Art at the Heart is a one-day conference, organised by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, exploring the theme of socially and politically engaged art. It will give delegates the opportunity to hear keynote speakers - including legendary Irish novelist Edna O’Brien, musician and Chairman of the Live Music Forum, Feargal Sharkey, and renowned playwright, David Edgar – discuss artistic engagement in contemporary literature, music, drama and visual arts.
Delegates will explore issues relating to socially and politically engaged art in lively workshop sessions with leading international and Northern Ireland-based professionals. Art at the Heart will challenge, entertain and educate artists and arts organisations, administrators and facilitators, politicians and local authorities, cultural policy and decision makers - indeed everyone sharing the Arts Council’s vision to ‘place the arts at the heart of our social, economic and creative life.’

http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/conference/2007/index.htm