Bounce Arts Festival returns to Derry next month with bold new theme ‘Not Just…’

PICTURED ABOVE: At the programme launch at University of Atypical gallery were (from left) Bryan Sutherland from Stage Beyond, writer Alex Cregan, Edel Murphy, CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical, Head of Community Arts and Participation, Arts Council of Northern Ireland Patricia Lavery, artist Devin Kane and artist Justine Scoltock.

Northern Ireland’s only disability arts festival, Bounce, returns to Derry and Belfast  this autumn with a bold new theme – ‘Not Just…’ – and its most ambitious programme to date, running from October 2–4 2025.

Events in Derry will be held at the Playhouse, the Centre for Contemporary Art, the Void Arts Centre and the Nerve Centre.

Now in its fifth year in Derry, Bounce continues to champion disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent artists through a festival that’s open to all and creatively fearless.

 “I am truly excited to reveal this year’s Bounce 2025 programme,” said Edel Murphy, CEO and Artistic Director of Atypical, the organisation behind Bounce.

“Bounce is not just a festival—it’s a movement. As individuals, we are not just one thing,” she added. “This year’s artists bring a wealth of intersectional experiences that challenge stereotypes and celebrate complexity.”

Against the backdrop of proposed benefit cuts for disabled people in the UK, Bounce 2025 celebrates art as activism, community, and joy. The theme ‘Not Just…’ speaks to the layered experiences of disabled people—who are also parents, carers, LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, artists, workers, and more. It’s an urgent call for richer representation and deeper inclusion.

Ciara Smyth, Chair of University of Atypical, thanked the funders from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland along with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Belfast City Council, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, National Lottery Communities Fund
Department for Communities, Arts Council of Northern Ireland Commissioning Programme supported by the National Lottery, Cultural Bridge, Belfast Harbour Community Awards, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through The Ultach Fund, Esmé Mitchell Trust and Blueprint through Arts and Business NI.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh said: “Our commitment to supporting a full programme in Derry reflects our dedication to ensuring that disabled artists and audiences in the North West have equitable access to, and can fully participate in, the vibrant arts scene. I would encourage everyone to experience the magic of Bounce, a festival that embodies the spirit of our community and is all about celebrating diversity, talent and extending a warm welcome to everyone.”

Patricia Lavery, Head of Community Arts and Participation, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “We are committed to supporting and celebrating the work of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, and the Bounce Arts Festival does just that, offering a vital platform to shine a light on the work of these talented artists. Congratulations to University of Atypical who have curated yet another terrific programme this year and I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this incredible festival!”

Festival Highlights Across the Three Days include:

• Not Just BS (Breakfast Symposium) will be held at the Playhouse. This networking and panel event features some of the leading artists and performers exploring the importance of disability representation, intersectionality, and inclusion in the arts.
• Still Not Your Pity Party! At The Playhouse in Derry – Queer, d/Deaf, and disabled performers take the mic in this high-energy cabaret challenging pity narratives with pride, power, and unapologetic humour.
• Re-collections Exhibition. Also at the Playhouse, Re-collections by Justine Scoltock is a series of mixed media pieces exploring how multiple layers of identity, including gender, religion, class and ability create unique, overlapping experiences.
• Wright Now. A writing workshop led by acclaimed Derry-based writer, Dave Duggan, whose work for film and TV include the Oscar-nominated Dance, Lexie Dance.
• Dreaming Disability Futures - A writing and dreaming workshop at the Void Arts Centre led by writer Alex Cregan exploring the politics of disability and justice.
• Mind the Time - A film screening at the Nerve Centre provides a rare opportunity to view the unique talent of award-winning Stage Beyond Theatre Company on the big screen.
• We Shall Not March to the Beat of the Same Drum - A live performance by visual and performance artist Rebecca Strain at the Centre for Contemporary Art. It draws on Homi Bhabha’s notion of the ‘third space’ where cultural meaning is negotiated rather than fixed.

“These events are just a taste of the packed, exciting programme we’re proud to present this year,” says Edel Murphy. “Bounce 2025 is diverse, disability-led, and for everyone. This festival belongs to you—come make it your own.”

Tickets and full schedule are available at: https://universityofatypical.org/bounce/