Freelance Creative Programme Consultant Arts Ekta

Arts Ekta is seeking an experienced Freelance Creative Programme Consultant to help shape the next phase of our intercultural arts practice

Working alongside the Arts Ekta team, the consultant will undertake research, consultation, partnership development and creative programme planning, helping to develop ambitious, inclusive and deliverable programmes leading up to the Belfast Mela 2027, one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in arts/heritage programme development, participatory practice, co-design and working with diverse communities.

Anticipated start: 1 December 2026

Deadline:
Friday 20 November 2026

Arts Ekta is a multi-award-winning intercultural organisation working across the island of Ireland to build meaningful connections between people, communities and cultures. At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful belief: that creativity can bring people together, foster understanding and help shape a more inclusive and confident society. Arts Ekta is also home to Belfast Mela, the largest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland, which each year welcomes tens of thousands of people to experience the colours, tastes, rhythms and stories of our shared multicultural life.

Founded in 2006 by Indian-born social entrepreneur Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, Arts Ekta was created to champion inclusivity, openness and creative expression in all areas of society. The name "Ekta" means unity, and this spirit continues to guide our work as we collaborate with partners, artists, entrepreneurs and communities across both urban and rural contexts throughout Ireland.

Today, Arts Ekta delivers ambitious festivals, intercultural programmes, leadership initiatives and creative platforms that empower underrepresented voices, nurture female leadership and support diverse talent. By bringing people together through shared cultural experiences, we inspire curiosity, build trust and celebrate the richness of our collective identities. Our work invites audiences and participants alike to engage with the diverse sights, sounds and stories that define contemporary life across the island of Ireland, helping to create spaces where everyone feels they belong.