The short documentary Artopia #Belfast is available to watch at the top of the page.
Twenty years following the Good Friday Agreement, which concluded the thirty-year conflict known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland, I embarked on a journey to Belfast. This journey aimed to explore the ongoing challenges faced by a society still reconciling with its tumultuous past. This exploration culminated in the creation of the short documentary, Artopia #Belfast, which features engaging encounters with some of the city’s leading artists, designers, and curators. The documentary was inspired by the transformative role of art in promoting peace and social cohesion.
The conflict in Northern Ireland, referred to as “The Troubles,” spanned from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. It was primarily between the Unionist-Protestant majority (the Loyalists), who were loyal to the union with Great Britain, and the Irish Catholic minority (the Republicans), who sought equal rights and advocated for unification with the Republic of Ireland. This conflict, rooted in the region’s history since the 17th century, was characterized by riots, violence, and terrorism, necessitating the intervention of the British Army. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement on April 10, 1998, marked the end of the conflict.
In the documentary Artopia #Belfast, viewers are introduced to Arts Manager and Activist Adam Turkington. His work, centered around festival-based programming and street art initiatives, aims to cultivate a sense of community and reinforce shared values of freedom and peace. Through his involvement with Seedhead, Adam has nurtured creativity within the hearts and minds of the city’s residents.
Colin Davidson, an internationally renowned artist, is showcased in the film through his evocative portrait series “Silent Testimony.” The series of paintings brings to life the stories of 18 individuals connected by their shared experiences of loss during The Troubles. Colin’s art profoundly explores the lasting effects of the conflict on those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and the wider community affected by the violence.
David Boyd, the founder and director of the Beat Carnival, is also showcased. Amid the unrest of the ’80s and ’90s in Belfast, David engaged in developing creative projects through the carnival, establishing it as a vital agent of positive change in the city and its civil society.
Illustrator and activist Fiona McDonnell, celebrated for her vibrant and distinctive style, shares her reflections on a range of social issues, including music, film, heritage, and gender equality, among others.
The film also features designer and creative entrepreneur Karishma Kusurkar, co-founder of Belfast Design Week. This annual festival highlights local talent and champions design as a force for positive transformation.
Lastly, viewers are introduced to dancer and choreographer Oona Doherty, through her contemporary dance performance, “Hard to be Soft: A Belfast Prayer.” This powerful homage to Belfast’s working-class men and women showcases Oona’s recognition as “the most exciting young voice in contemporary dance” (The Guardian).
Artopia #Belfast illuminates the significant role of art in nurturing peace and social cohesion within a society still grappling with the shadows of its history. The documentary stands as a tribute to the remarkable creativity and resilience of Belfast’s inhabitants and their enduring spirit.
The short documentary Artopia #Belfast is available to watch at the top of the page.
