Monday, 14 September 2026
Event Details
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Where are They? ¿Dónde están? exhibition in Art Gallery, Ulster University (Photo: Simon Mills) |
| Exhibition: | Where are They? ¿Dónde están? |
| Description: | This will be the first solo exhibition of Conflict Textiles at the Art Gallery in Ulster University Belfast. The core theme of this exhibition will be the disappeared and it marks the 15 year anniversary of International Day of the Disappeared on 30th August. The disappeared and those affected by it has always been at the core of Conflict Textiles. We have exposed the lived experience of those who have been affected by the ripples of enforced disappearances. Through the arpilleras, other textiles & other art forms, participants can experience the physical and emotional witnesses to the events surrounding the abductions, and their aftermath.
The exhibition will contain both new and old pieces to the collection and introduce new formats. It will also unveil a new piece by Irene MacWilliam on the disappeared of Northern Ireland. There will be a tribute to Irene who has spent 14 years in the creation of this poignant and painful piece.Launch, Wednesday 26th August from 3 to 4.30PM.
In the context of the exhibition taking place at the time of Disappearance Studies Conference in Derry-Londonderry, we invite our colleagues who come from further afield to visit the exhibition either Saturday 29th from 1 to 5PM or after the conference Wednesday 2nd September at an agreed time. |
| Commissioned by: | Conflict Textiles |
| Date(s): | 25th August 2026 - 4th September 2026 |
| Venue: | Art Gallery, Ulster University, Belfast Campus
2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP |
| Curator: | Roberta Bacic |
| Facilitator: | Cian Smyth and Team |
| Outcome: | The 7 days exhibition was of great relevance for Conflict Textiles. On the opening day, 26th August, Professor Paul Connolly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, gave a warm and informed welcome to attendees. It was a full house with people coming from different roads of life, which also included 2 exhibiting artists.
At the opening, we offered a tribute to Irene MacWilliam who has been a long standing contributor to the collection. During the time the exhibition was on, we gave 12 guided tours, some for people who follow us, others completely new to our network. Cian Smyth, Arts & Culture Manager at UU has let us know that we had a total number of 524 visitors during the week which is considered a very good turnout. For CT the associated activities are of vital relevance for outreach, engagement and follow up. |
| Documents: |
• Labels for all exhibited pieces - view
• Photo Gallery Where Are They - view
• Curator's statement - view
• Exhibition Leaflet - view
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