SATURDAY 9th MAY 2026
Aye Your Ma: Motherhood Workshop and Group Exhibition
9th May 2026,
Workshop 10:00am -12:00pm, Exhibition 14:00pm - 19:00pm
Pigment Space, 54 Sunnyside, Ormeau, Belfast BT7 3EX
Workshop:
Grab a cup of coffee and a pencil to explore portrait drawing with local artist Lauren Martin. Learn new skills, take time to be creative and meet with other mums in your area.
Exhibition:
Join us as we celebrate local mothers in the arts in this group exhibition exploring motherhood, mental health and belonging. Showcasing unique pieces of work ranging across all mediums in a local gallery.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: No loud noises or flashing lights. Comfortable soft seating will be accessible during the workshop and exhibition. A quiet outdoor area will be accessible if individuals need
some air.
TICKETS: Pay what you can
Failures, Fiascos, and Finding Your Voice
9th May 2026, 11.00am
Seamus Heaney Centre, 38-40 University Road, Belfast, BT1 1NN
“It could have gone so many ways. / This is just one of the ways it went. / Tell me another.” – Brenda Shaughnessy
Taking inspiration from our biggest fiascos, this poetry workshop forms a safe space to fail. We’ll discover poems that celebrate the mistakes and missteps of everyday life and prove that the best poems won’t always succeed the first time around. Whether you’ve always wanted to give poetry a go, or whether you write every weekend, we’ll work together and find that inspiration from fiascos and failures is just as valuable as favour and fortune.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Step-free access via ramp at entrance. Automatic door. A lift is available, needs staff assistance to operate.
TICKETS: Pay what you can
Picstory Belfast
9th May 2026, 12:00pm - 16:00pm
2 Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1DA
PicStory Belfast is a community portrait and storytelling project creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued. During the festival, we will host pop-up portrait sessions where participants are invited to sit for a simple photographic portrait and share a short personal reflection.
Using a mobile studio, we engage passers-by and pre-invited participants in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each person is gently guided through a small number of reflective questions exploring identity, resilience, and what supports their mental wellbeing.
The portraits and stories will be curated into a public-facing series of shared digital images, offering an honest and human insight into the lives of people across our community. The project encourages connection, reduces stigma, and highlights shared experiences.
At its heart, PicStory Belfast is about slowing down, listening, and recognising the value of every individual story.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Venue entrance is on flat, even ground. There is an accessible toilet on site and assistance dogs are welcomed. The venue has a sensory dome for those with sensory needs or who need a quiet place
TICKETS: Free, walk in
The Girl on Fire
9th May 2026, 14.00pm
Seamus Heaney Centre, 38-40 University Road, Belfast, BT1 1NN
Beyond Skin and Alghochak (Afghan Association) are collaborating to preserve and share literature (poems / stories) and art from women and girls in Afghanistan and in the diaspora.
Currently in Afghanistan creative expression through the arts is banned by the regime. Women have no rights and girls are not allowed to go to school/. Paintings, drawings and literature are sent digitally or exported to Belfast by Afghan women.
This MHANI event is based on a short story by a woman who wishes to be known as Banin. The event will be an immersive workshop creating words inspired by art and art inspired by words.
Facilitated by Afghan women with women in Afghanistan participating virtually in secret locations.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: Step-free access via ramp at entrance. Automatic door. A lift is available, needs staff assistance to operate.
TICKETS: Donations
SPUDS Public Speaking Event: Belonging – A Place for Every Voice
9th May 2026, 19,30pm
Accidental Theatre, 12-13 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DB
This is a two hour public speaking event designed to create a strong sense of belonging while offering an open and supportive platform where anyone can deliver a speech of up to five minutes, allowing individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to share their thoughts and stories in a welcoming environment.
The format encourages concise, impactful communication while giving participants valuable real-time speaking experience. By limiting speeches to five minutes, the event ensures a dynamic flow and maximizes opportunities for diverse voices to be heard.
Beyond presentation practice, the event fosters confidence, self-expression, and emotional resilience. Participants will gain experience managing nerves, organising their ideas effectively, and connecting with an audience. The inclusive atmosphere promotes encouragement and constructive feedback, helping speakers build self-assurance and reduce anxiety. Ultimately, this event is designed not only to strengthen public speaking skills but also to positively support personal growth and mental well-being.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION: The event will be held on the ground floor which has level access. There will be no loud noises or flashing lights.
TICKETS: £5 cash payable on the day. Reserve your spot by contacting Will on thespudsgroup@gmail.com