professor Michael Alcorn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen’s; Tania Benotti, Director of Creative Ireland; and Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability at Queen’s. (L-R front row), Alison Tickell, CEO of Julie’s Bicycle; 4 schoolchildren from Holy Rosary Primary School; and Ingrid Hess, Professor of Graphic Design, UMass Lowell.

Pictured at the art exhibition launch event on Thursday 18 April (L-R) Ingrid Hess, Professor of Graphic Design, UMass Lowell; Professor Michael Alcorn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Queen’s; and Bihe Wen, PhD student at the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen’s.

Belfast Castle Celebrates 90 Years of Being a Gift to the City

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by admin

One of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks is framing up to celebrate a major milestone.

This summer, Belfast Castle will mark 90 years since it was gifted to the citizens of the city. The 90th anniversary will be celebrated with an array of public events and activities, as well as the reopening of the Castle’s Cellar Restaurant.

Perched on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, the imposing outline of the Castle’s towers and turrets has become synonymous Belfast. The anniversary will offer locals and visitors the opportunity to delve into the iconic estate’s history and heritage. The new look Cellar Restaurant will invite visitors to step back in time and experience Victorian-style shop fronts and gas lights, common features when work on Belfast Castle was first completed.

Over the decades, the venue has played host to many receptions, dances and high teas. Delving into this legacy, the celebrations will include a Céilí at the Castle and a Big 90^th Lunch, allowing picnickers to enjoy the famous city views from the landscaped gardens.

Built in the 1860s, Belfast Castle was constructed by the third Marquis of Donegall, a descendent of the Baron of Belfast. It replaced the original Belfast Castle, located in the city centre and destroyed by fire. Today, street names like Castle Place, serve as the only reminder of the Castle’s original location. The new Castle was completed by the Marquis of Donegall in 1870, with construction costing much more than its original budget. The Earl of Shaftesbury funded the Marquis £11,000 to complete the building and, eventually, inherited the estate. Lord Shaftesbury held the role of Lord Mayor in 1907. On 26th July 1934, he donated the Castle and its surrounding estate to the city of Belfast.

Ahead of the special anniversary celebrations, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, welcomed the programme of the event and activities stating: “From its commanding position on Cave Hill, Belfast Castle is a talisman for our city. We are pleased to mark this special anniversary with a range of public events and activities that offer a snapshot into its wealth of archaeological, historical and natural features. From a Dawn Chorus Dander on Cave Hill to a Tea Dance in the Ballroom, there will be opportunities for everyone to join the celebrations, further building on Belfast’s affinity with its Castle for generations to come.”

To find out more about the programme of celebrations, including yoga, open-air painting, vintage car displays and visiting supercars, visit: www.belfastcastle.co.uk.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy was joined by Mia Kingston and Cailen McMullan from Ben Madigan Prep School at Belfast Castle to launch the 90th anniversary celebrations of the estate being a gift to the city.

Majorca’s Responsible Tourism Pledge

Posted on April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 by admin

Today, Thursday 18th April, Jet2holidays has become the first UK tour operator to sign Majorca’s Responsible Tourism pledge, further strengthening the company’s commitment to promoting and encouraging sustainable tourism on the island.

The UK’s largest tour operator has signed the pledge, which contains eight key points to help preserve the nature, values and beauty of Majorca whilst ensuring the long-term prosperity of the island for visitors and residents.

The pledge addresses key areas such as appreciating and protecting nature, respecting local communities, making a positive impact, buying locally, and reusing, reducing and recycling.

Many of these areas align with Jet2holidays’ recently launched hotel sustainability labelling scheme, which enables customers and independent travel agents to easily find and choose from a collection of certified sustainable hotels which meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised standards. Currently featuring almost 60 hotels across Majorca, the collection can be found at www.jet2holidays.com/sustainable-hotels.

Customers and independent travel agents visiting this page or seeing the label will know that the holidays featured meet GSTC Recognised standards, meaning that they can choose the holiday that is right for them. These standards are closely aligned to many areas in the Majorca Pledge for Responsible Tourism as they are based on actions around sustainable hotel management, social and economic support of the local community, promoting positive cultural impacts and environmental protection.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays, said: “As well as enjoying their well-deserved holidays on the beautiful island of Majorca, we know that customers take sustainability and responsible tourism very seriously. As a responsible airline and tour operator, we have taken a number of tangible steps on our journey to reach our sustainability targets, such as launching a Certified Sustainable Hotels labelling scheme. This means customers can choose from over 900 hotels, 60 of them in Majorca, knowing they are choosing a holiday that is right for them.

“The Majorca Pledge for Responsible Tourism is a great way to create further awareness about this critical issue and, as the UK’s leading tour operator to the island, we are proud to be the first UK tour operator to sign the pledge. This is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment and leadership when it comes to working in partnership with our friends and partners in Majorca so that holidaymakers can continue to enjoy this special island, both today as well as in the future.”

To view Jet2’s sustainability strategy, visit: www.jet2plc.com/sustainability.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, photographed at East Midlands Airport with one of the Jet2 jets.
Picture by Georgie Gillard.

Augment the City Challenge Fund Now Open

Posted on April 18, 2024April 17, 2024 by admin

The new Augment the City Challenge City Fund, led by Belfast City Council’s Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, has opened for applications from local SMEs who wish to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Tina Black, said: “This new competition is going to bring together innovators from our creative industries sectors with our leading tourism organisations to explore how immersive technology such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality will shape and enhance future attractions, including our highly anticipated Belfast Stories.

“Successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop and then showcase their innovative ideas and prototypes. And we’re providing state-of-the-art wireless digital connectivity to support companies to push the boundaries of what is currently possible with this technology.

“By working directly with innovators, the region’s tourism partners will be able to gain valuable insights which will help to inform the design and development of new visitor attractions.”

Professor Liam Maguire, Chair of the Belfast Region City Deal’s Digital Advisory Board and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research at Ulster University, added: “Augment the City demonstrates a key aim of the Belfast Region City Deal’s digital pillar. It’s encouraging collaboration with some of our most exciting creative digital companies. And by doing so, it’s stimulating R&D investments in one of the region’s high growth sectors. Ultimately, such investment contributes to a more productive economy, while helping to ensure that new visitor experiences are better placed to harness digital technologies – and our visitors are more engaged.”

Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, said: “Today’s launch of the Augment the City Challenge Fund, funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, is excellent news. The fund offers a significant opportunity for businesses in Belfast and the surrounding region to receive crucial support to develop immersive 5G tourism products and visitor experiences which will help to enhance our tourism offering. This aligns with my economic vision which emphasises the pivotal role of investing in innovation to enhance productivity and to create good jobs. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts that the fund will deliver for the region.”

The Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said: “The creative industries sector is an exciting and rapidly changing environment, and one that is crucial for the future needs of Northern Ireland’s tourism sector and economy.

“I am delighted that the Augment the City Challenge Fund, funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, which is being supported by the UK Government to the tune of £350 million, is now open. This funding will provide enormous support to local innovation businesses to develop their ideas and technologies to boost Belfast’s digital tourism. Through supporting local SMEs, we will help to ensure that Northern Ireland, as an integral part of the world’s 6^th largest economy, is the best place in the world to invest and visit.”

The Challenge Fund competition is now open for applications at www.smartbelfast.city. Local businesses interested in applying for funding can find out more by registering for an online briefing event taking place this Thursday, 18 April 2024.

The Augment the City Challenge Fund is part of Belfast City Council’s XR Belfast programme which provides a range of funding, skills development and business support to people working in Belfast’s innovation and creative industries sectors to help build their capacity in using and exploiting emerging technologies.

For more information on Augment the City, visit www.smartbelfast.city or the Belfast Region City Deal, visit www.belfastregioncitydeal.co.uk

Ulster University – Virtual Production Studio.

Sundance Film Festival among leading film industry reps set for Belfast

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by admin

Leading film industry decision makers from the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US are set to descend on Belfast this summer for a crucial networking opportunity at the Docs Ireland Marketplace.

On Friday 21^st and Saturday 22nd June, leading international documentary representatives will be in attendance at the event at 2 Royal Avenue.

Now in its sixth year, the Docs Ireland Marketplace is steadily growing and attracting some of the biggest names in the global documentary film industry to meet local filmmakers and hear their pitch.

A hub for funding, sales and distribution of documentaries in Ireland and globally, the market is springboard for domestic talent, as well as welcoming international submissions.

The deadline to submit projects is Friday 19th April at https://docsireland.ie/industry/marketplace/

Autlook Film Sales
CAT&Docs
Conic Films
Documentary Association of Europe
Dokufest Kosovo
DR Sales
e u ROPE Doconsultancy
Fifth Season
Film Harbour
Finnish Film Foundation
INDOX Films
Java Films
Lightdox
Met Film Sales
Nordisk Panorama
POV
S4C
Sarajevo International Film Festival
SBS
Screen Ireland
Sundance Film Festival
SVT
Swedish Film Institute
SWR
TG4
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
True/False
Wildcard Distribution

And more to be confirmed.

Pictures from last year’s Docs Ireland Marketplace

The Docs Ireland marketplace is the only marketplace dedicated to documentary on the island of Ireland. Docs Ireland provides an outlet for filmmakers to pitch their project through carefully matched meetings organised by the festival’s industry team. Previous projects have gone on to screen and win awards at Sundance, Hot Docs, IDFA, LFF, Venice and Telluride, with Chloe Abrahams’ The Taste of Mango going on to win the British Independent Film Award (BIFA) for Best Debut Documentary.

Docs Ireland Head of Industry, Roisín Geraghty commented: “We are excited to welcome leading industry delegates from the Irish and international documentary industry players to Belfast this June to participate in the fifth Docs Ireland project marketplace. The marketplace continues to go from strength to strength each year, providing an opportunity for filmmakers to meet one-to-one in carefully curated meetings with decision makers and consultants from the world of non-fiction.”

Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Screen Ireland and BFI/Film Hub NI, and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBCNI and Yellowmoon.

Iconic Europa Hotel completes €17.5 million investment with nostalgic art commission

Posted on April 16, 2024 by admin

Hastings Hotels has completed a €17.5 million renovation at the iconic Europa Hotel in Belfast, marking a significant milestone in its history. The extensive five-year renewal project encompasses upgrades to all 272 guest bedrooms, the Lobby Bar, Piano Restaurant, meeting rooms, and the Penthouse.

To commemorate, Hastings Hotels commissioned celebrated artist Colin Davidson to create new artwork that pays homage to the hotel’s historical significance.

Titled “The ‘71”, the painting captures the essence of a nostalgic journey home with an abstract rendering of the red double-decker 71 bus both Davidson and Howard Hastings, Hastings Hotels’ chairman, used to take home from school.

It has added significance as The Europa first opened its doors in 1971 on the site of the former Great Northern Railway Station, when it inadvertently became a base for overseas journalists covering the Troubles – including Trevor McDonald, Kate Adie and John Sergeant.

“It is no mean feat to completely renovate a hotel, especially when it’s one of the busiest hotels in Northern Ireland,” said Howard Hastings.

“We are thrilled to unveil the culmination of our €17.5 million investment in the Europa Hotel. This project not only modernises the hotel’s facilities but also honours its rich heritage as a Belfast icon.”

“To mark the completion of this momentous project, we are honoured to showcase Colin Davidson’s remarkable painting in our lobby, serving as a poignant tribute to the enduring spirit of the Europa.”

“Close up, it is an abstract blaze of red and yellow brushstrokes and only by looking at it from a distance can the image of the double-decker bus be discerned. “The painting evokes fond nostalgic childhood memories of growing up in Belfast, for Colin, myself and I hope lots of our guests, and is a unique nod to the once in a generation renewal project of this special hotel.”

Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast. His work is held in many public and corporate collections worldwide, including Queen’s University, the Ulster Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland. As well as numerous commissions, Davidson’s portrait sitters have included Brad Pitt, a former guest at the Europa, as well as Seamus Heaney, Liam Neeson, Brian Friel, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Christy Moore and Ed Sheeran.

“It’s a real privilege for me, not just as an artist but also a native of Belfast who grew up during the dark days in this city, to have a painting hanging in this iconic hotel and to see it renewed once again and looking to the future,” said Davidson.

“This painting is personal to both me and Howard. The 71 is a red double-decker bus that we both took, to and from our different schools, albeit a bit further down the road and a few years apart.

“As my child-self moved into adulthood, this was my journey home. I captured every landmark on that route as I looked outward. It became my escape. This is a painting of a memory.

“The lovely synergy in this is that the Europa was also opened for the first time in 1971, so it makes me feel that this painting is meant to be here and that is a delight for me.”

Acquired by the Hastings Hotels Group in 1993, the Europa underwent a significant €9.3 million refurbishment, spearheaded by the late Sir William Hastings, before reopening in 1994. Throughout its illustrious history, the Europa Hotel has hosted a myriad of notable guests, including President Bill Clinton, musicians including Kurt Cobain, movie stars and fashion icons, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination in Belfast.