Arts and culture

All young people in Northern Ireland are encouraged to get involved in arts and culture. Not only is it a way for you to learn and express yourself creatively, it also allows you to take part in and shape the culture around you.

Getting involved

Be it painting, making music, dance, literature or any of the wide range of activities available in Northern Ireland – taking part in the arts can be relaxing, exciting and rewarding.

A variety of artistic and cultural activities are available to you, both to watch and take part in.

There are a number of ways to get involved in arts and culture. Firstly, you can ask your parents, youth leader or teacher. There will also be an arts officer in your local council or you can contact The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Arts Council is the body which oversees the Arts and Culture in Northern Ireland and you can get in touch with them directly or ask a parent to do it for you.

A wide range of organisations are involved in arts activities in schools and other places, such as youth clubs and community groups. There are also events and activities which are specially designed for young people.

Finding out more

Information is available online and searching the internet can give you a better idea of what activities there are, and whether you would be interested in them.

Most of the time, however, you will hear about an arts or cultural event from your friends.

All young people have a right to access and participate in the arts and cultural life here, regardless of age or background. This includes young people with disabilities or from ethnic communities.