Press Release
Monday 14 September 2020
Good Relations Week celebrates 30 years of peace building and cultural diversity
Virtual programme will be biggest ever showcase of cross community and multi-cultural arts, history, music and culture
This week (Monday 14 September – Monday 21 September) is Good Relations Week, and 2020 marks the Community Relations Council’s 30th year of peace building and cultural diversity work – a period which has seen dramatic changes both politically and demographically here.
Co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, groups and organisations are putting on a colourful virtual programme of over 170 events, celebrating three decades of cross community and cross-cultural activity on the theme ‘Celebrating Our Journey, Embracing Our Future.’
Covering a wide geography and including material and events such as secret histories and newfound archives in Fermanagh with Dr Eamon Phoenix, to real life historical drama from the women of Derry~Londonderry, to Japanese manga art in Carrickfergus, and a refugee who has connected with his new home in Belfast thanks to a love of Heavy Metal music, the virtual programme will showcase exhibitions of art and photography, storytelling and personal testimony, online discussion panels, podcasts, archive video and new short films.
Nisha Tandon, Baord member of the Community Relations Council, says:
“We are thrilled to be able to offer such a diverse, interesting and entertaining programme, given the challenges of lockdown and the need to take most of the planned events online. We are bowled over by the tenacity and passion of the organisations who have risen to this challenge. As a result, we have probably the biggest ever online showcase of Northern Ireland’s cultural and community good relations work – with the potential for it to be seen by a much broader audience than ever before.”
The online events and digital content will explore topics such as tackling sectarianism and racism, cultural diversity, dealing with the past, faith, sport, young people and language.
Nisha Tandon continued, “I would encourage everyone to check out the programme at www.goodrelationsweek.com/events and plan out your week’s events – there is so much to see, hear and experience. It is both retrospective and forward-looking, bringing an opportunity for reflection on our cultural development and a chance to look forward and map out our community’s desires for a shared future.
“Huge thanks go to all the groups involved and I wish them all the best for a brilliant week celebrating 30 years of great work here in Northern Ireland.
Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office and contributes to delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy. The Week is organised by a steering committee comprising Department for Communities, Department of Justice, Education Authority, Libraries NI and Cathedral Quarter Trust
For more information on the Good Relations Week 2020 online programme of events and content visit: www.goodrelationsweek.com or keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #GRWeek2020.
Highlighted Events
- The Quiet Shuffling of Feet - a feature length documentary from Tides Training, sensitively explores issues of conflict-related trauma, recovery and peace making through the eyes of David Bolton. David led the post trauma recovery response to both the Enniskillen and Omagh bombings and went on to establish and direct the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/the-quiet-shuffling-of-feet/
- Women’s Stories of Resilience, Tears and Laughter - 24 women from Falls Women’s Centre, Shankill Women’s Centre and Queens Park women's Group coming together in storytelling, rehearsal and performance to create three short seven-minute plays based on their own experiences over the past 30 years.
- Blueprint – from Ghana to Ardglass – a short film and photography exhibition from Beyond Skin and Ardglass Gaelic Club celebrating the inclusive community spirit with fishermen from the indigenous community and Ghanaian community in Ardglass.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/blueprint-from-ghana-to-ardglass/
- Gail’s Story Animation – Irish Language in East Belfast - East Belfast Mission launches the first of a series of animations which tells the story of East Belfast Woman, Gail McCune, whose discovery of a love for the Irish Language inspired her to embark on a life changing study of Irish.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/launch-of-gails-story-animation/
- SAME / DIFFERENCE - An online exhibition of contemporary creative writing and self-directed photographic portraits. Facilitated by poets Nandi Jola and Viviana Fiorentino, and photographer Bernarde Lynn, Same/Difference explored migration, identity and belonging with a group in Portadown, most of whom are from the BAME community.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/same-difference/
- A panel discussion on ethical remembering, 50 years on from the start of the Troubles – chaired by Tim Attwood and organised by West Belfast Civil Rights Commemoration Committee in association with Slugger O’Toole.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/a-panel-discussion-on-ethical-remembering/
- 30 Years of Good Relations - Digital Film Archive - Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive has worked with Community Relations Council to create a selection of programmes that showcase and celebrate the work of people and communities in creating and sustaining good relations in Northern Ireland from 1990.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/good-relations-over-30-years/
- Anything Can Happen 1972: Voices from the Heart of The Troubles at The Playhouse in Derry is four new live productions and events will tell untold stories of victims and survivors of the Troubles and the experiences of LGTBQ+ people living in Northern Ireland, performed by the people themselves.
- ‘Shared Heritage On Your Doorstep’- virtual tours of Creggan Country Park - 4 virtual workshops give access to Creggan Country Park from the comfort of your own home, showcasing its rich history and role in promoting an increased sense of community belonging.
- 'Tellyscope' - Youth Initiative’s outdoor screening of a youth arts performance showcasing the work of participants of Crosslinks - a cross community good relations project.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/tellyscope/
- Imagine the Street – unveiling of new street art: Left Ear has worked with young people to develop artworks and posters to be installed across shared spaces within Derry City.
https://www.goodrelationsweek.com/event/imagine-the-street-art-installation/
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For further information please contact:
Media Contact:
Russell Lever
ASG PR
Mob: 077 8828 8901
Email: russell@asgandpartners.com
Notes to Editors
Good Relations Week is organised by the Community Relations Council. It supports the aims and objectives NI Executive’s Good relations Strategy, Together: Building a United Community by providing a platform for the 300 groups and organisations, many grant supported by the Community Relations Council, as well as statutory bodies such as the Education Authority, Libraries NI and the 11 local Councils to showcase the good work they are doing in their local area in the field of community relations and cultural diversity. It is about inspiring new projects, promoting understanding, respect and engagement between all sections of our society to tackle sectarianism and racism.