BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOUR DOORSTEP
We're a social enterprise passionate about promoting cultural diversity.
Olive Tree House
Belfast's newest creative space for intercultural exchange and collaboration
SHARED CULTURAL CELEBRATION
We produce spectacular arts events bringing communities and cultures together.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
We awaken consciousness and curiosity towards other cultures through engagement with communities.
A SPACE TO GROW AND DEVELOP
We provide a creative platform for diverse people from different communities.
CREATING AND COLLABORATING
We develop ideas, projects, partnerships and professional capabilities at the arts, education and cultural interface
ArtsEkta
20 YEARS OF CREATIVITY & CONNECTION
ArtsEkta is an award winning social enterprise that transforms communities through shared creative experiences and is home to the Belfast Mela – the largest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland.
Our Projects
Cork Mela
The magic of Mela is coming to Cork! Join us for a joyful celebration of cultures, colour and creativity — bringing the world together in beautiful Fitzgerald’s Park on Sunday 3 May through music, dance, food, storytelling and shared moments of joy.
Belfast Mela
Belfast Mela, is one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals bringing together music, dance, arts and food from across the world to celebrate our city’s proud cultural diversity.
Silk Road Supper Club
The Silk Road Supper Club experience takes you on a voyage of culinary discovery through the Silk Road – an ancient trading route bridging East to West.
Cultural Coach
Cultural Coach is a major outreach initiative providing intercultural arts workshops across Northern Ireland in education and community settings.
Art Route Collective
Art Route Collective works with refugee and asylum seekers with the aim of improving emotional health and social wellbeing
Latest News
Read more 
Where It Began: Creativity and Connection in a Post-Conflict Society
21st January 2026
Read more
ArtsEkta Launches “Kits of Kindness” to Promote Inclusion, Belonging and Anti-Racism Among Young People in Belfast
14th January 2026
Read more
Shared Roots: A Year of Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
8th January 2026
Read more
Christmas gift from The National Lottery Community Fund for visionary new intercultural programme: Together We Thrive
12th December 2025
Read more
ArtsEkta secures funding from Rethink Ireland to drive forward all-island expansion plans
2nd December 2025
Read more
Dockside Stories launches in Sailortown — celebrating Belfast’s shared heritage and global connections
25th November 2025
Upcoming Events
Belfast Mela
When: 22 - 30 August 2026
Where: Belfast
Ireland’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity returns in 2026 for its special 20th anniversary year with a wonderland of world, music, dance, food and art.
Our Marking Time series brings together monthly reflections on the projects, people, and moments that have shaped ArtsEkta over the last twenty years — exploring creativity as a force for connection in a post-conflict and evolving society.
