Our Stories Festival

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of stories and creativity! Nerve Centre, in partnership with NI Science Festival, Belfast 2024 and Belfast Stories, is thrilled to present the Our Stories Festival, a celebration of Our People, Our Place, Our Planet.

As we reflect on the extraordinary year of creativity that was Belfast 2024, we're excited to ignite the future of Belfast Stories. From November 21–24, Belfast's city centre will come alive with a vibrant program of events featuring renowned artists, thought-provoking thinkers, innovative designers, and captivating musicians.

Prepare to be inspired by conversations that challenge perspectives, engage in hands-on workshops that spark creativity, and experience exhibitions that transport you to new worlds.

Explore the full programme below.

'Eclectic' Exhibition

Eclectic is a dynamic exhibition curated by Ulster University graduates Ezra Pinkerton and Niamh McWilliams-Small. It is an exhibition by students, for students.

This vibrant collection of work from 27 different Belfast School of Art graduates offers a glimpse into the creative minds of Belfast's next generation of practitioners, highlighting their unique perspectives and artistic styles.

From exploring queer identity and mythological themes to celebrating heritage and Irish iconography, the illustrations on display delve into a diverse range of subjects. Each piece is a testament to the students' passion, skill, and dedication to their craft.

Seen | Outdoor Exhibition

Seen — an outdoor exhibition shining a light on the stories of society’s most vulnerable.

In 2023, Oliver Jeffers joined a group of asylum-seeking children and young people in a church hall in Belfast for a magical day of creativity and storytelling. The young people were asked to draw pictures of their hopes and dreams, around which Jeffers sketched their portraits. The collaborative drawings give a powerful impression of what is important to young people who have fled other countries, revealing how they wish to be seen.

This outdoor exhibition celebrates each child's life, declaring no child should be forgotten.

Seen | Belfast Trust

As part of Good Relations Week and in celebration of Belfast Trust being announced as a Trust of Sanctuary, the Seen exhibition was on display across Belfast Trust centres throughout October. A vibrant launch event, complete with speeches, singing, and celebration, highlighted the experiences of those who are too often marginalised.

Each child's portrait was exhibited across:

Royal Victoria Hospital
Grove Wellbeing Centre
The Arches Wellbeing Centre
Bradbury Wellbeing & Treatment Centre