The 10 day festival sets to celebrate the extraordinary work of human rights defenders, past and present, in Ireland and around the world, highlighting Climate Change, Political Violence and Mental Health, amongst other critical issues, through the arts
As Human Rights throughout the world continue to be under attack, The Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival launches over 80 events throughout Ireland, happening in-person and online, celebrating the people who promote the rights of citizens from all countries and all walks of life.
The festival, with most events free to attend, which runs from 14th – 23rd October 2022, showcases globally acclaimed Irish and international artists and guest speakers, who perform exciting and innovative events which promote equality, human rights and diversity through the arts reaching audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.
Artistic curator for the festival, Mary Moyinhan said ”The Dublin Arts and Humans Rights festival showcases the extraordinary work of people who defend human rights in Ireland and around the world, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. We have been growing year on year to make this, our fourth event, the biggest, most innovative festival yet.”
The theme of the 2022 festival is ‘In Solidarity: A Celebration of Human Rights’, a celebration of community connections and a world where all people are treated equally with dignity and respect. The annual international festival is organised by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Front Line Defenders in partnership with a range of organisations across Ireland, Europe and Internationally.
The festival links the arts to civil society, active citizenship and politics through interdisciplinary performances, film screenings, documentaries, theatre, music, dance, visual and digital art, poetry, literature and historical memory. It features creative conversations, panel discussions and arts-based workshops with Irish and international artists and guest speakers celebrating and promoting dignity, human rights and respect for all people equally.
Freda Manweiler, Company Manager at Smashing Times, said, “We are delighted to partner with some incredible organisations who lead the way in speaking out against human rights abuses, such as Amnesty International, Fighting Words, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Trócaire, and Poetry Ireland.”
Michael McCabe, Compere for the show, State of the Art: Transformative Memories in Political Violence, said, “It is wonderful to be involved in such an extraordinary exhibition, exploring themes of grief, disappearances and remembrance and how the Arts can transform memories, exploring our collective knowledge.”
The 10 day festival will see over 80 acts perform, with more to be announced, throughout Dublin, Kerry and Antrim with artists and performers from over 17 countries.
Most events are free of charge, and tickets can be acquired at www.smashingtimes.ie
Feature image: Niamh McPhilips and Michael McCabe performing in Gathering On The Pond, a performance exploring Climate Change, pictured at the launch of The Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival 2022.
Picture: Robbie Reynolds
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