Good Relations Week 2021 set to celebrate ‘Brighter Days Ahead’

Good Relations Week 2021 will celebrate the peace building and cultural diversity efforts of young people and the challenges they face with a creative programme of over 200 cross-community and multicultural events.

Good Relations Week 2021, co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, will run from Monday, September 20 to Sunday 26, with a mix of arts, history, music, sport and culture-based events from a diverse range of organisations across the region.

This year’s colourful programme will include the return of face-to-face events, alongside an expanded online offering of virtual events and digital content. This will include workshops, lectures, panel discussions, feature talks, podcasts, film, music and dance performances, storytelling and exhibitions.

The theme for Good Relations Week 2021 is ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ which celebrates the efforts of young people in their everyday lives to break down barriers, unite communities and act as a catalyst for peace building and cultural diversity in our society.

It will explore how society can better meet the needs of young people and explore the issues affecting their culturally diverse lives, including sectarianism and racism, dealing with the continuing impact of the past, mental health, isolation, education, faith, the pandemic, and the environment.

Martin McDonald MBE, chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “Good Relations Week 2021 will showcase over 200 highly entertaining events that will shine a light on ground-breaking projects and initiatives that tackle sectarianism and racism and promote cultural diversity – all aimed at building brighter days ahead for everyone.

“We are delighted that over 100 different event and content organisers have embraced our ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ theme and helped to shape a truly remarkable Good Relations Week 2021 that demonstrates imagination, enthusiasm, and commitment to building a united community in our everyday lives.”

Jacqueline Irwin, chief executive of the Community Relations Council, explained: Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s dynamic programme of events, helping to make Good Relations Week a modern celebration of our diverse culture and heritage.

“We are once again thrilled to be able to deliver this showcase of cross community and multi-cultural arts, history, music and culture. We have a packed programme of face-to-face and virtual events, as well as online material.

“I would encourage everyone to plan their week of events by checking out the programme at www.goodrelationsweek.com.”

Good Relations Week 2021 events includes Libraries NI partnering with the Black Box will host live visual and musical performances by young people with learning disabilities, providing the performers with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an audience.

Youth Initiatives will launch its Crosslinks Youth Arts Program aimed at bringing together young people from communities to develop friendships and explore good relations through music, drama, dance and art.

The Integrated Education Fund will premiere its ‘Integrated Education … through the eyes of young people’ documentary film at the QFT which will explore the nature of good relations through an integrated schooling system.

National Museums NI is delivering a major new exterior art installation at the Ulster Museum as part of the Making the Future project. The art piece designed by acclaimed street artist Joe Caslin will reflect on issues from the past, present and future.

Jacqueline Irwin, chief executive of the Community Relations Council added: “Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year’s dynamic programme of events, helping to make Good Relations Week a modern celebration of our diverse culture and heritage. We are once again thrilled to be able to deliver this showcase of cross community and multi-cultural arts, history, music and culture. We have a packed programme of face-to-face and virtual events, as well as online material. There is so much to attend, watch and experience, don’t miss it! I would encourage everyone to plan their week of events.”

Good Relations Week is co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office.

It contributes to delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy. The Community Relations Council co-ordinates with the support of a Steering Committee comprising of The Executive Office, Department for Communities, Department of Justice, Education Authority, Libraries NI, Cathedral Quarter Trust and The Nerve Centre.

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