Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland’s unique festival scene is Imagine! Belfast – a vital and vibrant annual gathering dedicated to progressive ideas, dynamic social discourse, and giving voice to – and uniting – diverse viewpoints.

At its helm is Mags White-O’Kane, a passionate advocate for the event’s mandate as a “high-quality showcase for the discussion of contemporary political and societal issues including new ideas on politics, culture, and activism.”

As the event’s newly-appointed Director, she brings a wealth of experience from her decades-long work in the region’s arts and culture scene.

And, despite growing up amidst the backdrop of The Troubles, White-O’Kane has maintained her warmth and wit. “I am an Irish woman, born in Co. Antrim, although my dad is from Malton, North Yorkshire. As a result, I have a very high tolerance for unpredictable weather and strangely enjoy swimming in freezing water.”

Now living in the picturesque village of Magheralin, roughly 15 miles southwest of Belfast, she is quick to commend her community.

“Magheralin is in Co. Armagh, proud County winners of the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Gaelic Football Championship. I believe the celebrations are still ongoing in a few of the local establishments!”

White-O’Kane’s relationship with Imagine! Belfast began when she became involved as a performer and events organizer in the city’s comedy scene.

“I was promoting a small cabaret night at the famous Duke of York Bar in Belfast.”

Her admiration for Peter O’Neill, the festival’s founder, and his willingness to embrace unconventional ideas, made an indelible impression. “Peter was known for his radical spirit, which persisted with the formation of Imagine! Festival of Ideas and Politics.”

White-O’Kane is happy to carry that torch forward.

“I am passionate about cultural diversity, participation, compassion, and activism. This really is my dream job…”

Her role now encompasses everything from programming to fundraising.

“We are a micro-organization. Our team comprises me as full-time Festival Director and Peter has stayed on – thankfully – in a supportive role as Executive Producer.

“At its core, Imagine! Belfast is rooted in creatively tackling relevant social issues, encouraging under-represented groups to participate in political and cultural debates, stimulating reflection and discussion on challenging issues, and promoting free speech, good relations, cultural diversity, and equality.”

Held each March, the event encompasses a week-long series of events, engaging people in discussion and debate and championing the values of Community Engagement, Collaboration, Innovation, Diversity, and Sustainability.

White-O’Kane highlights the contributions of the Board of Trustees, volunteers, freelancers, and an exceptional design team who bring the festival’s vision to life.

“Alongside our amazing venues and event organizers, we are so fortunate to draw on the talent and energy of many wonderful partners.”

She notes, however, that operating in Northern Ireland’s distinctive arts and culture landscape does present unique hurdles.

“Most arts organizations here depend heavily on public funding and sponsorship. Imagine! Belfast hosts over 100 events in just one week, which is challenging enough, but we also operate on extremely limited budgets.”

Despite those challenges, White-O’Kane remains optimistic, citing “the goodwill of our wonderful partners, including universities, public funders, businesses and venues” as instrumental in finding solutions.

The rewards of being involved, she muses, are significant.

“The Belfast art scene truly is a family. In 2024, 50 percent of our audience members attended a festival event for the first time, and 42 percent had never been to these venues before.

“We are not just reaching new audiences – we are introducing them to new spaces and ideas.”

Equally meaningful is the festival’s engagement with marginalized communities.

“Twenty-one percent of our attendees identified as disadvantaged,” she continues. “That kind of impact makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

The programming is designed to attract a broad spectrum of attendees.

“Our audiences are mostly from Northern Ireland, but we welcome visitors from around the world. We invite open submissions, encouraging innovation and creativity from new contributors.”

Brimming with anticipation for the upcoming program, White-O’Kane is upbeat.

“Our 2025 lineup includes BAFTA-nominated author Lemn Sissay, celebrated comedian Jo Caulfield, LGBTQ historian Jon Savage, and poet Erin Fornoff as our ‘artivist’ in residence. We will also feature events on environmental politics, body positivity, gender equality, and much more.”

The full schedule lists over 100 events, including a special Day of Democracy, a celebration of Ska, Reggae and Two Tone, concerts, film showings, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and more.

The festival’s venues are as eclectic as its programming.

“From the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Center) to unconventional rooms in classic pubs, churches, and even the famous Belfast Glider bus, our events will take place all over the city.”

Since its inception in 2015, Imagine! Belfast has expanded exponentially.

“We started with 43 events in 14 venues. Last year, we hosted 376 speakers and performers across 44 venues, with a total audience of nearly 20,000.”

Reflecting on the festival’s role in the community, White-O’Kane emphasizes its unique value for “curating controversial and provocative events.” She adds, “It is an important platform for showcasing emerging artists and providing space for voices often ignored in local political discourse.”

While fulfilling that mandate has been a success, White-O’Kane acknowledges the broader struggles faced by the arts sector in Northern Ireland.

“Our part of the world consistently receives less investment in the arts compared to the rest of the UK and Ireland. To make a real difference, both increased investment and collaboration from policymakers are urgently needed.”

Nonetheless, she is staying positive.

“The goodwill and relentless enthusiasm within the arts sector do a lot of heavy lifting and Imagine! Belfast is a testament to that spirit.”

Going forward, White-O’Kane’s is excited about the opportunities to grow the gathering.

“I want to take Imagine! Belfast into an exciting new era. We aim to reflect the diversity of modern Belfast while challenging binary perceptions of identity in the North of Ireland. Belfast looks and feels very different from days gone by and Imagine! Belfast aims to reflect that transformation. This festival is about more than events – it is about fostering understanding, connection, and change. And, on top of all that, it’s good old fun!”

Imagine Belfast runs from March 24-30.

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