This year, the 13th Belfast Children’s Festival is all about how you look at things. Through ten days of citywide events, we will be giving new perspectives on theatre, a focus on the visual arts, music and dance from international artists, from some of Northern Ireland’s most innovative talents and celebrating the creativity of children, taking the festival into new venues and offering its largest programme and largest selection of FREE events to date.
On behalf of the board, staff, volunteers and artists, I thank all who will come along to support us – whether as a longtime friend or a new visitor. The festival is run as a not-for-profit venture with 80% of our costs paid from fundraising through public agencies, sponsors, private donations and trusts. To keep going every year, we need your help, feedback and continued support.
Ali FitzGibbon, Director, Young at Art
Introduction from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the main funder of Young at Art and the Belfast Children’s Festival because we share the belief that children from all backgrounds should have access to affordable and entertaining artistic programmes, tailor-made for their needs. Inspiring the imagination at an early age can lead to a much more creative and fulfilling quality of life. This year’s festival continues Young at Art’s exemplary tradition of delivering the very best international and home-grown arts to local children and their families.
Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
About Young at Art
The Belfast Children’s Festival is run by Young at Art, a not for profit children's arts organisation. It was set up in 1998 with a mission to make life from birth to eighteen as creative as possible through the arts. Alongside the festival it runs a year-round programme of outreach and events across Northern Ireland.
Supporting the Festival
Young at Art is not-for-profit and fundraises 80% of its costs. Meeting this challenge happens in part with key supporters like the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council through its Culture and Arts Unit. Other supporters include other public agencies, government departments, foundations, sponsors and donations.
You can support the festival and help keep it and its other work going by making a donation online to Young at Art. Visit the website to find out more about donating www.youngatart.co.uk
‘A very valuable festival for Belfast - engaging, entertaining and educational for the kids’ - audience comment, May 2009
Volunteer at the festival
Are you interested in the arts? Are you aged 14 years or over? Sign up as a festival volunteer and learn new skills, meet new friends and take part in lots of creative events with children. See website for information or contact us on 028 9023 0660
