Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Patrick O’Reilly, and Keith Haring, is set to return to the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast this summer.
Art and Soul will be hosted by Gormleys at the five-star estate from August 19 – Sept 10, showcasing over £6 million worth of works by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art.
€7million worth of works by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art will feature at Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event, Art and Soul, hosted by Gormleys at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast from August 19 – Sept 10. Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 30th June 2021 Photograph by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
The free event will feature a major outdoor sculpture exhibition of 80 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 12 acres of landscaped grounds, which stretch down towards the shores of Belfast Lough.
With over 280 works on display, the fair will feature international artists alongside leading Irish sculptors Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Bob Quinn, Sandra Bell, Eamonn Ceannt, John Fitzgerald,Anthony Scott and Orla De Brí.
The hotel’s interior will display 100 artworks by some of the world’s best-known artists, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, Damien Hirst, Salvador Dali and Banksy.
Art and Soul will also include exhibitions by a host of artists from Northern Ireland including Stephen Johnston, Jane Rainey, Stephen Forbes and Ian Cumberland.
All of the artworks will be for sale, with prices ranging from £1,000 up to £400,000.
This will be the fourth time the major art and sculpture event has been hosted in the grounds of the five-star Culloden Estate with Gormleys.
Chairman of Hastings Hotels, Howard Hastings said: “We look forward to welcoming Art & Soul back to the Culloden Estate & Spa. We have worked closely with Gormleys in preparation for this spectacular event and once again we are thrilled to be exhibiting some of art’s most exciting pieces from world-renowned artists as well as a host of local talent.”
Oliver Gormley of Gormleys added: “Building on the success of previous events, we are delighted to return this fair, which has toured the country, to the Culloden where it first began. Art and Soul gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.”
To celebrate the event, the Culloden Estate & Spa has launched a selection of luxury packages including an Art and Soul ‘Sip and See’ from £360 per night for two giving guests the opportunity to enjoy overnight accommodation, breakfast, Bollinger champagne and canapés in Culloden’s summer champagne garden.
Attendees can also take advantage of the Culloden’s Fine Dining with Fine Art package, which pairs a luxurious tasting menu surrounded by original Warhol prints, a Champagne reception, an exclusive guided tour of the fair as well as a talk with Oliver Gormley on the unique works in the collection.
An afternoon tea among the artwork, Fancies with Fine Art, is also offered by the five star estate.
During the event, there will be a programme of artists’ talks and daily guided tours.
Art and Soul is Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will be open to the public daily from 11am–7pm.
As companies struggle to manage their energy costs data solution experts Izon has developed unique systems to better understand how to reduce costs and improve returns on investment.
The Belfast-based tech firm has software that helps monitor, manage, and control assets that support businesses in turning information into knowledge which is actionable to produce real time asset management.
Izon’s Sales Manager, Stuart Lunn, explained that the use of energy is inevitable in the modern economy, but the impact it has on costs and the environment.
“Energy consumption is something businesses and organisations are mindful of,” he said. “In fact, any business that seriously wants to achieve a reduction in their carbon footprint needs to dedicate themselves to an energy management plan.
“A company can vow to reduce its carbon footprint, but if it doesn’t know where it’s wasting electricity or fuel, how can meaningful changes be made? It’s as the saying goes: you cannot improve what you do not measure.”
However, the amount of data can overwhelm, resulting in meaningless numbers and facts that are difficult to interpret.
“You need helpful, actionable data,” said Mr Lunn. “This is something Izon recognised, and we’ve built an energy management platform that does all the hard work for businesses. We turn live data into information that actually helps you make quick decisions.”
The Izon asset management platform provides users with useful, real-time data at a glance. Data from all assets is localised on one platform, on a single screen, making asset monitoring and energy management easier than it’s ever been.
The Izon asset management platform doesn’t discriminate. No matter how big or small the assets, whether it’s an office’s HVAC system or an entire farm of wind turbines, Izon gathers all the data in one place.
“The beauty of the Izon platform is that it’s completely customisable — making it a tool that can be used by any business, no matter the industry or sector,” explained Mr Lunn. “Izon users can build a dashboard that works for them, a centralised location that showcases data tailored to business needs.”
“It is an asset management solution that caters to their specific business needs. Izon works to understand its clients. We learn what businesses do and how they operate in order to build them a platform that shows them the information they actually need.”
Izon believes that the driver for using actionable information is driven by results and the fact that the Izon platform makes immediate action possible, enabling businesses to be at the forefront of the battle against climate change, leading the pack.
“Insight provides the foundations for action, helping businesses and organisations to drive change in their respective industries,” said Mr Lunn. “You can’t change what you don’t know.
It’s time to take that first step towards knowing where your business is unsustainable, limiting energy waste, and reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint.
“We know the sustainability journey can seem daunting, and how you traverse this is far from clear. We are always open to help advise, and show the possibilities that are open to you, which extend far beyond simple regulatory compliance.”
For more information about Izon or to request a demo of what can be achieved go to www.getizon.com
Belvoir Players present a hilarious evening of the comedy and mayhem from the pen of Sam Cree. Muriel and Herbie, a pigeon keeper, enjoy life in Belfast. Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.
The Super Cup,County Antrim & County Londonderry, 24-30 July. Grab some football boots and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the youth tournament which was the launchpad for footballing greats like Marcus Rashford and David Beckham. Formerly The Milk Cup, the event will see 64 teams from across the world compete at 19 venues in Coleraine, Ballymena, and Newtownabbey. There’ll be three age groups for boys: U13, 14 and 16 and for girls there two groups U14 and 16. The Elite Challenge will host four Premier League teams, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Valencia, and Hertha Berlin.
Family Ceili, Belfast, County Antrim 30 July. A free ceili on the Titanic Slipway with performances by The Blackwater Ceili Band, and Niall Hanna and a five-hour music session on the deck of The SS Nomadic.
Paddle and Pizza, Strangford Lough, County Down, 30 July. Visit To celebrate “National Friendship Day” when you book two places on this experience the third is free! After learning the basics of staying afloat on a Stand-Up Paddleboard, Joe your instructor will guide you around Ballymorran Bay and the little Islands of this enchanting lough. Then it’s back to Tracy’s kitchen for homemade pizza.
Whiskey Week, Belfast, County Antrim,24-30 In its 5th year enjoy exclusive dining and drink collaborations with well-known bars and restaurants. As well as whiskey tastings and cocktails enjoy an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, food collaborations, heritage walking tours, theatrical experiences, Irish dancing, distillery days and much more. The events are in 18 venues city wide representing over 30 brands and distilleries.
Fiddler’s Green Festival,Rostrevor, County Down, 26-30 July. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere of the village which helped inspire CS Lewis’s Narnia. Starting out in the 1980’s the festival is now engrained in the fabric of this beautiful spot, attracting talented musicians from across the globe as well as showcasing local talent. There’s something for all the family including workshops, ceili dancing and a lunchtime folk club.
FRS GAA World Games 2023,Dungiven, County Londonderry, 24-27 July. The free event celebrates Gaelic games across the world. 97 teams from countries as far flung as South Africa and the Middle East will descend on the northwest to play football, hurling and camogie. As well as all the sporting action there’ll be live music, a family fun zone packed with activities, guest speakers, delicious food experiences, and of course the chance to enjoy Derry’s world-famous hospitality during your visit. Don’t miss the thrilling final which takes place in the city’s Celtic Park on July 28th.
Beaghmore Stones, Cookstown, County Tyrone, see website for availability. Explore this atmospheric early bronze age site which translates as “big place of birch trees” reflecting the woods that would have been cleared by neolithic farmers. Stoll among its seven stones circles and mystical cairns which were uncovered accidently by a peat cutter eighty years ago. Immerse yourself in history in the shadow of the majestic Sperrin mountains.
Gosford Go Karting, Markethill, County Armagh, see website for availability. Family Fun for those who feel a need for speed this summer! Experience the powerful thrill of racing on an outdoor tarmac track near Gosford Forest Park. There are practice sessions for children aged eight years upwards on junior karts and intermediate and Grand Prix karts geared for the more competitive adults out there.
Clogher Valley Show,Augher, County Tyrone, 26 July. Whether it’s the farm animals, the food, or the funfair, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family. It’s a fantastic showcase for hundreds of cattle, sheep, and horses with plenty of rare breeds on show too! Enjoy the vintage displays and craft among the judging rings.
Yoga on the Lake, Aghnablaney, County Fermanagh30 July. Join Have a morning of mindfulness overlooking the fabulous waters of Lough Erne, then experience the giant embrace of a cooling dip and sauna followed by a well-earned lunch at The Bay, Lough Finn. This location is all about instilling quiet calm with sustainability at its core.
Leading Northern Ireland renewables experts, Everun, are calling on businesses to embrace the circular economy to recycle, reuse and repair in efforts to reach net zero carbon impact and work towards a sustainable ethos to benefit all.
The company has already seen the benefits of the circular economy, with decommissioned wind turbines being turned into bridges and children’s climbing frames.
Everun Sales and Business Development Director, Ross Moffett, said as a company specialising in renewable energy including wind and solar, taking on board the principles of the circular economy matched their business model, but can be applied to all businesses.
“The world is working on the old economic model of ‘take, make, waste’ and we are all seeing the damage that it is causing,” he said.
“The values of the circular economy are that business can reduce that damage and create new opportunities for development and employment.
“What we have seen from our projects is that it is not only possible but practical to apply them. We at Everun believe that it is possible for all businesses to begin their journey to adapt to the circular economy.
“For us, it’s not just the transaction of creating renewable energy, it’s about being sustainable throughout that process, and continuing to be sustainable within ourselves.”
To date, blades from decommissioned wind turbines have been used to create bridges on Cork’s Greenway, climbing frames in play parks and selling magnets from gearboxes to be repurposed for future use.
“As a renewable energy specialist, it was incumbent on Everun to examine what we can do to reduce waste in all that we do. Our journey began almost three years ago and it has been transformative for ourselves as well as our customers,” said Mr Moffett.
“From large projects right through to our employees’ idea to take coffee grounds from our coffee machine and put them into the food caddies for our staff to take and use for adding nutrients to their soil and grass.”
Mr Moffett said even the smallest initiatives can start a business’ journey towards becoming part of the circular economy.
“We have worked with our suppliers to make sure that their packaging is environmentally friendly and recyclable,” he explained.
“That simple step ripples throughout the supply chain as that supplier can now offer that same packaging to other clients and understand that it is now possible to look at other ways that they can become greener.
“In a similar way, how we transport products can have a real impact. “Moving from the just in time model of ordering to building up stock and partnering with others to share shipping can reduce not only costs but the carbon footprint of each part.”
Whilst advocating for embracing sustainability and the circular economy, Mr Moffett recognises that it can be easier for some companies than others.
“All businesses can start small in their journey to net zero. Look at your waste, packaging and other key elements of the business and ask what small changes can be made that will have a longer term impact” he said.
Although it can be challenging to get getting leadership buy in, it’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right mindset, partners and resources. As a renewables company installing wind turbines, solar PV, EV chargers and smart motors it is important for Everun to show its clients that they too can walk the walk.
“It’s important to take time, really consider your sustainability strategy and ensure you have a robust plan of action and buy in at every level within the business.”
“This is why we are proud to be sponsors of the All Ireland Sustainability Awards later this year. This is a great opportunity for businesses who don’t quite know how they can contribute to see some fantastic case studies. And for businesses who are working hard at putting climate change on their priority list, it’s the place to be recognised and congratulated for your work.
“The circular economy is not just words, or papers from COP, policies from Europe, or our own Net Zero targets. It is common sense actions that will make a difference to your business.”
Sam Barr, Healthy Mind Coaching, Belfast Pic by Kaja Choma | Excalibur Press For more information contact Tina Calder or Hannah Chambers on 07305354209 / tina@excaliburpress.co.uk / publicity@excaliburpress.co.uk
One of the biggest issues facing people who are suffering from anxiety and stress is taking that first step towards getting help.
According to Sam Barr of Healthy Mind Coaching and Training too often people delay and procrastinate, yet as soon as they start on their journey, they realise they could have been addressing their issues much earlier.
“In the work of my colleagues and myself we often hear ‘I should have been here a year ago’ or ‘I wish I’d admitted I needed help sooner’,” he explained.
“This isn’t an issue for them when they start to receive help, and the help to modify their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and focus on solutions rather than problems, which comes through our willingness to engage.”
The main issues that are creating problems for people’s mental health and wellbeing comes from anxious thoughts-overthinking, stress-feeling under pressure or overwhelmed and low self-esteem which can lead to procrastination, frustration or even low mood.
“There are so many different situations that cause anxiety and stress when we meet our clients it can have a lot of different situational factors involved,” Sam said. “It could be because of relationships, breakdowns in communication, finances, addictions, worries, or as a result of issues in the workplace and there are the associated fears, guilt and even shame that also come along with anxiety.”
With anxiety comes stress and worry, whether that is because of a range of situations connected with their relationships, age, work, money or addictions, the list is quite frankly endless.
Healthy Mind Coaching and Training offer a range of services for individuals and workplaces, but often the free 20-minute one-to-one introduction consultation is when the issues affecting a person can be identified and assessed to see whether further sessions are required and that we are the right help for that individual or workplace.
“Whether it is someone who is a Director, senior manager or an individual who is facing a life-changing decision often we can help identify issues and suggest changes in thoughts, feelings or behaviours,” Sam said.
However, it is often delaying seeking help that can be a barrier for people – and organisations for their staff.
“Most people know that they have an issue with their mental health and wellbeing,” he explained. “
Too often they come up with excuses, such as they don’t have the time or resources. They have the time to get their car fixed or their boiler repaired when they are broken, and I would encourage them to change their mindset from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I have to’. By asking themselves ‘What if I don’t get help?’ then they would be more likely not to make excuses, procrastinate and get the help they need and we can provide.”
Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is a provider of Mental & emotional wellbeing, Positive Psychology-Mindset coaching & CBT, Professional training workshops and courses in personal, professional development & Workplace mental wellbeing.
“There are so many labels around mental wellbeing but we focus on enabling people to grow, flourish, excel and realise their potentials, empowering themselves and achieving outstanding results in their lives, through a positive change mindset,” said Sam. “But the key thing is to take the first step. No matter what your reasons are, or whatever has prompted you to get help, you can change your situation.”
Amongst the tools and CBT mindset coaching methods used by Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is asking the person what they are going through, or putting up with?
“We want to know what it’s like when you’re being anxious or stressed, what is it you’re thinking about, what are your feelings at that time, what is your normal kind of reaction and behaviour in a situation where you’re under strain, stress or pressure,” he said. Once we get down a lot of the information, we can now bring them through for our four, six week sessions, and at the end of those sessions through a review. We then can move on to ‘okay, so here’s what you need to do from now on moving forward’.
“When we have dealt with issues or closed all the doors to the problems as we went along, it is solution-focused based resilience behaviour we can then talk about.”
Sam is keen to emphasise that different people have different reasons for seeking professional help, and whether it is through self-realisation or a prompt from a family member or friend, the journey can begin with Healthy Mind Coaching.
“We offer and provide a free 20 minute one to one introduction session to discuss your issues and concerns, we then work out a way and a plan to overcome and address the difficulties and get the clients life back on track,” he said. “We have seen that this can be the first step – often a difficult step – towards that much needed change.”
The types and range of people who come along to get help is across a complete spectrum, from senior managers, solicitors, civil servants, directors, self-employed, computer engineers through to people coming to terms with their life changing circumstances, often what they need is a mindset change of how they are looking at things (perspective/perception shift), and learn how to overcome their challenging circumstances.
“People tend to focus on the problems. We tend to look at the solutions,” said Sam. “The trouble is, they can’t see a solution, and that’s where we come in.” Often it is just about helping people understand their perceptions or perspectives through our professional help.
“For example someone might say ‘I always make mistakes’ we ask them ‘so, tell me the last mistake you made?,’ he said. Their answer might be ‘well two weeks ago I went down to such and such and I dropped this and it was terrible’ and we might then ask what was the one before that, and they will say it was last year, we then would say “so it’s not always?”
“They then can understand that while the mistakes stick in their mind the rest of the time they are fine, and that everyone makes mistakes, just like them, from time to time and it is perfectly normal.”
As well as the 1-to-1 work at Healthy Mind Coaching and Training they also undertake support for companies and organisations to improve staff mental wellbeing, through group sessions and workshops, a review of workplace mental health strategies, and providing individual support plans when necessary.
“Mental health support should be standard in any workplace wellbeing strategies or health plans,” he said.
“However, it is important that organisations have the right environment in order that mental wellbeing issues are prevented, before it is needed. Making the right changes can make sure that employee and management stress and anxieties are reduced and managed with reasonable accommodations that match the business objectives, goals and the individual roles.”
Mental health and wellbeing are now being recognised at governmental level as a key issue going forward, which individuals can now address, through Healthy Mind Coaching and Training, including their own needs and move to the solution that suits and works best for them.
Kids Bushcraft Summer Camps, Carrickfergus. Recommended 7 to 13 Year’s. It’s a great opportunity to get your kids back out into nature in a safe and controlled environment. These are always popular sessions with limited spaces, so get booking to avoid disappointment.
Join Bricks 4 Kidz at the Planetarium for some fun space-themed brick-building workshops, where kids can make their very own cosmic creations out of colourful LEGO® bricks.
Bright Sparks is W5’s exciting week-long summer camp for inquisitive young minds aged 8 to 11. Bright Sparks is specially designed to bring out the budding scientist in everyone. This year’s camps will be running on selected dates in July and August. Each day will be jam-packed with exciting activities linked to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Join Geopark staff for a fun filled 90 minutes where you will become a Rock Detective! See REAL fossils from 340 million years ago, go on a fossil hunt and make your own fossil to take home with you! As well as fossils, you will also learn about the different types of rocks found in the Geopark and the rocks making up the Earth’s structure – getting your own mini Earth to make and bring home!
Dinosaur Show Live at Kelly’s Inn Omagh! This fun, family friendly show with some of the most realistic dinosaurs you will ever see anywhere in the world.This amazing 1hr show showcases the latest animatronic technology and award winning puppetry.
Moves and Melodies,Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 20 July. Taking place at the Millennium Forum Theatre and Conference Centre, Moves and Melodies is an age-friendly project full of song and dance workshops. This project will be provided complimentary and is being held in the Studio Theatre. This will be an amazing opportunity to learn new dance skills and sing a range of song styles.
Highlights Tours at the Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 22-23 July. Get to know more about your past with a costumed guided tour of some of the site’s key attractions like the Picture House and the Corner Shop. You will also get the chance to see makers demonstrate traditional heritage skills like basketmaking and printmaking.
Rathlin Forage, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 17 & 22 July. This is the ultimate event for a young explorer. Learn to identify the different types of edible seaweed along the rocky shores and learn all about the nutritional value of cooking with seaweed. Meet the rockpool creatures and learn all about the conservation of these species on this wondrous foraging experience led by expert Ksenia.
Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery Tour, Castlederg, County Tyrone, 21-22 July. Find out how landscape and tradition have shaped this award-winning whiskey, gin and vodka distillery on a memorable tour. You’ll be surprised by the unexpected as your hosts, Brian and Jim, tell you stories of innovative distillation methods that are rooted in long tradition, and how the people and landscape of this place have inspired them to make something extraordinary.
Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT, Castle Espie Wetland Trust, County Down, throughout July. See the wonders of Northern Ireland’s wetlands using a new guide by illustrator, Quentin Blake. As well as the birdlife there’s fun to be had in the wildwood and the secret swamp, as well as story time and crafts for the little ones.
Summer City Walking Tours, Armagh, County Armagh, throughout July. Grab your trainers and prepare to take in this ancient city soaked in myths, history, and legends. On this tour you will be guided by the experts from Armagh Guided Walking tours as you unearth hidden gems through the city centre and a conservation area, stopping off at various locations on a route of approx 1 km.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory,Davagh Forest, County Tyrone , see website for opening times. Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park. Fully guided by an experienced tour guide, the centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed.
Life Through a Royal Lens, Hillsborough Castle, County Down, throughout July (in line with castle opening hours). Enjoy this unique collection which brings together over 60 of the most iconic images ever taken of the Royal Family, dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria. It includes work by Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz. You can then stroll around the castle’s ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, and meandering waterways.
Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout July. One of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Ulster, nestled against the backdrop of the Benaughlin and Cuilagh Mountains, the former home of the Cole Family holds a fascinating collection of historic furniture and has some of the best Rococo plasterwork. In the grounds you will find the “parent” tree of all Irish Yews, there’s also a children’s playground and picnic areas to enjoy.
Belfast TradFest, Belfast, County Antrim (various locations), 23-20 July. Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Northern Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 5th edition this July across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. With events taking place across the city, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
The world premiere of AFTER THE RAIN, a specially commissioned production featuring globally acclaimed French circus collective Compagnie XY accompanied by a 50 plus strong local ensemble of musicians, choirs and local acrobats will be taking place at 3pm on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August in the Guildhall Square in Derry~Londonderry.
An Imperial War Museum (IWM) 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund commission in partnership with Ulster Presents at Ulster University, it is co-produced by In Your Space Circus in Derry City and delivered in association with Circusful and Institut Francais.
Inspired by the people and communities of the city in sustaining 25 years of peace-building since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, AFTER THE RAIN explores physical and spiritual resilience in the face of obstacles through a mass collective acrobatic act of lifting each other up. It is Compagnie XY’s first ever work produced on the island of Ireland and is one of only two new works produced by this 40-strong collective of acrobats. The other for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The production, two years in the making, included a visit by Compagnie XY to Derry in September 2022 where they delivered a surprise week-long series of pop-up performances across the city. Over five days, Les Voyages Derry-Londonderry interacted with thousands of city residents in their neighbourhood parks, shopping centres, pubs and local hairdressers before a moving reunion event in St. Columb’s Park.
Those acrobatic performances marked the beginning of a journey, getting to know the people of the city, building trust and collaborations; it involved the city’s citizens interacting with the troupe in a series of encounters during their everyday lives- being carried, lifted and falling into their arms – each interaction a unique and uplifting experience for those involved.
AFTER THE RAIN sees Compagnie XY, in collaboration with local artists, return to deliver a one-off performance inspired by the resilience of the people and the city like no other seen before.
Speaking on the project Cian Smyth, Ulster Presents Manager, Ulster University said: “After The Rain is the culmination of many years work to bring Compagnie XY to Ireland. It is a rare opportunity for Irish audiences to witness one of the best contemporary circus companies in the world perform with Northern Ireland’s best at home, for the first time. Ulster Presents is very excited to make that happen. As Ulster University’s new programme committed to celebrating ambition and excellence in the arts, this is a project that connects our work with communities neighbouring our campuses to the brilliant innovations of local and international artists.”
AFTER THE RAIN has been funded by the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, a national partnership programme of over 20 artist commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict. Led by Imperial War Museums, the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund was created following the success of 14-18 NOW, the official UK arts programme for the First World War centenary.
Caro Howell, Director-General of Imperial War Museums (IWM) said; “The IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund continues IWM’s longstanding and important tradition of supporting artistic responses to conflict. It has been a pleasure to work with Ulster University to produce this community driven commission with Compagnie XY and we look forward to sharing this uplifting and exciting experience with the broader Derry-Londonderry community.”
Antoine Billaud, of Compagnie XY, said: “Compagnie XY have always wanted to perform in Ireland and we could not have wished for a better first time than with the people and artists of Derry City. Our work is always centred around the idea of celebrating and building community and we have had a wonderful two years coming to Derry and this is going to be a thank you to our new friends in the city and a time to champion all of our brilliant collaborators there. This is for you, Derry, we hope you like it!”
Cath McBride, Director of In Your Space Circus,said; “This is a unique opportunity for In Your Space Circus to collaborate with Compagnie XY to deliver a show of this scale to our audiences in Derry. It will be something completely different and we have no doubt that those watching will be astounded by the experience. In Your Space Circus, with Circusful, is proud to be commissioning local artists alongside Compagnie XY. This will include some of the most talented acrobats, musicians and spoken word artists in Northern Ireland, performing in what will be two very special, moving and inspirational performances.”
The production forms part of Ulster University’s overarching arts programme to mark 25 years since the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. For more information on this free and unticketed event and to sign up for Ulster Presents event news please visit After The Rain (ulster.ac.uk).
Danielle McCormick, Founder of The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, alongside Peter McVerry, U105 Station Manager at the announcement of a three-year partnership with the company. The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards are open across 13 categories, including Food Waste Reduction, Agri-Food Initiative and Young Changemaker. To enter visit https://www.allirelandsustainability.com
County Antrim based environmental specialists Triterra, have joined forces with local Northern Ireland radio station U105 as media partner for the first ever All Ireland Sustainability Awards. With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving meaningful sustainability within business and communities, the awards are set to celebrate the best in business and communities across Ireland.
This year’s awards, which are being held in partnership with Everun and offers 13 categories covering biodiversity, waste, young changemaker, food, green marketing and sustainable tourism have been announced and organisers are encouraging organisations of all types, large and small, new and established to enter and boast their sustainability credentials and excellence.
Award submissions are currently open with finalists and winners being celebrated at a spectacular gala evening in the Europa Hotel on 5 October 2023. In addition to the 13 categories, an Overall Winner of the Year 2023 will be announced. This prestigious title will go to one category winner who will be crowned most Sustainable Business of the Year 2023.
“Danielle McCormick, CEO of Triterra and founder of the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards commented: “Sustainability and the drive towards net-zero are now firmly on the agenda for all and is essential component in our businesses strategies if we are to safeguard our current and future businesses, lifestyles, communities and planet.
“The idea for the first Awards originated from the works we have undertaken with our All-Ireland Sustainability Professionals Network since 2020, which now has almost 450 members. We found that all of our partners and members wanted to get involved in helping to drive the sustainability agenda and create positive change, share best practice learnings and create collaboration opportunities.
“We are thrilled to secure U105 as a media partner and will work with them and our lead awards partner, Everun – energy management specialists, and our other sponsors on our collective sustainability ambition.”
Discussing the Awards partnership, Ross Moffett, Sales & Business Development Director at Everun, added: “We are delighted to partner in the inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards this October as the ethos of these events has a natural fit with our own.
“At Everun we are focused on helping customers become more sustainable through reducing energy consumption, and we feel these awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the great work being achieved across the island of Ireland to drive and accelerate positive change across the sustainability agenda.
“We are looking forward to the judging and hearing more about the individuals and organisations making a difference across the categories.”
Peter McVerry, Station Manager with U105, said “Sustainability and excellence is important to our company, and with stations across Ireland all working towards this, we are delighted to partner with Danielle and her team for the next three years to support the awards and annual summit.
“We are excited to be bringing this expertise to our company focus too and gaining knowledge and insights which we can put into action to better support our sustainability goals and objectives as a local business here. Plus we can share best practice with our listeners, our clients and our suppliers.”
The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, which are free to enter, are open until 15 August.
Finalists will be announced in early September. Individuals can nominate themselves, their organisation, or a colleague for an award. The Awards themselves will be created by upcoming Northern Irish artist, Ruthie Stewart, who will design a unique trophy for each category.
Organised by All-Ireland Sustainability in partnership with Everun, and media partner U105, sponsors include Visit Belfast, International Synergies NI, Danske, NIE Networks, Veri Connect, Carbonfit, Frylite and Ulster Bank.
An Imperial War Museum (IWM) 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund commission in partnership with Ulster Presents at Ulster University, it is co-produced by In Your Space Circus in Derry City and delivered in association with Circusful and Institut Francais.