The end of Catholic Ireland? by Allan LEONARD 6 November 2018 In what Alan Meban described the event as a symposium (“but don’t say it was in a bar” [The Dark Horse Inn]), Dr Gladys Ganiel, a sociologist of religion from Queen’s University Belfast, laid out quantitative and qualitative findings about the apparent secularisation process … Continue reading The end of Catholic Ireland?
SEVERE: Interview with Martin Seeds by Allan LEONARD 5 November 2018 A new body of work by Belfast-born artist, Martin Seeds, has just been shown as part of the Brighton Photo Fringe. The works are an extension of Seeds’ application of landscape and allegory. Or put another way, our political landscape -- literally and figuratively. … Continue reading SEVERE: Interview with Martin Seeds
Book review — Bobby Sands (Yan Morvan) by Allan LEONARD 11 October 2018 Sorj Chalandon ends his foreword with a question from Bobby Sands’ memorial card: “Will tomorrow be remembered?” He is with Bobby Sands, a photobook by Yan Morvan. https://youtu.be/20VVWz6XtVo It is said that a journalist creates the first draft of history, and Morvan’s … Continue reading Book review — Bobby Sands by Yan Morvan
Earning trust “story by story”: Can we believe the media? The role of journalism in the digital age by Allan LEONARD 4 October 2018 Ulster University — along with the UK press regulatory body, Impress, and the Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association (MeCCSA) — jointly hosted a symposium event at its Belfast campus: “Can … Continue reading Earning trust “story by story”
The Lost Moment exhibition: The provocation of 1968 by Allan LEONARD 27 September 2018 In the year 1968, there were street protests and marches in Belfast, Berlin, Derry/Londonderry, Paris, Prague, Selma and beyond. Some of the most powerful captured images and video clips are on display at The Lost Moment exhibition at the Gallery of … Continue reading The Lost Moment exhibition: The provocation of 1968
Bear witness for peace: International Peace Day 2018 by Allan LEONARD 21 September 2018 In support for International Peace Day and in conjunction with Good Relations Week and Culture Night Belfast, Belfast City Council hosted an event that featured a keynote speech by Rev. Trevor Williams, addresses by Councillor Tim Attwood, Susan Picken, Jennifer Skillen, … Continue reading Bear witness for peace: International Peace Day 2018
Transforming memories of war into memories of peace: Imagine Peace by Allan LEONARD 18 September 2018 Imagine Peace is a photography exhibition launched at Belfast Exposed as part of Good Relations Week, featuring artists Ingrid Guyon and Antonio Amador with their Colombian peacebuilding subjects. The exhibition is part of a creative peace project called “FUTyoURES”, … Continue reading Transforming memories of war into memories of peace: Imagine Peace
Another fine edition of our human books: Living Library by Allan LEONARD 17 September 2018 As part of Good Relations Week 2018, Belfast City Council hosted its seventh annual Living Library event, where public visitors come in to borrow a “human book” -- a person who sits across from you in a one-to-one storytelling session. … Continue reading Another fine edition of our human books: Living Library
Sustaining hope for peace: Global Conflict 2018 by Allan LEONARD 23 August 2018 In partnership with the University of Chicago and its Pearson Institute, Queen’s University Belfast hosted a two-day conference, “Global Conflict: The Human Impact”. This report recounts the first day’s events, which focussed on sharing learning from the peace processes in Northern Ireland … Continue reading Sustaining hope for peace: Global Conflict 2018
Developing respect in our politics: Leaders' debate by Allan LEONARD 8 August 2018 The high level of respect displayed by the audience and speakers at St Mary’s University College for a leaders’ debate organised by Féile Belfast belied that of the current political situation in Northern Ireland. Representing seven parties on the island of Ireland … Continue reading Developing respect in our politics: Leaders’ debate
“To change the riverflow of history”: Constitutional pasts and futures by Allan LEONARD 8 May 2018 Political and legal scholars, peacemakers and peacebuilders convened at the Royal Irish Academy to review and discuss potential constitutional relationships between Ireland and the United Kingdom, especially vis-a-vis Northern Ireland and the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the import of … Continue reading “To change the riverflow of history”: Constitutional pasts and futures
Book review: A Job to Love (The School of Life) by Allan LEONARD 28 April 2018 I acquired A Job to Love by The School of Life (founder and chairman, Alain DE BOTTON) when I had pretty much decided to enter the job market of the freelancer. So perhaps this read was for self-affirmation. The … Continue reading Book review: A Job to Love (The School of Life)
