ArtsEkta was honoured to welcome the Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly to Olive Tree House in Belfast as the organisation celebrates its 20th anniversary and two decades of championing cultural diversity, creativity, and inclusion across Northern Ireland.

The Presidential visit recognised ArtsEkta’s longstanding contribution to promoting intercultural dialogue and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of migrant and minority ethnic communities. Taking place during Fleadh 2026, the visit highlights the vital role that migrant communities have played in shaping Belfast into the vibrant, diverse city it is today.

Founded in 2006, ArtsEkta has become one of Northern Ireland’s leading intercultural arts organisations, working with artists, communities, schools, and cultural institutions to create opportunities for connection through arts and culture. Over the past twenty years, the organisation has delivered festivals, performances, exhibitions, educational programmes, and community initiatives that have fostered understanding and celebrated cultural diversity.

The President’s visit comes at a significant moment for both ArtsEkta and the city, as Belfast hosts Fleadh 2026, bringing together people from across Ireland and the world to celebrate music, culture, and community. The visit will underscore the shared values of inclusion, creativity, and cultural exchange that have defined ArtsEkta’s work since its inception.

During the visit, the President met representatives from migrant communities, artists, community leaders, and young people involved in ArtsEkta’s programmes. The event celebrated the extraordinary contributions that migrant communities have made—and continue to make—to Belfast’s cultural, social, and economic life.

Nisha Tandon, Founder and CEO at ArtsEkta, said:

“We are deeply honoured to welcome the President of Ireland as we celebrate twenty years of ArtsEkta. This visit is a powerful recognition not only of our organisation’s journey but, more importantly, of the incredible contribution that migrant communities have made to Belfast. Over the past two decades, our city has become richer, more vibrant, and more connected because of the people who have chosen to make it their home. This celebration is about recognising those stories, those achievements, and our shared future.”

The anniversary celebrations reflect ArtsEkta’s enduring commitment to building a more inclusive society where cultural diversity is recognised as a strength and where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in civic and cultural life.

As ArtsEkta enters its third decade and expands its work across the island, the organisation remains committed to creating spaces where people from all backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and contribute to our shared cultural life.