News & Views

Earlier this month 35 African and African Descent scholars, artists and community leaders from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland gathered for a landmark conference exploring African Irish heritage, culture, environment and sustainable development. 

Organized by the International Decade for People of African Descent and the International institute of African Studies with funding support from The Wheel, the conference was held at Technological University of Dublin. The gathering created a rare space where research, community experience, artistic practice and policy thinking could meet to discuss shared challenges and opportunities across the island of Ireland for African Artists and scholars. 

Also with aim to respond to challenge sustainable development challenges, the theme guiding the event was: African Irish Heritage: Rethinking Culture, the Environment and Sustainable Development. 

Bringing the Island Together 

The purpose of the conference was to strengthen connections between African artists and Scholars across communities on the island, and to explore how heritage, creativity and knowledge can shape a more inclusive, sustainable future. 

Participants reflected on: 

• lived experiences of African heritage in Ireland 

• cultural expression and belonging 

• access to opportunity 

• policy frameworks for inclusion 

• the role of arts, museums and literature 

• environmental relationships rooted in heritage and tradition 

Emerging Themes 

Across the sessions and panel discussions, several shared themes emerged clearly, including the growing and evolving African presence on the island of Ireland, the continuing need for cultural visibility and representation, and the potential role of art and museums in rewriting narratives and building public recognition. Participants also highlighted the barriers faced by African artists and scholars in cultural and economic life, the importance of shared learning between African and Irish experiences, and the wider value of heritage as a driver for belonging, wellbeing and sustainable development. 

Looking Forward 

The conversations and relationships formed during the event will continue to shape collaborations throughout the island of Ireland. 

This conference affirmed that African Irish heritage is an essential, living part of Island of Ireland society—rooted in history, culture, and community, and central to Ireland’s shared future. 

Article contributors: 

Dr David Nyaluke secretary of Federation and IDPADI Steering Committee
The International Decade for People of African Descent 2024-2034-IDPAD 

Dr Sylvia Gavigan Gatete
International Institute of African Studies Ireland 

Mr Tura Aratura
Africa Art Collective Ireland