A new era of creativity and cultural connection is set to unfold in the heart of Belfast with the launch of Olive Tree House, a dynamic new cultural hub dedicated to fostering collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. Located just moments from City Hall, this vibrant 40,000sqft meanwhile use space is designed to bring together artists, community groups, and cultural organisations who have a passion for promoting cultural diversity across Belfast.  

Home to ArtsEkta, one of Belfast’s largest cultural organisations, Olive Tree House will offer a diverse range of flexible spaces over five floors including an event space, a dance studio, co-working spaces, a wellbeing studio, gallery, on-site catering and meeting spaces. The hub will also offer affordable artist studio space for a diverse range of resident creatives, designers and makers.  

Supported through Belfast City Council’s Vacant to Vibrant Scheme, Olive Tree House is about providing new cultural experiences in the heart of our city. Rooted in the values of inclusivity and cultural exchange, it will become a meeting point for artists, communities, and cultural groups from all backgrounds, fostering new collaborations that reflect Belfast’s evolving identity. 

As anticipation builds for the official launch of the new creative space, ArtsEkta has commissioned acclaimed street artist Zippy Reynolds to create a breathtaking mural that brings the building’s facade to life. 

This dynamic and colourful artwork is a powerful visual representation of ArtsEkta’s mission to unite communities through culture and creativity. With bold strokes, vivid hues, and intricate storytelling, the mural captures the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and artistic expression—hallmarks of ArtsEkta’s ethos. The mural will serve as a lasting landmark, symbolising the power of the arts in bridging cultures and fostering a sense of belonging.  

Nisha Tandon, Founder & CEO of ArtsEkta said: “Belfast is a city with an incredible cultural identity, but without the right spaces to create and connect, many artists and grassroots organisations are being pushed to the margins. Olive Tree House is our response—an investment in Belfast’s cultural future that ensures everyone, regardless of their background, has a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

“We have embraced the original building name of ‘Olive Tree House’ to connect to the symbolic meaning olive trees have across cultures and religions, including peace, wisdom, and hope.”

“Through this new hub, we welcome marginalised voices, emerging creatives, and grassroots initiatives who may face barriers to growth and development. From migrant and minority communities to grassroots community organisations, the venue will be a vital and affordable resource to work, play and test new ideas in our city’s diverse creative sector”

Renovation works are now under way with the new hub set to launch in Spring 2025. For artist studio availability, venue bookings, event enquiries, or to learn more about our mission, contact us at admin@artsekta.org.uk or tel 02890231381