Let’s Talk about Whiteness

Join Nandi, Azadeh, Anne and Pascal to explore what whiteness can and could mean to us in Northern Ireland in 2026 and beyond. As a collective of artists, academics and activists, we will guide you through an exploration of this contentious and crucial concept. We come together as Belfast based citizens with an interest in anti-racism, drawn from different backgrounds and experiences of whiteness.

Join a collective of artists, academics and activists to explore what whiteness can and could mean to us in Northern Ireland in 2026 and beyond

Whether you have delved into writings and debates about racism and whiteness, or if you have never dived into the topic before, we promise an immersive and thought provoking exploration of one of the most divisive and potentially liberating concepts of our time. We believe that art and conversation can transform our understanding and enable us to create a better world. So expect some dance, spoken word poetry, and a whistle-stop tour of academic writings on whiteness.

Throughout there will be audience participation in group discussions. A trauma informed approach will ensure psychological safety throughout our discussions, although participants are invited to recognise that discomfort can be navigated and bring us to knowledge and insights that enrich our lives and our quality of interconnectedness. We plan to send you away with a new sense of optimism that we have an innate universal bond that connects all humanity, and we have the means to heal the divides that disconnect us.

Nandi Jola is a poet, storyteller and playwright who was born in South Africa and has spent most of her life as a writer and performer in Northern Ireland. Nandi's poetry collection "Home is Neither Here Nor There" explores themes of home, migration and the fragile relationships between humans, animals and morals.

Azadeh Sobout is a Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast. She is an Iranian activist, writer, and educator rooted in refugee justice, indigenous solidarity , antiracist, feminist, and anti-capitalist movements and communities for over a decade.

Dr Anne Darcy is the founder of Community Psychology Reclaimed CIC, which provides psychological interventions and trainings that are informed by intersectional feminism. Anne has a passion for engaging in productive conversations around racism and dismantling whiteness.

Pascal McCulla is a husband, father and grandfather whose vision draws on this along with 50 years of experience of working in the community sector. Pascal is a trainer and facilitator with a passion for designing learning events. His approach encompasses the fields of human behaviour and motivation together with theories of change and resistance to change. Pascal has worked in the Equality field, working against sectarianism and racism.

Image credit: Anfaal Almughallis

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