Founded in 1993, in response to a cultural deficit and lack of opportunities for contemporary arts in Belfast, Catalyst Arts began as an organisation committed to giving spaces to artists, curators and cultural producers to make, experiment and create. Now, on our 33rd Birthday, we are celebrating this anniversary of our gallery and network of artists.

In supporting Belfast based artists and beyond, Catalyst Arts’ 33rd Birthday Bonanza gathers in Ulster Sports Committee Room, October 9th 2026, to bring together past co-directors, members, artists, musicians, cultural contributors and consumers alike for one big birthday party. With ample cake, a look into a selected body of our archive, beer pong and bingo, we are choosing all things celebration.

Later, we are joined by HUGHIE and Wakeyoassup, two emerging DJs responding to our brief of experimentation and artistic freedom in a 2 hour set, surrounded by archive clippings and audio visual material. Serious grooving takes place till late.

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Catalyst’s histories of cultural production and artist-led activity activates spaces and people by bringing together communities to share experiences and participate in Belfast’s creative community. It encourages critical dialogue, supports education through the arts, and strengthens connections between artists, audiences and communities. Catalyst was founded to meet the needs of artists, and 33 years later, that need remains.