At The MAC Belfast, a vibrant spectrum of events is set to captivate audiences over the coming months. From the evocative and historical exploration of floral art in 'I See His Blood Upon the Rose' to the immersive experience of opera workshops, the venue promises a diverse cultural offering. Highlights include the festive charm of 'The Adventures of Red Riding Hood' and opportunities to partake in creative workshops like wreath making and drawing sessions. With an array of engaging activities, The MAC Belfast is a hub for artists, learners, and audiences seeking to engage with art's timeless themes.

Artistic Blooms and Beyond: A Journey Through The MAC Belfast

The MAC Belfast is hosting a diverse range of events that delve into the rich history of floral art, promote inclusivity through dance and offer exciting explorations in science and art. From exhibitions showcasing the evolution of flowers in art, to queer-friendly dance classes, to workshops that blend art and science, there's something for everyone. Join us to experience these vibrant, educational, and entertaining events that promise to enrich your understanding and appreciation of culture and creativity.

Exploring Art, Dance, and Innovation at The MAC Belfast

The MAC Belfast invites art enthusiasts to explore a rich tapestry of events and exhibitions that delve deep into the cultural and historical significance of flowers in art. From 'I See His Blood Upon The Rose' to 'More Bread, More Roses!' and engaging performances like Joe the Magician, these events offer a captivating look at floral motifs, political symbolism, and artistic legacies. Join us at The MAC for a celebration of art's enduring power to transcend time and mediums.

Exploring The MAC Belfast's Blossoming Art Events

The MAC Belfast is set to bloom with a series of events that explore the compelling narratives woven around flowers in art, feminist and queer messages through floral motifs, renaissance influences, and captivating children's entertainment. From tracing the evolution of floral artwork to engaging workshops and magical family shows, The MAC Belfast promises an enriching cultural experience for all.

The MAC Belfast: A Blossom of Art, Culture, and Magic

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and stunning animations to sell-out crowds all over the country.

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I’VE LOST MY BOBBLE HAT! A new Nick Cope family show for 2025!

The MAC Belfast

It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉjr and he's coming back to the MAC! With his children’s comedy magic and illusion show, you're in for a spectacular afternoon of mind-boggling fun.

Joe's show fuses laugh-out-loud comedy and magic with absolutely jaw-dropping illusions live on stage. It’s a theatrical rollercoaster ride that reinvents children’s entertainment.  

Joe the Magician

Paola Bernardelli is one of the artists featured in the exhibition I See His Blood Upon The Rose. Her practice draws from the Italian and Dutch renaissance and, specifically, her video Everything is fragile, shown in the Sunken Gallery, is influenced by Dutch women painters and the work methodologies of female artists in the 17th century society.

Women in Renaissance Art with Paola Bernardelli

The MAC exhibition, I See His Blood Upon The Rose, traces the history of the flower in art and their adoption as symbols of political influence, revolution, and human control over nature. It will present intriguing juxtapositions between artists and works spanning centuries; central to the exhibition is the work of two remarkable women artists Rachel Ruysch (1664 – 1750) and Mary Delany (1700 – 1788). These workshops will lean upon the legacies of these and more contemporary artists who have expanded the use of floral motifs to activate feminist and queer messages in their work.

More Bread, More Roses!

Get the whole family ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the cosmos as Dr Dan and Dr Raph take you on a galactic journey like no other! How to survive in Space will transport you to the furthest reaches of the universe, where you'll learn about the latest breakthroughs in science and medicine. With on stage cutting edge technology such as Live ULTRASONOGRAPHY with and gravity manipulating stunts, this show is not to be missed especially for kids who love science, space and learning!

How to Survive in Space with Dr Dan & Dr Raph

Get ready for a fun-filled family adventure at the MAC! Follow two mischievous flowers as they lead you on a tour of the exhibition I See His Blood Upon the Rose. Discover stunning artworks by Mary Delany and Rachel Ruysch, and learn about other brilliant artists. With interactive storytelling and engaging activities from Play Make Believe, this event is perfect for families and children of all ages and highly recommended for kids aged 4-10 years of age.

Flower Power: A Magical Gallery Adventure

In STUFF! How is it made? Maddie Moate showcases incredible facts and fascinating stories about the remarkable ways people around the world make and re-use STUFF!

STUFF! How is it made? with Maddie Moate

Inspired by I See His Blood Upon The Rose, this four-week poetry workshop series will explore how floral imagery has been used in poetry to convey different meanings over time, whether that be messages of love, friendship, or protest.

Hosted by poet Bebe Ashley, participants in Flowers: Messages of Love and Protest in Poetry will explore a range of poetic forms and write poems that convey their own messages, drawing on floral histories and botanical details.

Flowers: Messages of Love and Protest in Poetry

Maggie is BACK with a brand-new show which is the whole story – all FOUR Maggie plays – in one show!

We’re talking Mr Red, White and Blue and his ‘red room of pain’, getting caught short at Dirty Dancing lessons, a Benidorm feg run to remember and of course, Maggie finally finds out who her da is... All the laughs AND all the highlights!

Maggie

Tracing their geographical origins, we unravel the part plants have played in colonialism and empire building. Taking in the meticulous and ingenious 17th/18th-century works of Mary Delany and Rachel Ruysch, we'll see how these artists contributed strikingly to the world of botany at a time when women were restricted in the pursuit of science. Juxtaposing these representations with contemporary art, we'll explore how plants can challenge the status quo, such as the essentialist conception of individuality.

Petals on the Banner: plants and revolution

Slow Art was created to encourage us all to look at art for a little longer, in the hope that we not only see more, but also get to know the works in greater detail.

Exploring artworks more slowly can help us to form more stories, feelings, and opinions, about the works. Artist and Lecturer Dougal McKenzie will lead you in an exploration of four works from I See His Blood Upon the Rose over 4 weeks, enabling us to look more deeply and to understand the political, social and art historical context in which the work was created.

Slow Art with Dougal McKenzie

We’re continuing monthly baby classes following the successful return of our Christmas sensory in December.

Join us for these gentle sessions for babies, where they’ll get to experience and explore light, sound, and textures with musical accompaniment.

MAC Baby Time

This December we will have an extra special post-box in our playroom with a direct line to Santa’s and his Elves in the North Pole.

Join us for very a magically festive workshop to help with those last-minute requests to Santa. Draw, write and decorate our special envelopes and post it in our mailbox for Santa and the elves. You might even get a reply from the North Pole Elves hiding in the MAC - they are always watching to see who is being naughty or nice!

Imagination Station: Letters to Santa

In this workshop, we’ll explore the exhibition and discover how artists depict shared empowerment through activism for equal rights, peace, and environmental justice. We’ll use their work as inspiration to express our own feelings through movement, art, and meditation. Together, we’ll create a powerful collaborative art piece that reflects our journey and shared values.

Art and Empowerment

“It’s now or never” for best mates Marty and Frankie who are die hard Elvis fans and all they want this Christmas is to go to their idols (tribute) concert In Las Vegas before one of them leaves “The Ghetto”. But will getting delayed at the airport have these two “Caught in a Trap” for Christmas?

Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Feel part of history as Joanna takes us on a journey from a dancer’s perspective in her conversation with Professor Aoife McGrath. We will hear about her experiences curating artistry in Ireland and the dynamic dance history of our island. Her descriptive accounts, overflowing with nuance and detail will create an entire world for you in just one afternoon.

A Day with Joanna: Ballet Masterclass & Live In Conversation with the Legendary Joanna Banks

You'll get to explore drawing in a variety of media, including graphite and oil pastel to generate a range of responses to the gallery artworks. Techniques will include using tone and line to depict form, volume and the effects of light; exploring composition in terms of balance, emphasis and symmetry; and considering different forms of mark-making. There'll be opportunities to discuss and apply narrative and thematic concerns within your drawings that respond to works in the exhibition, such as tension, humour and pathos, suggestion, allegory and illusion.

Drawing the flower

In this special seasonal Imagination Station, we’ll be making festive porcelain tree decorations that are perfect for gifts or to brighten up your home!

Imagination Station: Porcelain Christmas

Sara Farrington’s contemporary adaptation directed by critically-acclaimed New York director Meghan Finn (“...the tiger in The Tank” - Time Out NY) delicately weaves humour and caricature throughout this stunning performance by celebrated actress, Drita Kabashi.

A Trojan Woman

Part of our MACtivate programme, in association with The Rainbow Project, our fortnightly Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore is specifically beginner-friendly.

Join Alexa and the group from 6.30pm-8.30pm for a fun class with no expectation of any prior dancing experience. The class is run by a queer woman and we aim to create a welcoming and friendly environment for LGBTQ+ people and allies to learn a new dance, have some fun, and meet new people. Come along when you can - you don't need to have joined from the first date to attend. All welcome.

Queer Set Dancing

We're excited to announce that our Christmas show for 2024 will be a MAC twist on the much loved fairytale, The Adventures of Red Riding Hood.

Join us on an action-packed, fun-filled journey through our fairytale planet with feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf? 

The Adventures of Red Riding Hood

We’re partnering with Memento to bring you this extra special Christmasy Wreath making workshop. Treat yourself to the gift of floral fun this Christmas and craft a wreath that will add some serious shine to your home all season long. With a mix of fresh and dried foliage, and natural embellishments, you’re sure to have a stunning unique wreath to take home.

Winter Wreath Making

Join dance and visual artist Vasiliki for a fantastic sensory tour of the galleries! Experience the exhibition in a whole new way through movement, meditation, and creative mark-making.

Vasiliki is an amazing interdisciplinary artist who combines visual arts and dance. Together, we’ll explore how art can come alive through our bodies and creativity. Get ready to express yourself and have fun while discovering the magic of art!

Art and Movement

Queer artists have always been at the forefront of creatively challenging taboos and sharing ideas that take on structural inequities to reimagine new possibilities.

At a time when LGBTQ+ representation is increasing on our screens and stages, yet established human rights are being questioned or rolled back and intersectional issues are often sidelined. What are the challenges facing queer artists, screenwriters, playwrights and others as they navigate funding, institutions and decision makers to bring their work to life?

Big Talk: Queer Art, Permission & Censorship Now

Discover the incredible diversity within the world of artists’ filmmaking in the UK, with a presentation of the work of the shortlist of this year’s Film London Jarman Award. Films in the programme use archival footage, infrared and hacked console cameras, analogue film and costume to explore subjects from multifarious identities, non-linear time and inter-generational trauma to political censorship and night-time contemporary labour.

The 2024 Film London Jarman Award Touring Programme

Throughout the history of art, the depiction of floral and botanical subjects has captivated artists and audiences alike. Female artists have had a long association with the genre.

Until the 20th century, women were often excluded from professional and intellectual pursuits, including the arts and sciences, which were considered beyond their understanding and irrelevant to their domestic role. The scientific and artistic study of flowers, however, was encouraged as a harmless activity that helped women pass the time.

One-day Masterclass in Floral Still Life with Jennifer Trouton  

When Warren Miller debuted his first ski film ‘Deep and Light’ in 1949, it ignited a new genre of filmmaking for adventure sports. Today, Warren Miller films have captured the stories of skiers and riders from every edge of the winter world and continue to gather audiences each year to celebrate the start of the winter season.

Warren Miller’s 75

The annual F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour is back in the UK and will be on the road from November with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead!

This year there will be films that take you into the science of the Costa Marlin Project, to the deep depths of the jungle for massive Peacock Bass and will have a Steelhead story with characters as rare as the fish itself, plus much more.

F3T - Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024

Work with professional singers, directors and pianists to build vocal, acting and movement skills while learning about this amazing art form. No music reading ability or singing grades required, just join in and enjoy the magical world of opera!

Ulster Youth Opera Workshop Sessions

With the help of the internet, friends and two sexologists, Rachel has unearthed missives dating back centuries. Triangulating these sex and love letters of long dead artists and writers with contemporary sexts and a meditation on the construction of the queer female body, the show is a tender and surprising hour that asks - how do we write ourselves and for whom?

Your Sexts Are Shit: Older Better Letters

Just Stage It Academy is thrilled to introduce Elf JR! This enchanting show showcases exceptionally talented performers from across Northern Ireland, bringing to life a magical story that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Elf JR is a heartwarming adaptation of the beloved New Line Cinema classic, with catchy songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The witty script by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin ensures a delightful and entertaining experience for all.

Elf the Musical Jr.

Featuring routines and jokes on such topics as Edinburgh Zoo, going for a walk, and the collapse of the British state.

As seen on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Comedy Central Live and BBC New Comedy Awards, and heard on the Enjoy An Album, Some Laugh and Here Come The Guillotine podcasts. Tour support for Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe.

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Scary Times

Worry Monsters

A MAC exhibition across all three galleries that traces the history of the flower in art, its evolution from botanical illustrations to the opulent still-life paintings of the 17th century, their adoption as symbols of political influence, revolution, and human control over nature.

I see his blood upon the rose

James B Partridge, known for his Primary School Assembly Bangers LIVE, comes to the MAC with The Big Christmas Assembly!

Join James B Partridge for an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes from Christmases past. 

The Big Christmas Assembly!

Impasse is a compelling exploration of ethnicity, identity and the experience of the Black diaspora.

In this powerful work, two performers confront the biased narratives etched onto Black bodies throughout history. These narratives, steeped in cultural imperialism, are laid bare with raw physicality and emotional intensity.

Impasse

Step inside The Common Room on our third floor, and every move you make - whether it’s wave of the arm or a giant leap - unleashes a world of colourful characters, wild animations, and sounds that react in real-time. It’s a thrilling mix of physical and digital fun, transforming your playful energy into an interactive experience.

Commissioned by Belfast 2024 and brought to life by Boom Clap Play, with the creative genius of Big Motive and the play experts at Play Board NI, The Wiggle Room isn’t just any space; it’s one that’s been co-designed by Belfast’s own children! Through a series of hands-on workshops, kids have shaped everything from the look and feel to the exciting mechanics that make this digital ball pit so unique.

The MAC Belfast

Jun 8, 2025

I’VE LOST MY BOBBLE HAT! A new Nick Cope family show for 2025!

Mar 23, 2025

Joe the Magician

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The MAC Belfast