Marking Time: ArtsEkta at 20 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.

Artsekta’s first project was called One World Day. At the time, the organisation was newly formed, but the need was already clear. Northern Ireland was emerging from conflict, and while peace agreements had created a new political framework, young people were growing up in a society that was still learning how to live together. For many, opportunities to explore the wider world — and to understand different cultures — were limited.

One World Day was created as a response to that moment.

Working with schools, the project introduced young people to global cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking through creativity. Music, dance, storytelling, and shared activities opened up conversations about identity, belonging, and difference in ways that felt accessible and joyful. The focus was not only on learning about others, but on recognising our shared humanity.

From the beginning, this work recognised that education is not just about information. It is about shaping how young people see themselves in relation to the world. Global education helps young people develop empathy, curiosity, and confidence. It encourages them to think critically about their role as citizens — locally and globally.

Programmes like One World Day have been shown to support intercultural understanding and inclusion by creating spaces where young people can engage with diversity in meaningful ways. Through these experiences, they begin to see difference not as something to fear, but as something to value.

For many participants, this was their first encounter with cultures beyond their own community. It created moments of discovery and connection that stayed with them long after the day itself. Teachers and schools recognised its importance, and the project grew year by year, reaching new audiences and evolving alongside changing communities. To date, over 200 One World Days have been delivered in almost 150 schools across Northern Ireland and demand is still strong.

Looking back now, One World Day was more than a first project. It established a way of working that continues to shape ArtsEkta today: placing young people at the centre, using creativity as a tool for learning, and building connection through shared cultural experience.

It also set the foundation for future programmes and partnerships, including the development of Belfast Mela and ongoing work in global education, inclusion, and anti-racism. The belief that young people can become active, thoughtful global citizens remains at the heart of this work.

Twenty years on, the questions that inspired One World Day still matter. How do we help young people grow with empathy and openness? How do we create spaces where difference is understood as strength? And how can creativity support the next generation to shape a more connected and inclusive society?

As we continue this year of reflection, One World Day reminds us that the seeds of change are often planted early — and that the impact of global education can last a lifetime.

Pictured above are cultural faciliators Weihong Tu and Wilson Magwere at Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh in 2019