Belfast Stories - Creative Programming
Through music, poetry, film, and architecture - all our favourite things - we curated a breathtaking weekend of engagement for Belfast Stories as part of European Heritage Open Days.
Architecture tour, led by Graeme Moore.
We thrive on creating innovative happenings that connect people with places. Our exploration of the past, present, and future of the art deco gem, the former Bank of Ireland in Belfast City Centre, was a highlight.
The Bank of Ireland building, now owned by Belfast City Council, is a key element of the £100 million Belfast Stories development. This event was not only a chance to share future plans for the development but also to reflect on its rich history.
We commissioned conservation architect Graeme Moore to research, develop, and deliver tours of the building and its context within the city. The tours attracted Belfast natives, city visitors, former bank staff, and curious explorers. Over the weekend, we welcomed more than 200 people. Feedback included:
"An amazing glance into an iconic building.
Thank you for opening the doors."
"Excellent tour - highlight of heritage weekend - thank you!"
"Very interesting tour and amazing view of Donegal Place.
Thrilled to get inside the building. Thanks!"
Architecture tour, led by Graeme Moore.
We also hosted a Sunday Sundown event. This special evening allowed invited artists to work collaboratively by creatively responding to the building. Key elements included:
Music
Mark McCambridge of the award-winning Arborist, along with the Errigle Ensemble, created a captivating musical experience.
Poetry
Poet Maria McManus wrote and performed a new work, "Medusa’s Notebook," which reimagined Belfast's narrative with the rhythms of 1930s jazz and modern reflections. Maria noted, "The narrative arc belongs to Belfast rather than Ancient Greece, and the spoken rhythms should evoke in the listener a sense of 30’s jazz and our more recent past, concluding with a pitch/invocation that the future holds better dreams for all of us."
Film
Photographer and filmmaker Joe Laverty (Whisper Project) collaborated with Mark and Maria to create a live audience recording, resulting in a mesmerizing performance for an intimate audience.
Soundcheck with Arborist for the Whisper Project recording.
This weekend event provided a profound connection between the community and the historic Bank of Ireland building. Attendees were able to experience the space in new and engaging ways, deepening their appreciation for its architectural and cultural significance.
Introducing the evening.
The whole event couldn’t have been run more professionally. The attention to the production and preparation of the space was so supportive. It meant that for us as artists we could step in there and be fully immersed in stepping up to deliver on doing our part to make it a good experience for the audience. I’ve produced a lot of events, so I know all that doesn’t happen by chance - it’s because people take care of doing those things - it’s huge.
– Maria McManus
Full house for the Whisper Project recording with Arborist and Maria McManus.
For those who missed the live performance, the Whisper Project recording offers a chance to experience the magic of the evening and can be viewed here.
Client: Belfast Stories, Belfast City Council
Team: Amberlea Neely, Joe Laverty, Mark McCambridge, Errigle Ensemble, Maria McManus, Graeme Moore, Staff at MayWe, Phil Dalton, Matt McIvor, Ciara McMullan, Laura MacLennon
Photos: Amberlea Neely