As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has a thriving arts scene with many galleries and exhibitions showcasing contemporary art. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just looking for something new to explore, Belfast has plenty of options to satisfy your creative curiosity. Here are some of the best places to see contemporary art in Belfast.
- MAC – Metropolitan Arts Centre
The MAC is one of the most popular contemporary art spaces in Belfast. Located in the city center, it hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring local and international artists across a range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. The center also houses two theaters, a dance studio, and a café, making it a vibrant hub for the arts community in Belfast.
- Golden Thread Gallery
The Golden Thread Gallery is an artist-led space that has been operating in Belfast since 1998. It showcases contemporary art from Northern Ireland and beyond, with a focus on promoting emerging and underrepresented artists. The gallery has a reputation for exhibiting thought-provoking and socially engaged art, and it hosts regular talks and events to encourage dialogue and engagement with the arts.
- Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in Northern Ireland and boasts an impressive collection of art, history, and science exhibits. The museum’s art collection includes works from the 17th century to the present day, with a particular focus on contemporary art from Northern Ireland. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local and international artists.
- Platform Arts
Platform Arts is a contemporary art space run by a collective of artists and curators in Belfast. It hosts regular exhibitions, performances, and events, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists across a range of disciplines. Platform Arts is known for its innovative and experimental approach to contemporary art and provides a platform for artists to showcase their work in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Belfast Exposed
Belfast Exposed is a photography gallery and project space that has been operating in Belfast for over 30 years. The gallery showcases contemporary photography from local and international artists, with a focus on documentary and social engagement. Belfast Exposed also hosts regular workshops and events, encouraging community engagement with photography and the arts.
- Catalyst Arts
Catalyst Arts is a contemporary art space run by a collective of artists and curators in Belfast. It hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and events, with a focus on experimental and avant-garde art. Catalyst Arts is known for its boundary-pushing approach to contemporary art and provides a platform for artists to showcase their work in an innovative and challenging environment.
- QSS Studios and Gallery
QSS Studios and Gallery is a contemporary art space located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The gallery showcases the work of artists from Northern Ireland and beyond, across a range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, video, and installation art. The gallery also houses artist studios, providing a supportive and collaborative environment for artists to create and exhibit their work.
- PS2
PS2 is a contemporary art space located in Belfast’s Sailortown area. The gallery showcases the work of local and international artists, with a focus on socially engaged and community-based projects. PS2 hosts regular workshops, talks, and events, encouraging community engagement with the arts and promoting creative expression.
In conclusion, Belfast has a thriving contemporary art scene with many galleries and exhibitions showcasing the work of local and international artists. From the MAC to the Golden Thread Gallery, there’s no shortage of places to explore and discover exciting new art in Belfast. So why not put on your walking shoes and start exploring this vibrant and creative city today? You never know what hidden gems you might find along the way.