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
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. Mela celebrates it’s 20th birthday in 2026 bursting across Belfast from 22 – 30 August.
Earth Child
Earth Child is a new large scale outdoor theatre spectacle co-created in partnership with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance to celebrate 20 years of ArtsEkta and Belfast Mela. Coming August 2026.
Cork Mela
The inaugural Cork Mela brought thousands of people together in Fitzgerald Park’s for a vibrant afternoon of music, dance, food and cultural experiences from around the world.
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
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Reimagining the City — Creativity in Public Space
26th April 2026
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How Mela changed Belfast’s cultural landscape
29th March 2026
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New Cork Mela festival to celebrate culture and community this May bank holiday weekend
26th March 2026
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Planting Seeds: The Power of Global Education
26th February 2026
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ArtsEkta Explores New Cultural Partnership with Tunisia
17th February 2026
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Where It Began: Creativity and Connection in a Post-Conflict Society
21st January 2026
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.
Templemore Baths & Victorian Workhouse Heritage Tour
Tuesday 12th May 11am
Templemore Baths
Heritage-focused tour exploring two significant aspects of East Belfast’s Victorian social history.
Book Tickets
Keeper of the Gate: Rosettes & Key Charms Workshop
Saturday 23rd May 3pm
Good Shepherd Gate Lodge
Step into the story of the Good Shepherd Gate Lodge and explore the many lives, journeys, and traditions that shape a place
Book Tickets
Behind the Door: Stories of the Gate Lodge – Memory Box Workshop
Saturday 23rd May 3pm
Good Shepherd Gate Lodge
Step into the history of the Good Shepherd Gate Lodge and explore the hidden lives connected to this threshold space.
Book Tickets
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.
