Belfast Festival of Learning

Be part of Belfast’s first
Festival of Learning
Following the launch in 2015 of Belfast Strategic Partnership’s “Belfast a Learning
City” and the Learning Charter for Belfast, BSP is now calling for organisations in
the city to contribute to Belfast’s first Festival of Learning in 2016. This unique
festival aims to engage Belfast citizens in learning, and inspire interest and
enjoyment, through a week long programme of interactive learning events and
workshops.
During the week of 7th- 13th March 2016 we are asking organisations to showcase
a diverse range of learning opportunities in our city for people of all ages, all
backgrounds and all locations. These may be already planned or you could plan
one specifically for the Festival. We particularly hope to showcase events that
encourage the participation of groups and individuals who have experienced
barriers in accessing learning opportunities.
Submit an idea for an event!
We want to enable as wide a range of organisations as possible to contribute to
shaping the programme, and meeting the different needs of learners in the city, by
directly creating and delivering events. We will look at every idea submitted with a
view to endorsing it under the Festival of Learning, and we will co-ordinate and
promote a citywide programme of events for the Festival.
All you have to do is complete the attached Event Submission Form and send us
your ideas as soon as possible – but the final deadline will be 15th January 2016.
What are we looking for?
People learn for a variety of reasons; we have adopted a wide interpretation of learning from the EU definition that learning is “…undertaken throughout life with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence within a personal, civic, social and/or employment related perspective” We encourage submissions for imaginative and creative events that build a programme that reflects and promotes the many reasons people have for learning – whether it is learning for work, learning to understand others and live together, learning skills or learning to deal with life’s challenges.
Who can apply?
We welcome ideas from a wide range of contributors including individuals and organisations such as community groups, schools and colleges, arts organisations, businesses, cultural groups and public bodies.

To be included in the Festival of Learning, events must reflect the aims of the Festival of Learning which are:
 To promote learning in all its forms and promote Belfast as a Learning City, and encourage organisations to sign up to the Learning Charter
 To engage learners of all ages in a wide range of settings across the city with a variety of learning opportunities
 To raise awareness of the engaging, fun and surprising ways we can learn
The BSP Lifelong Learning Thematic Group will consider requests for financial support where no available funding exists to support a proposed event. This financial support is limited, and as we wish to support as broad a range of events as possible, we will consider support up to a maximum of £500 per event; requests will only be considered for one off costs including venue hire, transport for learners, promotion of events, hospitality and logistical support for running events. Please list details of your request for financial costs on the events submission form.

In addition, BSP’s Family Friendly Initiative is offering financial support up to £500 per event within the Festival of Learning which meet the following additional criteria:
 Events/activities that promote fun based learning activities aimed at families
 Events/activities that encourage families to try out new activities together
In the event submission form there is a specific Family Friendly events tick box.
What should you bear in mind?
Festival events have to be engaging and accessible for the wider community. If you are currently planning an event for this week which ties in with the aims and ethos of the Festival of Learning, we can help you promote your event as part of the Festival programme.
How do you get involved?
We have an open response method, asking that you use the submission form. Your submission will be considered alongside other ideas at festival programming meetings. A panel will meet to finalise the programme and make decisions on funding support for events and final decisions will be made by 22nd January 2016, after which we will notify you of the panel’s decision.
Guidelines for Festival events
 All events must take place within Belfast during the week of 7th to 13th March 2016.
 Events should be fully accessible and every effort should be made to cater for the special needs of attendees.
 Events should be as creative and imaginative as possible with an emphasis on interactive learning.
 Event organisers must take responsibility for all relevant insurances, licences and health & safety requirements.
 The support of event organisers in publicising and promoting their particular
event(s), and the Festival as a whole, on any print materials, social media and
websites available would be appreciated.
 We will provide a simple template for feedback on events from organisers and
learners and ask for these to be returned by end of March 2016.
More information
If you would like more information on any aspect of the Belfast Festival of Learning,
please email Dolores Atkinson at [email protected] or telephone 028 9050
2073.
Please click on the following link to access “Belfast a Learning City” and the
Learning Charter.
www.makinglifebettertogether.com/lifelong-learning/