A Feeling in the Blood by Belfast based artist and fiddle player Susan Hughes is an exhibition across a range of media including video, sculpture and installation.

Susan has travelled across Ireland having conversations with musicians, dancers, singers, researchers and archivists gathering stories from the rich and complex world of Irish music, song and dance. This exhibition presents some of the mystery, myth, obsession and collective transcendence she has encountered along the way.

A Feeling in the Blood is programmed to coincide with Belfast Trad Fest and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a fluid, participatory and collaborative space.

Displayed within the exhibition are a range of loaned objects from members of the public who responded to a call for artefacts and belongings which had a history relating to a personal experience of traditional Irish music over the years. We are delighted that this includes material from Belfast Film Workshop https://digitalfilmarchive.net/collection/the-life-and-times-of-134, Ulster Television and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Film Unit. 

Also present is a purpose-built stage which will be activated by ad-hoc performances by visiting musicians to the Fleadh, as well as a curated programme of performances throughout the run of the exhibition. 

The title ‘A Feeling in the Blood’ is sourced from an archival recording of fiddle player Néillidh Boyle from Dungloe, Co. Donegal.

“If you notice every note seems to have a sad, a crying effect. That note has to be embellished. It’s done with a slight grace note which can’t be seen with the movement of the fingers. It’s done with a feeling in the blood. It can’t, this thing can’t be written and it’s very hard to explain it on paper.” (1953)

When can you visit?

Launch Thursday 30th July 6-8pm 

30th July - 18th October 2026

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am until 5pm

Late Night Art (first Thursdays of the month) open late. 

Where to Go?

The MAC

10 Exchange St West, Belfast BT1 2NJ

For more information about venue access visit the MAC’s website

https://themaclive.com/accessibility

The exhibition and live performances are free

Visit the MAC’s website for event details: https://themaclive.com/exhibition/susan-hughes-a-feeling-in-the-blood

 Image Credit: The Life and Times of the Flute by Belfast Film Workshop. Broadcast on UTV.