The MAC named as Belfast Pride's Business Ally of the Year

Individuals, businesses, and organisations are celebrated for their dedication to making Belfast and Northern Ireland a more inclusive society. We're very proud that on Friday 21 July it was announced that the MAC had won Pride Ally - Business 2023.

As supporting diversity and promoting inclusivity are very close to our hearts, we are honoured to be the Business Ally this year. The work we do year-round with The Rainbow Project and our four other Associate Partners has given a platform for LGBTQIA+ people to express themselves through art and be included in a community.

The Living Library in partnership with The Rainbow Project has taken place at the MAC over the past two years and sees people from the LGBTQIA+ community telling their own stories. Visitors can "borrow" the books of their choice and learn from lived experiences.

Our community-led exhibition At The Table included a talk by trans activist and writer Juliet Jacques in association with Alliance for Choice, a special iteration of the Living Library, 3 creative writing workshops with queer writers, and a celebration of the publication of Sam's Eden II, a queer magazine produced by artist Thomas Wells. The process of which involved multiple workshops throughout the year with LGBTQIA+ participants coming together to create.

Every year we team up with Young at Art to bring a pre-Pride Parade morning of activities for children and their families. And we've hosted Dragtime Stories with Young at Art too.

We love hosting events from LGBTQIA+ charities and organisations, especially the annual Outburst Queer Arts Festival now in its 16th year!

We endeavour to keep doing what we can to advocate for inclusivity and integration of collective activity in the arts. Thank you to Belfast Pride for the recognition.