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Have Afternoon Tea with Gilbert & George


World-famous artistic duo return to Belfast for a special event at The Merchant Hotel

To celebrate the success of SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast, the MAC is offering art lovers the unique opportunity to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in conversation with Gilbert & George at The Merchant Hotel.

The special event, which takes place in The Merchant’s iconic Great Room restaurant, will bring world-famous artistic duo Gilbert & George together in conversation with Tim Marlow, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy, over a luxurious afternoon tea.

Gilbert & George’s SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast is their most significant exhibition in Ireland in almost 20 years. More than 11,000 people have visited the MAC to see the spectacular images since the exhibition opened six weeks ago.

The unique event with Royal Academician Gilbert & George is part of the 250th-anniversary celebrations marking the establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts, London.

Commenting on the partnership, Petra Wolsey, group marketing director for Beannchor said: “We are proud to partner with the MAC for what promises to be an enlightening and entertaining afternoon in conversation with the legendary Gilbert & George. For Belfast to secure such a significant and culturally relevant exhibition is a huge coup and we are thrilled to provide a suitably decadent backdrop for this hugely exciting event.”

Áine McVerry, Acting Chief Executive at the MAC said:

"The reaction to the Gilbert & George exhibition so far has been overwhelming, the work has really struck a chord with local audiences and with the significant portion of our visitors who come from outside Belfast and Northern Ireland. We are delighted to be working with the Merchant to put on this special afternoon tea event. Belfast art lovers can look forward to a unique opportunity to meet the artists themselves at the Merchant, and at the MAC where the artists will be signing catalogues and posters in the gallery."

Tickets for Gilbert & George in conversation with Tim Marlow over Afternoon Tea at the Merchant Hotel can be purchased directly from the MAC website, https://themaclive.com/event/gg-at-the-merchant

Due to anticipated demand for this special event from visitors outside the city, a special Overnight Stay Package is also available from The Merchant, priced £89 per person sharing with complimentary car parking and flexible cancellation 24 hours prior to arrival. Availability is limited, so early booking is advised. Call 028 9023 4888 to book.

Gilbert & George will also be available for a second public signing of their catalogues and posters on Thursday 12th April from 10.30am – 12.30pm at the MAC. Tickets for the public signing are free and can be booked on the day; visitors are advised to arrive at the MAC early to avoid disappointment.

SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast is on display in the Sunken, Tall and Upper Galleries at the MAC, Belfast, until Sunday 22 April 2018. The exhibition is open daily from 10am-7pm and admission is free.

This event has been supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and by Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art.

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