Open Arts

28/08/2026

We are absolutely thrilled for our Jemma to have been awarded the prestigious Anne O'Donoghue Award! 🎉

This award recognises those within arts management and administration who have made an outstanding contribution.

We know how much work went into her application and couldn't be more proud of her! Well done Jemma! 🥳

A fantastic quote from Jemma about her award: "I’m proud to receive the Anne O'Donoghue Award and begin a project that will strengthen my delivery of Arts Award with disabled young people, while expanding access to arts opportunities equal to those available to their non disabled peers."

You can read the full article below, along with watching her fantastic interview where she talks about how she plans to use the award to grow as an Arts Award facilitator:

artscouncil-ni.org/news/community-arts-professional-jemma-robinson-presented-with-award-to-support-the-creative-progression-of-disabled-young-people

21/08/2026

We can't thank our fantastic participant Logan, who raised an amazing £6000 to support Mae Murray Foundation and Open Arts, enough for all of his support!

Thank you to everyone who donated we are absolutely blown away!

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

🤩Big things are happening at Open Arts! 🤩

Watch this space!

Huge thanks to the artists and participants who joined in on the development days, it was absolutely fantastic.

All will be revealed soon 🤫

18/08/2026

This month Mark talks all things Fleadh and how the Open Arts Accessibility Hub saved the Fleadh for so many families!

Read more at the following link: openartsni.org/blog/

Belfast City Council Disability Action Northern Ireland Translink Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland Arts Council of Northern Ireland

This month Mark talks all things Fleadh and how Open Arts Hub saved the day!

11/08/2026

And that's a wrap on .

On average our Accessibility Hub supported 15-20 people per hour in various ways such as general access information, distributing ear defenders, powerchair charging, and providing accessible games and fidget toys. From feedback we received the Hub was a vital space where families and people could get away from the noise and crowds of the festival.

We want to give a big thank you everyone at CastleCourt who supported us and made us feel welcome, but most importantly to our amazing hub staff who made this all possible.

Belfast City Council Arts Council of Northern Ireland Visit Belfast Fleadh Cheoil

06/08/2026

Just some lovely comments on our feedback wall from this week in the Hub! It has been so wonderful getting to meet all these fantastic people during the !

You can pop into our Accessibility Hub from 11am-7pm in Castle Court Shopping Centre if you need accessibility information, support, or to wind down in-between the busy fleadh programme. We are set up for the duration of the Fleadh, from the 2nd to the 9th of August.

Fleadh Cheoil Belfast City Council Disability Action Northern Ireland Translink Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland Guide Dogs Northern Ireland Volunteer Now Mae Murray Foundation RNIB Northern Ireland Angel Eyes NI

05/08/2026

We are at the halfway point for the now! How is everyone enjoying the festivities? 🌟

Our lovely Hub Host Bev has hand crocheted some worry dolls for anyone who pops into our hub today! Hope to see you then!

You can pop into our Accessibility Hub from 11am-7pm in Castle Court Shopping Centre if you need accessibility information, support, or to wind down in-between the busy fleadh programme. We are set up for the duration of the Fleadh, from the 2nd to the 9th of August.

Fleadh Cheoil Belfast City Council Disability Action Northern Ireland Translink Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland Guide Dogs Northern Ireland Volunteer Now Mae Murray Foundation RNIB Northern Ireland Angel Eyes NI

04/08/2026

03/08/2026

Day 2 of the Accessibility Hub!

Roll on 🎉

You can pop into our Accessibility Hub from 11am-7pm in Castle Court Shopping Centre if you need accessibility information, support, or to wind down in-between the busy fleadh programme. We are set up for the duration of the Fleadh, from the 2nd to the 9th of August.

Fleadh Cheoil Belfast City Council Disability Action Northern Ireland Translink Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland Guide Dogs Northern Ireland Volunteer Now Mae Murray Foundation RNIB Northern Ireland Angel Eyes NI