“In a world where human rights continue to be under attack, the Arts and Human Rights Festival sets out to celebrate the people who have stood up for them around the world and throughout history and highlight the role artists can play in promoting a more just society.”
– Kevin Courtney, Irish Times
Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, Front Line Defenders, and a range of partners, present the eight annual, international Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival running for ten days from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th October 2026.
The festival features exciting and innovative events that promote equality, human rights and diversity through the arts.
The aim of the festival is to showcase and highlight the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world, past and present, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. The festival runs for ten days in October each year across the island of Ireland and internationally.
Events include an evening of live poetry and music on themes of human rights, social justice and solidarity, a celebration of independent and emerging short filmmaking, featuring a curated programme of short films, while writer and artist Mary Moynihan will be in conversation with human rights defender Mary Lawlor about the vital role of defending human rights today.
The artistic curator for the festival is Mary Moynihan, Writer, Artist and Artistic Director, Smashing Times and the human rights curator is Laura O’Leary, International Events and Promotions Coordinator, Front Line Defenders.
In Solidarity: An International Celebration of Arts and Human Rights – Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, Friday 9th – Sunday 18th October 2026
For full details of the programme check out the Festival Website and Bookings
