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MACtivate is a dynamic incubator for change, using creativity and action-based research to address some of Northern Ireland’s most pressing social issues, including migration, housing, poverty, racism, and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Bridges Through Dance – Uniting Communities Through Movement
Led by Mexican artist Mar Decena
Bridges Through Dance is an inspiring project that connects communities through movement. Mar Decena, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern dance, will train professional dancers in Bellydance, Saidi, and Dabke, exploring fluid movement chains, improvisation, and rhythm. Accompanied by live darbuka music, dancers will deepen their connection to authentic rhythms.
Mar is fostering meaningful connections between women in the asylum system, refugee women, and local communities. These interactive workshops introduce Middle Eastern dance in a social and inclusive format, where participants not only learn movement but also engage in discussions on cultural expression and connection. Through guided reflection and group interaction, the project highlights how movement transcends language and builds bridges between people.
Originally from Mexico—one of the world’s hubs for Middle Eastern dance—Mar brings over 20 years of experience and a deep passion for promoting Arabic culture through dance and music. She has trained extensively with Egyptian masters and internationally renowned instructors, refining her skills in Bellydance, Saidi, and Dabke.
Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's National Lottery Minority Ethnic.
In 1991, one hundred brave people marched down Royal Avenue in Belfast, waving homemade banners and placards that proudly declared: "We're here, we're queer, and we ain't going anywhere!" This marked the first-ever Belfast Pride, a historic moment for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Since then the LGBTQIA+ community have faced challenges, prejudice, and discrimination amidst the ever-evolving Northern Ireland and global landscape. At the same time celebrating numerous steps forward for equality. As we face an uncertain future, including new laws threatening our rights, the attempted erasure of the Trans community and increased intolerance, we reflect: how has 'pride' changed over the years to become a celebration of visibility, positivity, and inclusion for everyone?
A Queer Dander looks at the history of pride in Belfast by interviewing a small but representative selection of the community on reflecting on the concept of Belfast Pride within the wider context of Northern Ireland, how it came to be and what role it needs to play in our futures.
Curated by Thomas Wells with support from filmmaker Niamh McCann, and commissioned by Belfast Pride and the MAC, the project includes contributions from Ruth McCarthy, Richard O'Leary, Electra, Shogher Doghramajian, Tina McCombe, and Charlie Beare, with special thanks to The Rainbow Project, Boombox Belfast, editor Shaun Doogan, Rebecca Laverty (National Museums NI), PRONI, and NI Screen Digital Film Archive.
Artist biography
Thomas Wells (he/they) is an artist and curator based in Belfast. Their work centers on socially engaged practice, especially around LGBTQ+ experiences. Originally from Manchester, they’ve been working in Northern Ireland since 2017 and are a member of the Turner Prize-winning Array Collective. Thomas founded the queer arts platform SAM’S EDEN and in 2024 became an artist-in-residence at Platt Hall, Manchester.
For more information visit Thomas Wells' website.
New Theatre: Young Voices on Stage
In partnership with leading charity Extern, we are collaborating with 20 young people from Belfast, Drogheda, and Dublin to develop an original theatre production with renowned playwright Tony Macauley. This powerful piece will explore the lives, experiences, and perspectives of these young people.
The production will take centre stage at The MAC (Upstairs Theatre) on 28th & 29th November 2025.
This project is proudly funded by Creative Ireland.
