WEST Belfast actress Geraldine Hughes has said there should be no barriers for the next generation of creative talent in Northern Ireland.
Known for her roles in Rocky Balboa, Gran Torino, Children in the Crossfire and Killing Lincoln, she visited Ulster University this week to lead an exclusive acting workshop for local community groups.
An Ulster University Honorary Graduate, the acclaimed actress visited the University’s creative spaces which include the Virtual Production Studio – a £1m facility that supports cutting-edge teaching and research in the screen industries.
Getting in front of the camera on a Nevada desert landscape produced and directed by students, she also joined a training session for S.U.R.F. (Skills for Urban and Rural Futures), a programme designed to address the lack of opportunity facing many young people as well as meeting with two community groups – The Marion Centre of Excellence and Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network.
Today, local Hollywood actress, Geraldine Hughes hosted a workshop in our state-of-the-art Virtual Production Studio in our Belfast Campus.
— Ulster University (@UlsterUni) May 23, 2024
Young people from @CooleStudios and The Marion Centre got to ask Geraldine their questions.#WeAreUU | @UUScreen | @DeclanKeeney pic.twitter.com/3nj6YgUpQe
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Sharing stories about her career, she answered practical questions and listened to young people share their own aspirations.
“When I left West Belfast at age 18, there was little opportunity to do what students in Northern Ireland can do now,” she said.
“Yet people in my life told me I was worth it, recognised my talent, and gave me a hand up. That was crucial, but it was also important that I supported myself and what I told the students today was that it doesn’t matter what your background is or what you’re going through, your dreams and ambitions will take you through.
“Success is many different things, but doing what you love is success in my book and I was thrilled to meet so many ambitious and talented young creatives today.”
Joanne Dunn, Founder of The Marion Centre of Excellence, said her organisation improved mental health in her community by addressing a lack of belonging or passion many young people could feel.
“Recently we have found many young people want to work in areas like animation, game design, and set building, so this connection with the university allows us to provide pathways in that area.
“The world is moving away from traditional sectors, so it was great to hear Geraldine’s story of success and provide an inspiring example to our young people.”
Paul Moore, Professor of Creative Technologies at Ulster University, called Ms Hughes “an inspiring example of acclaimed talent, born and raised in Northern Ireland.”
As well as Ulster University “feeding the creative industries,” he said the S.U.R.F programme provided opportunities for young people “to leapfrog an education system that isn’t necessarily catered to them and realise their full potential.”
