BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOUR DOORSTEP
We're a social enterprise passionate about promoting cultural diversity.
Olive Tree House
Belfast's newest creative space for intercultural exchange and collaboration
SHARED CULTURAL CELEBRATION
We produce spectacular arts events bringing communities and cultures together.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
We awaken consciousness and curiosity towards other cultures through engagement with communities.
A SPACE TO GROW AND DEVELOP
We provide a creative platform for diverse people from different communities.
CREATING AND COLLABORATING
We develop ideas, projects, partnerships and professional capabilities at the arts, education and cultural interface
ArtsEkta
20 YEARS OF CREATIVITY & CONNECTION
ArtsEkta is an award winning social enterprise that transforms communities through shared creative experiences and is home to the Belfast Mela – the largest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland.
Our Projects
Belfast Mela
Belfast Mela, is one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals bringing together music, dance, arts and food from across the world to celebrate our city’s proud cultural diversity. Mela celebrates it’s 20th birthday in 2026 bursting across Belfast from 22 – 30 August.
Earth Child
Earth Child is a new large scale outdoor theatre spectacle co-created in partnership with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance to celebrate 20 years of ArtsEkta and Belfast Mela. Coming August 2026.
Cork Mela
The inaugural Cork Mela brought thousands of people together in Fitzgerald Park’s for a vibrant afternoon of music, dance, food and cultural experiences from around the world.
Silk Road Supper Club
The Silk Road Supper Club experience takes you on a voyage of culinary discovery through the Silk Road – an ancient trading route bridging East to West.
Cultural Coach
Cultural Coach is a major outreach initiative providing intercultural arts workshops across Northern Ireland in education and community settings.
Art Route Collective
Art Route Collective works with refugee and asylum seekers with the aim of improving emotional health and social wellbeing
Latest News
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Stories From Where We Stand
24th September 2026
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President of Ireland marks 20 years of ArtsEkta during Fleadh 2026
4th August 2026
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Mela celebrates 20 years of cultural diversity this August
4th June 2026
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Making Space — Artists at the Heart of Change
29th May 2026
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Reimagining the City — Creativity in Public Space
26th April 2026
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How Mela changed Belfast’s cultural landscape
29th March 2026
Upcoming Events
Festival of Lights
When: 7 November
Where: Olive Tree House
Celebrate Diwali withat Olive Tree House for a vibrant afternoon filled with dance, music, creativity, culture and delicious food.
The Harvest Feast
Saturday 24th October 1pm
Rowallane Garden
Celebrate autumn with food, music, stories and traditions from near and far at Rowallane Garden
Book Tickets
Día de Los Muertos
Saturday 31st October 5pm
Cathedral Quarter
Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter comes alive with colour, music, dance, fire and spectacular street performance with a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos.
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Silk Road Journeys: Festival of Lights
Tuesday 3rd November 7pm
Olive Tree House
Step into a world of colour, light and celebration as Silk Road Journeys returns with an immersive evening inspired by Diwali, the Festival of Light.
Book Tickets
Our Marking Time series brings together monthly reflections on the projects, people, and moments that have shaped ArtsEkta over the last twenty years — exploring creativity as a force for connection in a post-conflict and evolving society.
