Cultural Awareness week

Over 180 events are taking place across Northern Ireland to mark the Week which is in place to celebrate diversity, highlight best practice and consider what it means to share one place as many different people.

Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week is now in its 13th year and is organised by the Community Relations Council. Local councils, public bodies, schools and community and voluntary organisations run various events throughout the Week.

Events in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area include a photographic exhibition entitled ‘One Place, Many Faces’, a ‘Who Am I’ discussion exploring diversity, storytelling by renowned performer Steve Lally, a music night and a book launch. A full listing of Community Relations Week events can be found at www.nicrc.org.uk.

Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week will begin with its flagship event, the ‘One Place, Many People’ Policy and Practice conference organised by the Community Relations Council. Taking place this year at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, it will explore changes needed to build a shared and reconciled society.

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said, “There is one message that we hope everyone will get from the Week: Nothing about the future can be taken for granted.

“The job of learning to live peacefully is not yet done and if we want this place to be positive and inclusive, we all have to play a part in making it so at village, town, city and regional levels.”

She added: “It is very encouraging to see the variety of events taking place this year involving people of all ages and backgrounds.

“There are performances, sporting events, discussions, workshops and launches of new books and resources. Public bodies, sports clubs, schools, churches, charities and community groups are all taking part and with a shared goal of making this a place of understanding, hospitality and welcome for strangers as well as for friends.”