This episode of the Arts and Human Rights Radio Show provides an indepth look at the programme for the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival 2026 with producers Freda Manweiler and Ciara Hayes. Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and Front Line Defenders, and a range of partners, present the eighth annual Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival from the 9 to 18 October 2026. The festival features exciting and innovative events that promote equality, human rights and diversity throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland and internationally. The aim of the festival is to showcase and highlight the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world, past and present, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today. The aim is to have the Irish Arts and Human Rights festival take place in every county in Ireland and to have international events and partners. The festival has sought to be as inclusive as possible; opening up to all artists across Ireland and internationally and to all communities including those experiencing marginalization and disadvantage, to ensure that artistic voices are championed, and that the scale of the festival can grow to broaden a wide range of arts participation, playing a vital role in the fabric of Ireland’s cultural, social and political landscape. The festival promotes human rights and justice for all, and the vision of a world where all people are treated equally, with dignity and respect – linking the arts to civil society, active citizenship and politics, aiming to celebrate and unite community connections, artists, human rights organisations and human rights defenders. The festival showcases world-class and diverse acts, artists and speakers, including up and coming performers. It brings arts and human rights together through interdisciplinary events which include workshops, theatre performances, musical performances, visual arts, exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions, poetry and literature events, historical memory performances, live art, digital installations, and more. Join us to illuminate stories of courage and inspiration and to share stories of ordinary people who stand up for human rights. We bear witness to, and remember the past, explore the present and celebrate the future linked to equality, human rights and diversity for all. The Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio show is broadcast every Wednesday 6-7pm with Dublin South FM with each episode available as a podcast. The show is hosted by Mary Moynihan, writer, poet, creator of art and photography and Artistic Director, Smashing Times along with co-host Freda Manweiler, Producer, Smashing Times. Enjoy an engaging hour of in-depth discussions focused on all things arts, culture and human rights.Tune in to Dublin South FM 93.9, or listen online at www.dublinsouthfm.ie. All past episodes can be listened to here. Mary Moynihan, MA, she/her, is an author of novels, poetry, films and plays, from Dublin,Ireland. Mary embarked upon her award-winning career as a writer in theatre and film and hasgarnered much acclaim for her plays, poetry and short film scripts, and for creating interdisciplinary artworks combining writing, poetry and photography presented in galleries and online. She established and became Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and is Artistic Curator for the annual international Arts and Human Rights festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
