Open Arts

This year for Learning Disability Week the theme is "Do you see me?", which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.

For those who have had the pleasure of meeting Darren, one of our very involved participants, you will be well aware of his bubbly and welcoming personality.

He has such fantastic and creative ideas, both during our many classes he is involved with, as well as invaluable and thoughtful insight as part of our Lived Experience Team.

He's also available for hire as a circus performer with the persona "Darren the Dazzler," as seen for his amazing performance at the Titanic Inclusive Spirit Seminar.

We are so grateful to get to support and work with such a talented man, keep up the good work Darren!

Following the riots last week, Mark talks about solidarity between marginalised groups in his blog post. Together we are stronger!

Read more below:

June 2025 - Together, We Are Stronger This month Mark looks at how the recent violence in Northern Ireland has shaken many to their core and how disabled people were effected.

This Sunday the 21st of June, our amazing Jemma will be running the Belfast City Women's 10K to raise funds for Open Arts!

Jemma says the reason she wants to use her 10k to raise funds for Open Arts is: "I see first hand how these classes make a real difference: they reduce isolation, build skills, and give disabled people a space to express themselves and feel part of a vibrant artistic family."

Please support any way you can, either financially or shouting from the sidelines! Any support helps and we appreciate it all ♥️

We're rooting for you, Jemma!

Jemma's fundraiser for Open Arts Help Jemma Robinson raise money to support Open Arts

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

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

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

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.

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.

Movement & Mentoring - Mae Murray 2025 Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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:

May 2025 - The New Technological Era is Here - and Disabled People are Still in the Dark Age This month Mark looks at improvements in technology over the last decade and the impact on the lives of disabled people.

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

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.