Streaming across a number of virtual platforms on Friday September 18th, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene.
Following the release of a packed seven hour programme, here are 11 acts you don’t want to miss:
1. CNB 2020: Film – We’re Still Here
The times are far, far from normal and the future is very uncertain but, despite this, our art goes on. This year’s CNB Film is both a love letter to the strength and endurance of all who are part of our brilliant arts and culture community and a message of hope – We’re Still Here and together we will get through this.
Featuring Cherrie on Top. Written and directed by Will McConnell. Will McConnell is a filmmaker and visual artist from Belfast. He works as an independent self-shooter and his clients have included, amongst others, the British Council, Culture Night Belfast, the British Museum, Universal Music Group and Diageo.
2. Trocaire Documentaries
Two short documentaries from Trocaire, followed by an interview with their creator, Emmet Sheerin.
Sumud: Everyday Resistance a film about life under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank through the stories of Palestinian women. It takes its title from the Palestinian concept sumud (‘steadfastness’).
Women in their Place: A short documentary about women in Honduras struggling to defend land and environment from exploitation by big business and facing criminalisation, assault and murder.
3. NIHRC: Film + Discussion – It Seems
Join the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the debut screening of its short film, It Seems – featuring Belfast-based poet, Niamh McNally.
The film’s focus is on the issue of climate change, and it raises important questions about its impact on our human rights.
Following the screening, these issues will be discussed by a panel of experts and will be chaired by NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby.
The screening will include an introduction by poet Niamh McNally. It Seems was developed by the NIHRC, in partnership with Amnesty International, Sustainable NI and Climate Northern Ireland.
Chair: Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Panel: John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy, Queen’s University Belfast, Patrick Corrigan, Head of Nations & Regions, Amnesty International, Grainia Long, Commissioner for Resilience, Belfast City Council, Géraldine Noé, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Business in the Community
4. Oh Yeah Presents
From the rooftop of the Oh Yeah centre live music blasts out across Belfast city centre.
Music from local band Charles Hurts and Becha.
5. Black Box Presents
Coming to you from Hill Street, Belfast the Black Box presents a night of performance.
Music from Susie Blue and performances from Sinead O’Donnell and tenx9.
6. Ulster University Graduate Show at The Mac
A guided virtual tour around the Mac’s new exhibition featuring work from this year’s MFA Fine Art Graduates from Ulster University’s School of Art.
This show highlights the work of a selection of recent MFA and BA Graduates from Ulster University, curated by Deirdre Robb.
The BA Fine Art course reflects and supports the diversity of contemporary art practice including Painting, Video, Photography, Sculpture, Drawing, Performance, Printmaking, Time-based work, and studies in History and Theory.
7. Ulster University Graduate Show at Belfast Exposed
A guided virtual tour of Belfast Exposed’s new exhibition ‘Anthropology and Human Condition’ highlighting the work of a selection of recent MFA and BA Graduates from Ulster University, curated by Deirdre Robb.
Anthropology highlights the work of a selection of recent MFA Graduates from Ulster University. The works presented are universally human and deeply personal navigations of current climates and a response to exactly this moment in time. The exhibition sits with the process of grief and walks along the borders of small towns and fallen cities.
Human Condition highlights recent graduates from the BA in Photography and Video at Ulster University. The works presented are a broad exploration of human existence plunging into topics from water quality to fluid gender expression and roles. Further observations on mental health spanning youth to retirement, isolation, healing, and recreational space.
8. The All New Family Friendly Fun Time Video Hour!
Join your host, Stephen Beggs, for 60 marvellous minutes of storytelling, magic, mischief, mayhem and silly songs.
Featuring top local performers Paul Currie, Rachael McCabe, George Firehouse and Mary McGurk.
9. Essential Journeys Live from Bounce Culture at Belfast Cathedral
Bounce Culture brings together some of the most talented musicians they know, to have fun with loops and sounds in Belfast Cathedral.
Playing for the first time together this event features: Úna Monaghan (Harp, Composer/Researcher/Sound Artist), Kaidi Tatham (Keys/Flute/Percussion/Composer/Music Producer), Rick Swann (Trumpet Player/Music Producer), Dena Anuksa (Singer/Songwriter/Vocalist/Music Producer) and Kwame Daniels (DJ/Host)
10. Swing Survival with The Swing Gals
Swing out sisters!
Long-time Culture Night favourites, the Swing Gals, perform an uplifting mash-up of songs of survival and hope from the plush surroundings of the Bullitt Hotel’s new Rattlebag Bar.
11. Ronnie Greer’s Blues Band at the Grand Central Observatory
Northern Ireland’s blues legend Ronnie Greer will perform some of his best known hits at the Grand Central Hotel in Linen Quarter, exclusively for culture night.
Ronnie is one of the country’s best known blues and jazz guitarists who has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business including Dr John, Luwll Fulson, Phil Guy, Johnny Mars and many more.
Ronnie’s Chicago Blues with a twist is sure to delight all music aficionados.
For more information on this year’s programme go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.
If you’re a creator and want to submit your event to Culture Night Belfast this year simply fill out the submissions form at culturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online