Are you part of Belfast’s East or Southeast Asian community? Do you have a story you would like to tell?

ArtsEkta is looking for participants to join Stories from Where We Stand: a new community storytelling and filmmaking project exploring identity, belonging, culture and life in Belfast.

We’re inviting people from East and Southeast Asian communities across Belfast to come together, share their experiences and develop stories that reflect what it means to live, grow and belong in the city.

You don’t need to be a writer or artist to take part. No previous creative experience is required. We’re interested in your experiences, your perspective and the stories you want to tell.

What will I do?

Over a programme of 10 friendly, supportive workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Explore your own stories and experiences through creative writing and conversation
• Learn the basics of creative storytelling
• Develop ideas alongside other participants
• Build confidence in expressing your creative voice
• Contribute to the development of an original short film
• Meet and collaborate with other people from Belfast’s East and Southeast Asian communities

The workshops will be led by writer Nicole Lee Jiaqi, supported by Noura Lim Mokhtari, in partnership with ArtsEkta and supported by Belfast City Council through the Belfast Stories programme.

Your stories, Your way

The project will explore experiences of identity, culture, migration, family, belonging and life in Belfast, including how experiences of the city can differ across generations. There is no expectation that you share anything you are uncomfortable discussing. The programme is designed to be a welcoming and respectful space where participants can contribute at their own pace. The stories developed through the workshops will help shape an original short film, created with a UK-based film crew. The finished work is planned to be shared with audiences at Belfast Mela 2027, with the ambition of also submitting the film to international film festivals.

Who can take part?

We’d particularly love to hear from people who:

• Are from an East or Southeast Asian background and live in Belfast

• Are interested in storytelling, film, writing, performance or simply trying something creative

• Want to explore their experiences of culture, identity and belonging

• Would like to meet and create alongside others in the community

All ages and levels of creative experience are welcome.

Participation is free, and support is available to help reduce barriers such as travel and access needs. Location: ArtsEkta, Olive Tree House, 23 Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EA Programme: 10 creative storytelling and filmmaking workshops running every Tuesday from 4.30 PM – 6.00 PM, starting October 13th

Interested?

We’d love to hear a little about you, why you’re interested in taking part, and what you might like to explore through the project. Sign-up using our interest form here 

Expressions of interest close: Wednesday, October 9th, 2026.

Come as you are. Bring your experiences, memories, ideas and curiosity — and help us tell more of the stories that make up Belfast today.