Open Arts

28/05/2026

Our Monday Players group adored the work they created with the fantastic Elspeth and Isabella from the Nerve Centre. We can't wait to see their work at the screening on the 26th of June at Riddel's Warehouse 🥳

So exciting to see Northern Ireland Screen 's Digital Film Archive helping to make the archive more inclusive by showcasing all the wonderful disabled people and artists work!

The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Belfast City Council Arts Council of Northern Ireland Disability Action Northern Ireland Cathedral Quarter Belfast BBC Radio Ulster BBC News NI

Explore stories of creativity, inclusion, and representation. Access for All in the Archive highlights contemporary voices from the Northern Ireland Now…

26/05/2026

What an absolutely fantastic article about our friends in Mae Murray Foundation, they truly deserve the spotlight on the wonderful work their organisation does and how many lives they have changed.

Well worth the read!

“My daughter came home from the Teen Hub and said it was the best night of her life. For the first time, she was accepted as herself and made her first ever friend. To see her smiling for the first time in a long time was priceless.”

Inspired by her granddaughter’s diagnosis, Mae Murray dedicated herself to improving life for disabled children and their families. Today, her legacy lives on through a Foundation that is transforming lives across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4z8w2bad

21/05/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day! (GAAD)

Today marks the 15th anniversary of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) - and it’s just as important now as ever. 🌍♿

Over 1 billion people worldwide live with a disability, making digital accessibility essential for every organisation. An accessible, up-to-date website isn't just about improving user experience, it makes sure everyone can access your services.

This , take the opportunity to look at your online accessibility, and make a change for the better!

One small step could be something as simple as putting you accessibility information on the front page, rather than hidden away.

19/05/2026

What an incredible year we’ve had with the Mae Murray kids, they have all been fantastic in our Movement and Mentoring scheme, having a blast with our Luminous Soul group and facilitators.

Congratulations to the kids for completing their Arts Awards up to Bronze, and what a wonderful performance to display all their hard work in the beautiful St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell

We can’t wait to get stuck back in for more Movement and Mentoring this summer!

Thank you to Belfast City Council, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Kinder House for funding this programme.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Mae Murray Foundation Belfast City Council

VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Video opens with the “Open Arts” logo, “in partnership with Mae Murray Foundation”. Children from the Mae Murray Foundation are seen dancing, interacting with facilitators and receiving Arts Awards. Each child is given a few seconds of filming with their name beside them: Ben, Chloe, Dani, Ella, Sam, Robin, Lucy, Logan, Lily, Gemma, Jack, Hannah, Dara, Katie, and Zoe.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

13/05/2026

This month's blog, Mark talks about how technology can help so many disabled people's lives- IF- they can access it.

Read more here:

This month Mark looks at improvements in technology over the last decade and the impact on the lives of disabled people.

06/05/2026

Only a few more days left to book your FREE spot! Don't miss out!

Sólás Specialist Support Services
Rogue Encounters
University of Atypical for Arts and Disability
Mae Murray Foundation
Angel Eyes NI
Kids Together Belfast

🎊We are working with Belfast City Council on Lord Mayor's Day to give 3 lucky kids a fantastic Takeaway Theatre experience! 🎊

Takeaway Theatre is an interactive, fun experience for disabled children/young people, and their families or close friends. It is suitable for anyone 5+ years old.

It is particularly suited for those who might find the main festivities challenging for sensory reasons or have difficulty with physical access in larger crowds.

Takeaway Theatre will be held in a room just inside the main City Hall doors, which is also just opposite the Changing Place on the 9th of May 2026.

There are 2 remaining times left, so book quick to get your place!
🗓️ 9th May, 2026
📍 City Hall, Belfast
🕐13:00
&
🕐14:15

Email [email protected] for more information or to book your FREE Takeaway Theatre session.

Sólás Specialist Support Servicess
Rogue Encounters
University of Atypical for Arts and Disability
Mae Murray Foundation
Angel Eyes NI
Kids Together Belfast

06/05/2026

Happy d/Deaf Awareness Week everyone! 🙌

What great timing to celebrate d/Deaf Awareness Week right after the Sign Language Bill was passed in Northern Ireland!

Everyone deserves to be able to live in a world where they can be understood. We hope that the Sign Language Bill can be a great step towards creating that world for our d/Deaf friends and community.

05/05/2026

🎊We are working with Belfast City Council on Lord Mayor's Day to give 3 lucky kids a fantastic Takeaway Theatre experience! 🎊

Takeaway Theatre is an interactive, fun experience for disabled children/young people, and their families or close friends. It is suitable for anyone 5+ years old.

It is particularly suited for those who might find the main festivities challenging for sensory reasons or have difficulty with physical access in larger crowds.

Takeaway Theatre will be held in a room just inside the main City Hall doors, which is also just opposite the Changing Place on the 9th of May 2026.

There are 2 remaining times left, so book quick to get your place!
🗓️ 9th May, 2026
📍 City Hall, Belfast
🕐13:00
&
🕐14:15

Email [email protected] for more information or to book your FREE Takeaway Theatre session.

Sólás Specialist Support Servicess
Rogue Encounters
University of Atypical for Arts and Disability
Mae Murray Foundation
Angel Eyes NI
Kids Together Belfast

29/04/2026

The Sign Language Bill has just passed the final stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly!

Along with creating expectations for public bodies to actively promote and facilitate the use of sign languages, it also includes the funding of free sign language classes for D/deaf children and families.

One of our amazing creative writers Bernice has shared her thoughts on this: “I communicate using both BSL and spoken English. As a deaf child, I was encouraged to use oral methods of communication and not BSL. I welcome this news and I am delighted at it’s passing. It’s a step in the right direction.”

28/04/2026

Free fun day at City Hall!

📅 Saturday 9 May, 1pm-5pm

Come along and enjoy free activities for kids - all hosted by Councillor Tracy Kelly Lord Mayor of Belfast to mark her year in office.

🥊try-it boxing, fencing and table tennis, as part of our celebrations
💃cheerleading moves from Sandy Row Falcons and kickboxing from Full Circle Martial Arts
🏋️dance and movement with Fitness Freddy

🍳Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing workshops on self-care, nutrition and mental health
🍓GLL smoothie bikes to make healthy treats
😌 relaxed family-friendly mindfulness sessions with Explore Wellbeing Kids

🎨crafts, mindful colouring and sunflower planting with Treeco
🎪circus skills workshops
🎵‘Good Vibes Only’ disco rave and silent disco

🎭Take Away Theatre from Open Arts for children with additional needs (pre-booking needed – email [email protected])
🖌️crafts from around the world with Arts Ekta
🎧VR gaming, animation and DJing with WheelWorks

🎶Cool FM with music, interactive fun and prize giveaways
😊 info from civic charities Little Heroes NI and Alternatives Restorative Justice, highlighting their work in the city.

Admission is free and all the info is on our website too - see you there!