Background

The last decade has seen a big change in the cultural make up of Northern Ireland, resulting in an increasingly diverse society. Involvement in the arts and opportunities for cultural expression are an important part of any truly inclusive society. Recognising this, an informal group of concerned individuals and organisations began meeting to see if they could find a way to support this. It was agreed that a formal group was needed and the Minority Ethnic Arts Forum (MEAF) was born.

The group is made up of those working or interested in this area, and aims to provide a voice and support for: artists from minority ethnic backgrounds; and, arts organisations working with minority ethnic arts or minority ethnic communities.

Since MEAF’s formation, the group has organised a number of events and begun lobbying for minority ethnic arts. Over the coming years, MEAF will actively lobby for minority ethnic arts in Northern Ireland, and work to establish further support mechanisms for those working in the field.

Vision

The vision of MEAF is for a society in which arts is diverse, inclusive and vibrant.

Mission

The mission of MEAF is to enhance creative opportunities for artists from minority ethnic communities.