Belfast Peer Support Programme: Artist Talks | Show & Tells (1 October)

The Belfast Peer Support Programme 2025 is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering visual artists across Northern Ireland, particularly those working in isolated and rural areas. Through curated opportunities for engagement with curators, artist talks, and professional development activities, this programme provides critical support and visibility to independent artists.

This year, the Belfast Peer Support Programme kicks off with a day of informative artist talks and Show-and-Tell presentations in the Upstairs Theatre in the MAC.  There will be a chance for attendees to ask the artists questions relating to their practice after each session.

Structure

• 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Intro / Stuart Calvin Talk + Q&A
• 11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Show-and-Tell (4 artists with feedback)
• 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch / Networking
• 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Susan Connolly Talk + Q&A
• 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm: Show-and-Tell (4 artists with feedback)

If you would like to present at the Show-and-Tell – complete the section of the form to indicate your interest. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. There will be a €50 fee for all artists that present as part of the Show-and-Tells.

Lunch will also be provided so do let us know of any dietary requirements when registering.

Artists

Stuart Calvin

Born in Belfast 1974, Stuart Calvin graduated from the University Of Ulster in 2011 with a BA hons in Fine Art. In 2016, he obtained a Masters degree in Fine Art. Since graduating Calvin has been exhibited in several solo exhibitions including the Golden Thread Gallery Belfast, The University Gallery Belfast, and the Atypical Gallery Belfast. His work is held in both private and public collections including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Collection. Calvin is a member of Flax Art Studios in Belfast and has been awarded The Royal Society of Sculptors bursary. This award is given to early career artist judged to be of outstanding talent by the RSS. Calvin was the first recipient of the Annual Gerard Dillon Award and Solo Show, selected by the Arts committee of Culturlann Belfast. He received the University of Ulster Dean’s list award and bursary 2009 for excellence and achievement. Calvin has also received several Awards from the Northern Ireland Arts council and ADF Ireland and has completed the Career Enhancement Programme, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Susan Connolly

Susan Connolly is an artist and academic based between Belfast and Waterford. She holds a PhD from Ulster University and is a lecturer at SETU|Waterford. She has an established hybrid painting practice, and has exhibited extensively on the island of Ireland. Recent projects include, solo exhibitions include The FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge(2024); Waterford Gallery of Art (2024/25); Kunsthaus Dalhem, Berlin (2020); Platform Arts, Belfast (2018); The Lab, Dublin (2015); dlrLexicon, Dublin (2015); and The MAC, Belfast (2014). Group exhibitions include New Connections, The Bulter Gallery (2023); Uphold, Belfast (2021); Penumbra, FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge (2020); Paint-ing, Draiocht, Dublin (2019); After an Act, The Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast (2018). She is a studio member of QSS, Belfast.

Poster Image: GROUND (58&59/100), Susan Connolly, Acrylic on canvas, 120x150cm

Image credit: Waterford Gallery of Art/Hannah Bloom Studio

The Belfast Peer Support Programme is supported by Belfast City Council and in partnership with the MAC.

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