Belfast International Arts Festival

Who we are

Belfast International Arts Festival is Northern Ireland’s annual celebration of contemporary arts from home and abroad.  

Now in our 57th year, Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) was established as an independent charitable company in 2015 out of the previous Belfast Festival at Queen’s, to deliver an annual, city-wide, international contemporary arts event. It is known for showcasing world-class artists and productions of a high international standard, which reflect and promote both our changing city and the continuing evolution of creative practice from around the world. The annual event which takes place in October, covers theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature, thought leadership and outdoor community events to animate the public realm.

Our vision, as the preeminent, progressive international arts event, is to create a genuinely civic event of contemporary arts and ideas from home and abroad that has international stature and appeal.  With our partners throughout the city, we create a distinctive environment for audiences to enjoy and participate in inspirational and transformative experiences from world-class artists, thinkers and leaders.

We do this by:

· Presenting a wide range of contemporary arts and cultural events of the highest possible international standard to the widest possible audiences from home and abroad.

·  Reflecting contemporary culture from across the globe to audiences from Belfast, NI and visitors to the province.

·  Offering an international showcase for the best of Northern Ireland contemporary culture.

·  Presenting events, which cannot easily be achieved by any other UK or Irish arts organisation through innovative programming and a commitment to creating new work.

·  Actively ensuring equal opportunities and access for all sections of our community to directly experience, participate in and enjoy the Festival.

·  Collaborating and partnering with arts and community organisations across Belfast to create an annual city wide, cultural celebration.

·  Ensuring the Festival has adequate financial resources and expertise to fulfil its mission and address its overall sustainability.

Our guiding principles reflect the importance of:

- Global connections

- Community

- Collaboration and Partnership

- Access and Cultural Diversity