Ulster University's Belfast School of Art is marking its 175th anniversary with an inspiring series of exhibitions, performances, and talks, including a commissioned work by Turner Prize nominee Phil Collins, a lecture from internationally recognised painter and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, an address from world-renowned Irish artist Alice Maher and a celebration of Joseph Beuys' lasting legacy.
Special events feature iconic artists like Alastair MacLennan, Ulster University Chancellor Dr Colin Davison, Oliver Jeffers and Irene MacWilliam, highlighting the rich history and promising future of artistic innovation in Belfast.
Founded in 1849, the Belfast School of Art is the oldest provider of design education on the island of Ireland and the second oldest School of Art. Today, it hosts the largest research-active Art and Design faculty in Ireland with students and staff playing an active role in civic and cultural life in Belfast and across the world.
Globally renowned artist and Ulster University Chancellor, Dr Colin Davidson said:
“The Belfast School of Art holds a really special place for me personally. The place where I honed my craft as an artist, it holds many fond memories and has shaped my work throughout the years. It is an honour therefore to help lead the celebrations of the 175th anniversary in tribute to the globally renowned talent nurtured in and inspired by Belfast. Over the next two months we will welcome back some incredible names to their alma mater to display and debate the artwork and innovation that originated in the school throughout the past 175 years.
"Within the programme of events, we will discuss how the Belfast School of Art has not only maintained a connection to its roots, but is building its legacy every day, working with partners across the city and beyond. Even more incredible is the local community’s response to the anniversary celebrations, with a range of satellite events being hosted across the city in honour of an institution that has inspired artists for decades, becoming the creative engine of the city and a beacon of inspiration for many.”
The 175th Anniversary Programme
In November, the anniversary celebrations will feature a two-week intensive programme from Wednesday 13 – Friday 22 November, with a special series of events, activities, and lectures on the theme of Celebrating Past, Present and Future. There will also be an incredible exhibit of objects and memories from the School and those who have passed through it.
Programme highlights
- Acclaimed international visual artist, filmmaker, cultural organiser, and educator Phil Collins will host the UK and Ireland premiere of Mixtape #1 (31 October – 5 December) an unorthodox view of his decades-long work in moving image, in Belfast, the city where he studied his craft before embarking on a distinguished career as a visual artist. He is internationally renowned for a socially engaged practice that addresses the intersections of art, politics and popular culture.
- An exclusive live art performance by Alastair MacLennan (22 November), one of the UK’s most significant and prolific performance artists and a founding member of Belfast's Bbeyond Performance Art International.
- A celebration event with the Ulster Museum marking the 50th Anniversary of Joseph Beuys’ visit to Belfast (19 November). A significant encounter that led to a strong relationship between Beuys’ visit and the establishment of the Masters of Fine Art, a prestigious Masters programme. Beuys was influential on social issues, sustainability and the environment and had a lasting legacy on the programme.
- The Chancellor’s address: In Conversation with Colin Davidson globally-acclaimed artist and University Chancellor Colin Davidson will deliver the 175 address (18 November). He will reflect on the wider role of the Belfast School of Art in shaping the cultural fabric of the city and on the role of the School in the institution and the value of a creative arts education in the twentieth-first century.
- A keynote address by world-renowned Irish artist and BSoA alumna Alice Maher (20 November) who will share her reflections on her time on the MFA Fine Art programme and the profound influence Belfast has had on her work. Following on, a broader panel, comprised of MFA alumni through the decades, will then explore the wider impact and legacy of the programme, underscoring its role in fostering a dynamic artistic community, deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of the region.
- Internationally recognised painter, sculptor and illustrator Oliver Jeffers will also give an Irish Institute of Designers lecture, reflecting on his time at BSoA (25 November).
- An exhibition (4-30 November) showcasing the historical, social and cultural journey of the Belfast School of Art with selected objects from our archive and smaller mementos drawn from former staff, graduates and members of the public. Exhibiting on the ground floor of the BA (Belfast School of Art) building, it will include a walk through timeline of the School’s history, displaying objects of historical significance.
- There will be a series of talks and workshops Celebrating Diversity, Celebrating Community, Celebrating the Past, the Present and The Future.
- As well as events hosted in the Belfast School of Art, there will be a host of partner events held across the city including free creative workshops, artist talks, digital workshops and community arts workshops.