Belfast buzzed with creative energy as the city hosted a landmark two-day performing arts conference on June 9, 2026. The event, a collaborative effort between the Performing Arts Forum and Theatre and Dance NI, aimed to showcase the breadth, diversity, and innovation within the UK's performing arts sector. It provided a crucial platform for dialogue and idea exchange among a wide spectrum of professionals, including artists, practitioners, producers, academics, and cultural leaders.
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
The conference, titled 'An Cruinniú/The Gathering', highlighted Belfast and Northern Ireland as a vibrant center for creative talent, economic contribution, and cultural innovation. Across theatre, dance, opera, circus, and youth theatre, attendees delved into critical discussions about best practices, emerging trends, and the potential for future collaborations. The event facilitated a valuable environment for participants to share their expertise and explore new avenues for artistic development and audience engagement.
Dr. Kurt Taroff, Head of the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen's University, emphasized the significance of the conference. "Queen's, and particularly the School of Arts, English and Languages, was delighted to play a role in hosting the 2026 An Cruinniú/The Gathering," Dr. Taroff stated. "These events are powerhouses for ideas, collaborations, debates and new projects stretching out across the island and beyond. It is a marker of the continued commitment by our School and Queen's to be a partner and co-creator of a rich and vibrant creative and cultural sector, not only in Performing Arts but across the fields of screen and digital media, music and literature."
Queen's University Belfast, with its state-of-the-art facilities, played a key role in hosting various aspects of the conference. Delegates had the opportunity to tour the university's MediaLab and Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), participate in workshops in the Brian Friel Theatre, and engage with a full-day program in the Mandela Hall, which showcased emerging creative voices and researchers from Queen's. The university's involvement underscored its commitment to fostering a dynamic cultural landscape.
Addressing the Future of Touring and Cultural Exchange
While the conference focused broadly on the performing arts, underlying concerns about the post-Brexit touring landscape for UK artists were also implicitly addressed. A recent report highlighted that nearly half of UK musicians surveyed indicated a reduction in EU work since 2021, with over a quarter losing that work entirely. This presents a significant challenge for artists seeking to reach international audiences and highlights the need for sustainable touring frameworks.
The European Movement UK report, published on June 5, 2026, proposed a 'practical reset' for musicians, production teams, and performers to tour more sustainably. This report suggests a 'twin-track reset' involving both EU negotiations and domestic UK government solutions. It advocates for agreements that could potentially ease visa rules, work permits, and the transport of equipment, which have become significant hurdles since Brexit.
These issues are particularly pertinent to the performing arts sector, where international collaboration and touring are vital for artistic growth and cultural exchange. The conference in Belfast provided a timely forum for discussing these challenges and exploring strategies to support artists in navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. The ongoing dialogue between the UK and the EU regarding cultural mobility, including potential flexibilities for touring professionals, remains a critical area to watch.
A Catalyst for Continued Growth
The 'Gathering' conference concluded with a strong sense of forward momentum. The exchange of ideas and the forging of new connections are expected to catalyze further partnerships and creative collaborations within the performing arts sector. The event underscored the resilience and dynamism of the industry, even amidst evolving economic and political landscapes.
Looking ahead, Queen's University Belfast is set to host another music and performing arts conference in August 2026, indicating a continued commitment to nurturing the sector. The success of 'The Gathering' serves as a testament to the importance of such events in driving innovation, supporting artists, and ensuring the continued vibrancy of the UK's cultural output. The discussions and outcomes from this conference are poised to influence the direction of the performing arts for years to come, fostering a richer and more interconnected creative ecosystem.