Developing Community Through Arts

About Us

Located in Belfast, Cityside Retail Park, Arts for All has been a bedrock of community arts in north Belfast for 24 years.

The core of the organisation's work is to offer opportunities for participation in the arts to support community development, education, community relations, personal development, and social cohesion. 

Our  Vision 

Arts for All uses the arts to develop a more cohesive, confident and creative community in north Belfast.

Arts for All is All About a Positive Change

Arts for All firmly believes that positive change can be achieved through the delivery of arts projects which can improve the lives of local residents – both today and in the future. Through experience, Arts for All knows that those who become involved in creative activity are more inclined to stay involved in the life of the community.

From last year's evaluation of our efforts, we believe that a major part of participants’ creative education is about experiencing and developing their own opinion on art. This can only be developed through exposure to arts and different art forms. Running visual arts workshops from our accessible venue at Arts for All provides participants with a creative space, resources, and valuable signposting opportunities. 

Arts  For  All  is  working  towards  a  better  future 

for  north Belfast. So…

How Do We Do It?

We make local change by:

Facilitating a year-round free and low-cost accessible programme of arts activity facilitated by professional artists, thereby giving paid contracts to creatives and removing the barrier of high cost to participants.


Providing art in business training. This course will support anyone entering the world of self-employment as an artist.


Providing a launchpad for artists and art groups to

exhibit in the John Luke Gallery, one of the largest community art spaces and gallery in Belfast.

Community Arts Programmes Work!

Our Cultural Hub is open to all, and we make sure to reflect that in our projects. By listening to our users, we are busy delivering new arts activities requested by and for the community! Our projects are breaking down barriers – especially

the Inspire+ Programme!


The Inspire Project is aimed to improve the skills and confidence of adults with learning disabilities through the Arts. We’re proud to announce that the project has grown beyond our initial hopes and now works to unlock potential educational and employment opportunities as well. Working out of the Belfast School of Art, our participants will get the chance to work towards gaining entry to the foundation degree course starting

September 2026! 

Arts at the Heart

of It All

Over the past year, we have been working hard to strengthen our partnerships with the local community sector, Ulster University, and Queens University Belfast. This has allowed us to share our space with emerging artists, allow them a platform to exhibit, and has afforded Arts for All an increase in demand for workshops and exhibitions in the venue.

Since 2019, we have also continued to attract new visitors and artists each week and have increased response to small retail offerings and displaying local artists' work. With over 10,000 square feet of workshop and gallery space, our numbers have recovered from covid-19 restrictions. We now welcome over seven hundred visitors weekly, with average exhibition launch attendees of 120 and up to five hundred for the exhibition's duration. General footfall for the centre as per door counters amounts to seven thousand each day. This allows us to develop and grow our audiences at a grassroots level.

To see the most recent Annual Report, click here.

Arts  at  the  Heart  of  It  All

Over the past year, we have been working hard to strengthen our partnerships with the local community sector, Ulster University and Queens University Belfast. This has allowed us to share our space with emerging artists, allow them a platform to exhibit, and has afforded Arts for All an increase in demand for workshops and exhibitions in the venue.

Since 2019, we have also continued to attract new visitors and artists each week and have increased response to small retail offerings and displaying local artists' work. With over 10,000 square feet of workshop and gallery space, our numbers have recovered from covid-19 restrictions. We now welcome over seven hundred visitors weekly, with average exhibition launch attendees of 120 and up to five hundred for the exhibition's duration. General footfall for the Retail Park as per door counters amounts to seven thousand each day. This allows us to develop and grow our audiences at a grassroots level.

To see the most recent Annual Report, click here.

MEET  OUR  TEAM

Kasia Kochanska

Arts for All Co-ordinator

Meet Kasia, the coordinator of Arts for All.

Beginning her role in March 2024, Kasia is excited to bring new projects to the local community.

With 12 years of experience in community arts, Kasia is dedicated and passionate about fostering and developing community groups through various projects. With her artistic background and extensive experience, Kasia deeply understands the power and importance of community arts. She recognizes the vital role they play within communities and how they contribute to the personal development of each participant.

Kasia loves all thing creative: including cooking and storytelling.

Favourite food: Sushi

Favourite place in Northern Ireland: Mount Stewart

Hobby: cooking, sewing, hiking.

Celia Felix

Project Assistant 

Meet Celia, the Project Assistant at Arts for All.

Celia has been an integral part of our Arts For All since July 2022. Acting as Project Assistant, she is always happy to help the community express their creativity. 


Celia brings 15 years of experience in community interpreting to her role at Arts for All. She thrives on meeting new people and is deeply passionate about community arts projects.


Favourite food: Peri Peri chicken

Favourite place in Northern Ireland: North Coast

Hobby: motorbikes, camping

Lauren Anthoney

Facilities Manager at POD

Meet Lauren, the facilities manager at the POD.

Lauren is always ready to lend a hand to anyone

in need at the POD, Arts for All’s Community Hub.

Her cheerful and welcoming nature has endeared her to

our regular POD members and visitors.


Favourite food: Italian food with occasional bowl of Nachos

Favourite place in Northern Ireland: Belfast

Hobby: old movies.

Join Arts for All

Are you interested in joining our organisation?

If you are interested in joining Arts for All as either:

a freelance artist, volunteer or a board member,

simply send us a message or call in

 for a chat!


We would love to hear from you!

Share your ideas for our programmes,

connect with other people passionate about arts

and become an active community member!

Arts  For   All  Board  of  Directors 

Jennifer Crockard 

Chair

Muriel Bowyer

Treasurer

Rosie Mulvenna

Board Member

 

 Helen Johnston

Board Member

Joe Crainey

Board Member

Ian Crozier

Board Member

Our Creative Team

Fiona Rainey

Abstract Landscapes Artist, Art Facilitator

Fiona spends most of her time (outside facilitating art and floristry classes) putting on and taking off oil paint! Based in Conway Mill Belfast. Exhibits locally and abroad. 

Zoe Dilworth

Photographer, Art Faciilitator

Zoe loves to work on her own art projects, painting and experimental photography. She loves listening to music and playing with her two cats.

Collette Conway

Fine Arts Artist, Art Facilitator

Collette is passionate about creative classes for the  community. She is a member of Arcade Studios Belfast, where you can find her painting away!

Sean McGibbon

Fine Artist, Art Facilitator

Sean works in Belfast and loves to paint people's portraitures. He finds inspiration in many sources but mainly from the Irish landscape and its coasts.

Clare Murray

Fine Artist, Painter, Photographer, Art Facilitator

Clare loves working with the groups and discovering the hidden talents. She enjoys fostering their confidence  throughout the Inspire programme. When not in AFA you'll find het in her studio at Conway Mill.

Lisa Gowdy

Ceramist Artist, Art Facilitator

Lisa enjoys the playful aspects of  arts. She cherish a friendly atmosphere at Arts for All and opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists.

Niamh Phelan

Fine Art and Ceramist Artist, Art Facilitator

Niamh loves to run pottery classes. Her dedication to teaching and her passion for the art of pottery shines through in every class. She has a unique ability to inspire creativity and bring out the best in each student, making the learning experience both enjoyable and enriching.

Lauren Martin

Artist and Workshop Facilitator

Lauren has very bright and vibrant personality. She is specialising in working with those with disabilities.

Robyn Haslett

Fine Artist, Art Facilitator

Robyn is a proud and loving mother of her beautiful son, Reid. She has a deep passion for working with children and nurturing their creative minds. In her free time, she immerses herself in the vibrant world of abstract painting, where her creativity knows no boundaries. 

Sandra Kerr

Fine Art and Ceramist Artist, Art Facilitator

Sandra is a multidisciplinary artist with focus on textile and ceramics. Her worl explores the fusion of non-traditional materials, creating thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional boundries.

Marta Kocon

Japanese Sashiko & Textiles Artist, Art Facilitator

Marta is passionate about creativity, especially art therapy. She enjoys mixed media art, sewing, and repairing clothes using Irish linen and traditional Polish fabrics. Her playful, experimental approach reflects her love for textiles, art and people.

Anna O'Neill

Textile artist, Facilitator

Anna's expertise and passion for sewing are evident in every stitch she teaches. Her patience and encouragement create a warm and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

A heartfelt thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown to our volunteers. Your generosity and encouragement make a world of difference. We deeply appreciate your kindness and dedication.

Joe

Eva

Erin

Kush

Jill

Jessica

Jo-Ann

Sandra

Rachel

Ian

Bronagh

Pierce

William


Arts For  All,  Arts For  You

Arts For All is working towards a better future for north Belfast and we would love for you join in! Get it in touch or visit us to find out more about how you can get involved. 

Let's Chat