News

NI’s flagship music conference is back. Output Belfast returns on Thursday 25th September 2025 for its 8th edition. Now firmly established as a key date in the music sector calendar, Output brings together artists, managers, promoters, labels, publishers, funders and more for a packed day of panels, workshops, talks and live showcases across the Cathedral … Continued

NI-based arts and cultural organisations working in social arts practice will soon have another opportunity to build international connections through the Cultural Bridge programme, which officially reopens for applications this October. Running since 2021, Cultural Bridge supports partnerships between organisations in the UK and Germany that use the arts to foster community, inclusion and social … Continued

On 13 May, Wolf Alice co-founder and FAC (Featured Artists Coalition) Director Joff Oddie joined FAC CEO David Martin in Parliament to highlight the urgent challenges facing grassroots touring artists across the UK – a conversation with real implications for artists and communities in NI. Appearing before the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, the … Continued

The Future Sounds of Belfast Summer School is launching for the first time this year at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, offering an exciting opportunity for young musicians aged 12–18 to explore their creativity, develop new skills and connect with others in a vibrant, supportive environment. Running from 28 July to 8 August 2025, the … Continued

For nearly two decades, Start Together Studio has been at the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s independent music scene. As an engineer, producer, musician, mentor and artist, Rocky O’Reilly has not only helped shape the sound of countless landmark records – he’s created the kind of space that allows artists to discover themselves. In the … Continued

Live Music Now are currently recruiting for a Programme Coordinator to join their NI team. This is a great opportunity to play a central role in an organisation that delivers high-quality live music experiences to people in a wide range of settings, including schools, care homes, hospitals and community centres. Founded by Yehudi Menuhin, Live … Continued

Applications are now open for one of NI’s most vital music development opportunities. Based out of Oh Yeah Music Centre – Belfast’s dedicated music hub – Scratch My Progress has become a cornerstone of the region’s grassroots music infrastructure. Now entering its 14th year, the initiative has quietly but decisively levelled up the careers of … Continued

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has released a major new Policy Provocation Paper focused on NI, offering a set of actionable proposals for how culture – and particularly co-created, community-led creative work – can strengthen belonging, resilience and civic identity. As well as presenting versions for Scotland, England and Wales, the paper- based … Continued

Belfast TradFest has announced a new opportunity for emerging traditional musicians across the island. The newly launched All-Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme is now open to applicants aged 18–23 from both NI and the Republic of Ireland, offering fully funded places at this summer’s TradFest Summer School. Taking place from 28 July to 1 August 2025 … Continued

    NI artists: this is your call to take things international. Applications are now open to perform at ESNS 2026 (Eurosonic Noorderslag), one of the most prestigious music showcases in the world. Taking place every January in Groningen, the Netherlands, ESNS has helped launch the global careers of acts like Fontaines D.C., Hozier, AURORA, … Continued