In the 21st century, the world is changing fast — and nowhere more so than in Ireland. Once a homogenous society, today, Ireland is a vibrant mix of ethnicities, religions, and cultures, giving the country a fresh, modern vibe. Yet, while this new Irish identity is something to celebrate, not everyone is at ease with the rapidly changing face of Ireland.
In Liverpool, where cultural fusion has long been part of our roots, we understand what it means to adapt and thrive in the face of change. But how does Ireland’s shift towards a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society shape its own unique version of ‘Irishness’? And what struggles do those at the forefront of this transformation face as they carve out a new space in Irish society?
Come and hear three women who are meeting those challenges through literature and the arts: Irish-Punjabi author and editor Gabrielle Fullan; writer, disabled activist and dancer Maryam Madani; and Black Studies lecturer and author Philomena Mullen. This in conversation will be hosted by Dr Rebecca Loy, the Diversity and Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool.
Join our panel to reflecting on our shared experiences and learn from the evolving story of Ireland. It’s more than just a conversation — it’s about connecting the dots between communities and cultures.
This event is in partnership with Speaking Volumes through their Breaking Ground Ireland Arts Council England funded project.
Gabrielle Fullam is an Irish-Punjabi writer from Dublin. She was appointed Whitechapel Gallery’s Young Writer in Residence 2024. She is studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck University, and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where she also served as President of the Student Union. She is a former editor of Icarus magazine, Ireland’s oldest literary journal.
Maryam Madani is a writer, disabled activist, dancer and the Founder/Chair of the grassroots organisation Disability Power Ireland. She organised Ireland’s first Disability Pride Festival (July 2022 and 2023) and Ireland’s first and second Disability Pride Parade for Disability Power Ireland (July 2023 and 2024). She has been a wheelchair dancer/performer and member of Undercurrent Dance Company since June 2023. Maryam has performed with Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, St. Patrick’s Festival, Milk and Cookie Stories and more. She has a BA in English Studies from Trinity College Dublin, and an MA in Journalism from Technological University Dublin.
Philomena Mullen is A Black Studies lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, was born to an Irish mother and a Nigerian father, and spent her first sixteen years in an Irish industrial school. She has been supported by Skein Press to develop her stories further. Among others, Philomena has read at: Silence+Voice – A Festival of Feminisms; the Royal Irish Academy; Breaking the Silence – Creative Responses to the Legacy of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Home Institutions (National Concert Hall and International Literature Festival Dublin project, 2021); and Echoes: Maeve Binchy and Irish Writers Festival.
Dr Rebecca Loy is the Diversity and Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool. Rebecca specialises in the field of Oppression, Diversity and Inclusion in PhD and was identified on the Northern Power Women Future List 2023.
We encourage people to use public transport to travel to events where possible.
Public Transport:
The following transport lines have routes that pass near Toxteth TV
Bus: 204, 26, 500, 75, 82
Nearest bus stop: Windsor Street (Approx. 5 min walk)
Nearest train station(s): Liverpool Central (Approx. 24 min walk), Liverpool Lime Street (Approx. 27 min walk)
*These are difficult times. We know some people may struggle to afford full price tickets. If you would like to attend this event but can’t afford to, please contact info@writingonthewall.org.uk. All queries will be treated in confidence.
VideOdyssey, Toxteth TV 37-45 Windsor St, Toxteth, Liverpool L8 1XE
£5.00
Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Ends: 9:00 pm
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