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The MAC, which opened in 2012 in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, is a space for art, but just as importantly, is a space for people to come together. We attract 250,000 visitors annually, work with hundreds of artists, employ over 40 full-time staff, and are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
And we want you to be a part of it!
Bring your students to learn in the unique setting of an award-winning arts centre within post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Students will develop new methods of using the arts as a tool for peacebuilding or social change.
Students will delve into the past, present and future of Northern Ireland by gaining knowledge of current issues, politics and community relations.
Learn from a country that has experienced armed conflict, peace-building and is now looking towards its post-conflict legacy, 25 years on.
Develop methods of using the arts as a tool for peacebuilding and social change by collaborating with local artists, creative practitioners and communities.
Develop and define their personal and professional values with visits to important cultural sites, dedicated lecture series, creative assignments and workshops.
Explore post-conflict Northern Ireland through the lens of equality, discrimination, trauma, recovery, gender, reconciliation, sectarianism and justice, to gain an understanding of current societal issues, community relations and regional politics.
Expand on global connections, and foster new connections with Irish artists and changemakers to enhance personal growth and future artistic and professional career opportunities.
Students can immerse themselves in life here from your base in the heart of Belfast. Northern Ireland is small with breath-taking landscapes just a short journey away from Belfast.
Your mentors in a study abroad experience like no other.
Hugh Mulholland
Creative Director of Visual Arts at the MAC, Belfast, a position he has held since 2012.
Elaine Forde
Elaine has led impactful arts and cultural projects, tackling social & political inequalities within communities.
Kira Topalian
Kira leverages her experience in creative projects fostering social cohesion for arts and peacebuilding charities.
Creative Director
Hugh Mulholland is Creative Director, Visual Arts at the MAC, Belfast, a position he has held since 2012. He was previously Director of the third space gallery, Belfast (2006-2012) and Director of Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast (1997-2006), and was founding Director of Context Gallery Derry (now CCA) (1992-1997).
Mulholland has also worked as an independent curator and was Commissioner of Northern Ireland’s first presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2005 with a group exhibition titled ‘The Nature of Things’. He curated Northern Ireland’s exhibition at the following Biennale with a solo show of work by Willie Doherty. He was curator for Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2006 and 2007, as well as curating exhibitions internationally in Berlin, Istanbul and Italy.
Creative Learning & Engagement Manager
Elaine, with over two decades of experience, has spearheaded community-focused arts projects addressing social and political inequalities. As the Creative Learning & Engagement Manager at the MAC, she collaborates closely with artists and marginalised communities, addressing pressing societal issues.
Elaine has a history of impactful roles, including Head of Engagement at The Playhouse, where she led EU Peace-funded projects, and Managing Director at Artlink, where she elevated the organisation's reputation. Her transformative work in conflict resolution and peacebuilding extends globally, shaping her role in piloting study abroad programs. Based in London for nine years, Elaine obtained a Master's in Fine Art and gained diverse experience in the creative learning field.
Creative Learning Officer
Kira Topalian joined the MAC as Creative Learning Officer in April 2023. She previously was a Project Manager for Beyond Skin, an arts and peacebuilding charity, designing creative projects to promote social cohesion. Kira achieved her MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice from Queens University Belfast in 2020, and graduated with a BA in International Affairs with Theatre and History minors from Northeastern University in Boston in 2018.
At Northeastern, Kira worked as teaching and programme assistants for study abroad programmes, bringing university student groups to Ireland to study the conflict, peace process, and art and culture. She also availed of Northeastern’s global experience offerings herself as a student, first moving to Belfast in 2017 for a work placement at the Duncairn Centre for Culture and Art, where she still volunteers. A musician and actor herself, Kira is very connected to the arts scene in Belfast, and can’t wait to welcome you here.
This month has changed me. I'm not the same person as the one who stepped off that plane 4 weeks ago.”
This program gave me an incredible amount of hope in my life.”
I learned how peace building has a tremendous impact on not only the affected area but also the world. Art brings a troubled community a sense of peace and stability, it lets people express emotions they never even knew they had.”
It broadened my ideas of what art could be and what it could do.”
I learned a great deal about history, and explored new areas/topics/interests that I never would have noticed in the States...forcing me to look inwards as much as I looked outwards.”
Academically the program is amazing. We'd access to incredible resources and people who gave us in-depth insight to the history and impact of the Troubles. We were given immense support in our creative endeavors.”
I wanted to challenge myself as a writer and push myself to do something I hadn’t done before. The programme seemed interesting and new.”
It gave me an opportunity to combine both my Majors. Up until now, they have lived separately in my life. I love that this gives me an opportunity to explore dance as protest.”
The MAC itself was a major highlight of the trip, as well as all the people there. It was a great home for us to be based out of. It provided once in a lifetime opportunities for me.”
Explore Belfast's nightlife in the cobbled Cathedral Quarter, known for live music, local gin, and Irish whiskey.
Experience live traditional and contemporary music sessions, poetry readings, céilís, concerts, and more.
Derry, Northern Ireland's second largest city, is renowned for its fully intact historic walls and the 'Derry Girls' mural, a tribute to the popular Channel 4 series.
The Ulster Museum is open daily except Mondays, offering a journey through art, natural science, and history.
The Award-Winning Museum tells the story of the historic ship, located in the very shipyards in which she was built.
Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site.
Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved Norman castle in Northern Ireland, is located in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, on the shores of Belfast Lough.
Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast's Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists.
Banana Block is a new living museum and events space set within a historic linen mill and inspired by the curious connections between Belfast and bananas.
The MAC study abroad trips are co-designed with each university to meet the learning outcomes of each university/course. Fees start at £30,000 based on a 4-week trip for a group of 12 students with a faculty member. Our programmes are bespoke, based on your students' needs and duration of visit, so please contact us today for your customised quote, or to have a conversation.
Tuition
All elements of tuition during your study abroad stay are included. Students will learn from academics, victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Conflict, artists, peace-makers, and community activists who are currently promoting an inclusive and progressive Northern Ireland.
Accommodation
Students will reside in student housing accommodation nearby the MAC. Featuring single rooms with private bathrooms, shared kitchen and laundry, these are well-equipped, comfortable spaces. The accommodation also includes a gym and cinema space.
Excursions
Students will enjoy various trips and visits included in their stay. For instance, a day trip to Derry to learn from victims of the conflict who shared their stories through theatre. Transportation to excursions, and other scheduled locations within the programme are included in the fee.
Group meals and packed lunches during the day
Your fee may include some group meals. Students’ accommodation includes kitchen facilities, so the students have the opportunity to prepare their own meals, or purchase them from local outlets.
Travel Insurance
The university/group/college is responsible for organising travel and health insurance for the cohort of students and faculty staff. The university should also advise the students on any further individual travel insurance.
Personal Expenses
Some money will be required to enjoy the occasional meal out (if not included in your package); shopping, non-scheduled trips, and of course, to sample some Guinness if the mood takes you!
Added extras at museums and galleries
Standard entry fee will be included to any of the places we visit, but if upgrades are an option, you'll need to pay extra for those.
Transfers to and from the airport
Faculty leader or course director should organise transportation to and from the MAC on the first and last day to the airport of choice.
Here are some useful tips, ahead of your visit to Belfast.
The MAC is an arts venue and cultural hub in Belfast. Since opening in 2012 it has quickly become a beacon for the ongoing regeneration of Belfast, offering an eclectic programme of visual art, theatre, dance, family workshops and lots more. There are 3 art galleries and two theatres, a free playroom and a CaféBar.
It stands for Metropolitan Arts Centre but we're happy for you to call us the MAC, whichever you prefer.
The MAC is for everyone. Our programme of events and activities caters for the very young to the old and our creative learning programme ensures that people from all walks of life feel welcome and comfortable here.
This programme will challenge your students to put academics into practice. To view arts and social justice in a new context and take on different perspectives that will expand their approach to their studies.
Our programme relates to a wide variety of majors, including but not limited to History, Anthropology, International Relations, Peace Studies and arts-related majors.
Yes, weekends are yours to enjoy Belfast and beyond. Check out our Cultural Highlights section for some suggestions. You could even visit Dublin as it’s only 1.5hrs away by train or 2hrs by bus.
Northern Ireland uses the GBP Pound Sterling.
You’ll need a 3-pronged UK adapter.
Yes, multiple providers offer pay-as-you-go SIM cards.
Yes, we have a metro bus service and train service to get about in the city. You can pay cash, contactless, or use a bus pass or the m-link app for tickets. We also have the Glider. You pay before you board using the ticket machine at every Glider stop.
Many restaurants include a service fee in your bill. If they do not and you'd like to, you can tip 10-15%, but it’s not required.
Obviously, your passport. You won't need it for crossing between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, just when you initially arrive at the airport. As well as some comfy shoes, (the cobble stones around the MAC are well suited to Dr. Marten's or trainers) be prepared for a little rain. Even in summer we get showers throughout the day!
