Welcome to Bounce Arts Festival 2023!
Now in its 11th year, Bounce remains unique as the only festival solely dedicated to the celebration and showcasing of arts created by d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodiverse creatives regionally.
Our 2023 Bounce programme draws on the most exceptional artists from across these islands and beyond. All of our local Bounce artists are recipients of d/Deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund awards.
Over the years, Bounce has evolved into a true artistic celebration of diversity, and this year’s programme draws on familiar faces and newcomers to the sector, reflecting the Atypical humour and quality of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists’ work.
Accessibility is integral to Bounce, and we aim to make our events as accessible as possible to d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse audience members. You can book your access requirements during the booking process.
We can’t wait to see you all at Bounce 2023!
For access information on each venue please follow the link below.
Below are videos that will explain how to book a ticket.
The BSL version on the left and the ISL version on the right.
Download a digital version of the program below
Friday 6th October
Au-some Collective
The Au-some Collective will create an inclusive chorale environment to raise awareness of neurodiversity with primary school children. Children will have the opportunity to mix with adults with a learning disability and/or neurodiversities, culminating in a performance of a song.
Time 10:00am – 12:00 pm
Derry – Londonderry
Dreaming of a village: Una Walker Artist’s Talk
Dreaming of a Village; is a multi-dimensional installation incorporating video, drawings, and local stones. It delves into research on historical land ownership in the artist’s rural County Down. While investigating land records, the artist unearthed that the tree plantation opposite her home had thrived as farmland until at least the 1830s under numerous tenant farmers and their families.
Pop Up Music Event with Kippysmuse
Join us for an exciting pop-up music event featuring Kippysmuse, a must-see act that has garnered praise from critics, and airplay on BBC6 Music and Amazing Radio. Kippysmuse was formed in 2012 by Kris Marsden, and has two studio albums, several EPs and singles, and is currently working on the third Kippysmuse LP. Kris will perform a solo set that draws on his recent successful tours and festival appearances.
Time 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Belfast
No booking required
Location – Castlecourt
Shopping Centre
Beside food court
Music Pop-Up Event with Jude Kuzma aka DJ Bulletix
Join us for a pop-up music event featuring DJ Bulletix, a Northern Irish electronic music composer/producer, live DJ, graphic artist, and wildlife-watcher from Derry~Londonderry. He is known for his energetic performances and bottle-green suits, and has spent 15 years composing catchy electronic instrumentals and songs with his unique sonic signature, positive message, and distinctive vocal style.
Time 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Derry – Londonderry
No booking required
North West Transport Hub
Bounce Arts Festival Launch
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, the Deputy Secretary for Engaged Communities Group in the Department for Communities, the Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Lord Mayor of Derry City and Strabane (via video message) will open the Bounce Arts Festival 2023 with an afternoon of fun, featuring a live performance by Black Moon Disco streaming from the Black Box.
Time 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Belfast
Upon invitation only
Inclusive Pop Art Workshop
Come and join us for a magical mystery arts workshop at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.
Come along to the Strule Arts Centre and create your very own 3D Magical Butterfly.
Time 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Omagh
Lough Fad: A User’s Guide
CCA is delighted to launch Ciarán Ó Dochartaigh and Axel Feldman’s new publication as part of the Bounce Festival 2023. The book follows from the body of work Ciarán Ó Dochartaigh created for Ferox, a solo exhibition at CCA in 2022, inspired by personal and political history and environmental change. During the launch Ciarán will enact excerpts of a performance lecture, activating the illustrations in the publication.
Time 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Derry – Londonderry
We All Have Down Syndrome by Fionnathan, Supported by Bossa Blue
This father and son team bring comedy, stories and music about navigating
the world, all told through a disability lens. They show what’s possible when you commit to your dreams, with Fionn, who has Down syndrome, in the driver’s seat.
The performance will be introduced through a musical journey by Will and Tracy McLean, dedicated educators with over 30 years of experience.
Time 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Belfast
For the Love of Mary
For The Love of Mary by Mel Bradley is a bilingual autobiographical journey to find the Virgin Mary, and explores her lost humanity through stories shared by Irish women over tea. This performance delves into women’s experiences, from historical atrocities to the Repeal and Decriminalise movements, set against religious and national backgrounds.
Saturday 7th October
Breakfast Arts Club with Zara Lyness
The Breakfast Arts Club will be a mixed media art morning, working with different materials to create unique and personal works. Activities will include an easy marbling, and wax resist drawing techniques, and will suit a range of abilities. The art works can stand alone, or can be used to create greeting or gift cards. All materials and tools will be provided.
Time 10:00pm – 12:30pm
Belfast
Serve Your Rights! Poster Making Workshop and Poster Display
Local artist Indigo Azidahaka is on a mission to get the people of Derry thinking, learning and talking about their human rights... but needs the help of our city’s children to do so! We invite children aged 4-14 years old to a fun-filled workshop to learn about their human rights and make their own activism posters. The day will be split into two age appropriate workshops:
- Workshop 1 (aimed at ages 4-8) - 10:30am-12:30pm
- Workshop 2 (aimed at ages 9-14) - 2-4pm
Time 10:30pm – 4:00pm
Derry – Londonderry
Fionnathan’s Coffee Creatures Café
Everyone can create. Often you can find inspiration in mistakes and imperfections.
That’s the idea behind Coffee Creatures, a series that artistic team Fionn Crombie Angus and Jonathan Angus (Fionnathan) invite you to contribute to. We will discuss methods for seeing beyond what is immediately visible (drawing parallels to disabled lives), and for finding beauty and joy in messy randomness.
Time 11:00am – 1:00pm
Belfast
Building a Culture of Creativity, Self-Expression, Compassion and Community
Join Noelle McAlinden in conversation with an invited panel of fellow artists and creatives from across Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area, as they reflect on their practice as writers, musicians, performance & spoken word artists, educators and activists. Together, we’ll empower artists across artforms to move from survival to sustainability, by reflecting upon challenges and opportunities faced by artists who live and work here.
Time 11:00am – 1:00pm
Enniskillen
Virtually Here: An Immersive VR Experience with Paul Moore
Get a taste of an immersive world where body, nature, and technology collide. Paul Moore’s cutting-edge VR experience, which is brought to you as part of the Digital Horizon programme, enables participants to explore a virtual space that transcends physical constraints, and have a taste of unparalleled reality. Join Paul for this captivating journey that prompts reflection on society’s resilience. This intriguing glimpse into a boundless realm is not to be missed.
Time 11:00am – 5:00pm
Belfast
No Booking – drop in
Dreaming of a village: An Exhibition by Una Walker
Dreaming of a Village; is a multi-dimensional installation incorporating video, drawings, and local stones. It delves into research on historical land ownership in the artist’s rural County Down. While investigating land records, the artist unearthed that the tree plantation opposite her home had thrived as farmland until at least the 1830s under numerous tenant farmers and their families.
Time 11:00am – 5:30pm
Belfast
No booking required
Panel Discussion: Tech Innovation and Disability
Digital Horizon is University of Atypical’s highly successful Masterclass programme in digital innovation, funded by the Santander Foundation. Come and be fascinated by some of our local Masterclass leaders — Kris Marsden, Grace Fairley and Peter Fleming — and learn how you can take part in the programme. Hosted by Edel Murphy, this is a peer-led film and discussion event.
Time 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Belfast
Dramability Workshop
Director Jenny Long facilitates a drama workshop in partnership with Dramability, Down Arts Centre’s Theatre Company in Residence. Dramability, a longstanding local community organisation run entirely by dedicated volunteers for over three decades, is committed to fostering the inclusion of individuals with disabilities within their local community.
Time 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Downpatrick
Derry Ones - What’s the Craic?!
Stage Beyond, the award-winning theatre company for adults with learning disabilities, brings their famous puppet show to town for a stellar line-up of fun sketches with a Derry theme. A hilarious performance is always guaranteed with a host of local celebrity characters popping up from behind the curtain on the steps of the Guildhall.
Time 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Derry – Londonderry
No Booking required
Same Difference: Equinox to Equinox
On 22 September 2016 (the Equinox, when night and day are equal), 283 artists came together in 45 locations worldwide to perform group works in public space, on the ideals of freedom, action and art. This film, edited by Michael McNulty, documents this landmark project initiated and developed by Bbeyond in conjunction with artist-led collectives around the globe.
Time 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Belfast
Broken Bodies (But We Can Still Phart)
Brain Injury Matters and Kids in Control / Blue Chevy Adult Physical Theatre Project presents a physical theatre performance that captures the lived experience of 9 people who have survived a catastrophic brain injury. In words and images – both physical and digital – the performance will celebrate their lives and represent the resilience, care and optimism that can be found in fellowship with other survivors.
Time 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Belfast
Autumnal Wall Art Workshop
Join us for an exciting workshop led by artist Pamela Glasgow, where you’ll create your own autumnal wall art. Pamela’s workshops cater to various skill levels, ensuring everyone can participate. You will add stencils and additional decoupage, and other personal finishing touches to make your creation truly unique.
Time 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Cookstown
Pop-Up Music Event with Joe Kenny
Join us for a pop-up music event featuring Joe Kenny, a blind singer, musician, and songwriter with over 25 years of live performance experience. Joe hails from Dromintee, Co. Armagh in Northern Ireland, and his unique guitar style and compelling vocals have charmed audiences in venues across Ireland and beyond..
Time 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Belfast
Location – Castlecourt
Shopping Centre
Beside food court
Experi-Mental
A night of exciting new work-in-progress from neurodivergent & disabled artists Nathan-Elout Armstrong, Simon Jay, Mari Crawford and Alice McCullough. Your host for the evening will be Alice McCullough. Alice has had quite a year since her last performance at Bounce. She is a Major Artist Awardee, Poet in Residence at Disability Rights California and fresh from studying at the Gaulier school in Paris.
Time 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Belfast
Sunday 8th October
Physical Theatre Masterclass
You are invited to a performance showcasing deaf/hearing collaboration, by the Blue Chevy Physical Theatre company and Paula Clarke. This will be the realisation of a masterclass with David Calvert, Jade Quinn and Paula Clarke happening earlier on the same day. The performance will also reference a physical theatre production of Paula’s life story performed at Bounce 2022.
Time 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Belfast
Call-Out for the Bounce Festival Physical Theatre Masterclass
Physical Theatre Masterclass integrating deaf and hearing performers into a dynamic, cohesive physical theatre ensemble to devise a new theatre work. The class will initiate the creation of a deaf/hearing physical theatre ensemble that will go forward to perform in 2024.
Time 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Belfast
Dreaming of a village: An Exhibition by Una Walker
Dreaming of a Village; is a multi-dimensional installation incorporating video, drawings, and local stones. It delves into research on historical land ownership in the artist’s rural County Down. While investigating land records, the artist unearthed that the tree plantation opposite her home had thrived as farmland until at least the 1830s under numerous tenant farmers and their families.
Time
11:00am – 5:30pm
Belfast
No booking required
Creative Conversations: The Big Open Arts Takeover!
Step into the world of Open Arts as they take over the Crescent Arts Centre! During each event,the audience will experience performances from Monday Players, Open Arts Community Choir, Luminous Soul dancers; hear readings from the creative writing group; and participate in a workshop with visual art participants. The event is also inspired by the idea of a ‘Living Library’: you will have the opportunity to chat with participants, learn about the diverse perspectives and experiences of disabled people.
Time – Various
Belfast
All Bits, No Juice: A Stand-Up Comedy Special
Join Belfast based comedians Heather Anderson & Leo Lardie for a hilarious Sunday afternoon pick-me-up! They’ll squeeze every last juicy bit from their experiences of mental (ill) health to serve up a deliciously sharp yet somehow sweet glass of stand-up comedy for all to enjoy!
Time 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Belfast
Adult Content
Bounce Wrap Party with The High End Dead and Black Moon Disco
Join us for the Bounce Arts Festival Wrap Party, featuring a captivating performance by The High End Dead, a 5-piece alt rock band led by Ozie's mesmerising vocals, as well as the inclusive vibes of Black Moon Disco. Celebrate the festival's success with music, inclusivity, and liberating joy!
Time 9:00pm – late
Belfast
