OUTPUT Ireland’s largest one-day music conference will once again take over Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, bringing together leading figures from across the music industry for a free programme of panels, workshops, masterclasses and networking events.
Prrogrammed by Score Draw Music, Output is designed to equip Northern Ireland’s music community with the creative and business tools needed to build sustainable careers in today’s industry.
This year’s opening keynote will feature Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music; Catherine Martin, Head of Policy, Ireland at The Ivors Academy and former Irish Minister for Culture; and David Martin, Chief Executive of the Featured Artists Coalition.
Beyond Skin presents...
"Championing Afghan and Iranian Women Artists Women Artists and Indian Classic Music"
Speakers - Soraya Hossaini (Afghan singer, musician and fashion designer), Cliff Cooper (Orange Amplifiers, Sustainable Music Education), Behnaz Mafakheri (Beyond Skin), Sudeshna Biswas (Founder - Lighthouse Enterprise, Tarang Wave of Melodies)
Soraya Hossaini is a remarkable Afghan singer, musician, and fashion designer whose work transcends boundaries of art, culture, and advocacy. As an Afghan refugee and female artist navigating systemic discrimination in both Iran and Afghanistan, Soraya’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and creative brilliance.
In 2017, she made her first return to Afghanistan as a member of Arikayn, the pioneering Hazara rock band formed by the Afghan refugees in Iran. The band’s groundbreaking performances in Kabul and Bamiyan were immortalized in the acclaimed documentary The Forbidden Strings.
Undeterred, Soraya has pivoted her creativity into fashion, founding Surryhouse, a brand celebrating Afghan craftsmanship and textiles. Through this initiative, she amplifies her cultural heritage, empowering others while expanding her artistic research.
Soraya recently perform at the Belfast Fleadh and has began a collaboration with N.Ireland punk rock band Cut Rubber.
As Soraya navigates the increasing challenges for Afghan women under the Taliban and Afghan refugees in Iran, her unwavering commitment to art and advocacy remains inspiring. Her story continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.
Sudeshna Biswas has lived in Belfast for nearly 18 years. Her professional career has been dedicated to working with various charities helping vulnerable children, young people and adults through a range of activities based on inclusion, wellbeing and community support. Sudeshna is deeply passionate about music and believes in its power to transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures. She founded Tarang, a cultural organisation through which she has successfully brought Indian classical music to audiences across Belfast. By presenting high-quality performances Tarang celebrates this profound tradition of music while making it accessible to diverse audiences. Through this work, Sudeshna aims to broaden Belfast’s musical landscape and deepen cross-cultural understandings.
Tarang in partnership with Beyond Skin host the Tarang Concert Belfast 2025 with musicians from Indian, Iran, Afghanistan, Gurdain Rayatt headlined the concert with an incredible 30 minute Tabla solo. Video link
Cliff Cooper is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of successfully steering new companies towards growth through innovation. His advocacy for sustainable equal access to education and qualifications has helped shape the music education industry. His father Cliff Cooper invented the iconic Orange Guitar Amplifiers and father and son still manage the Orange Company business. Cliff through another one of his companies 'The Learning Machine' is helping 1000's of women and girls in Afghanistan remotely access education including music and arts. Beyond Skin partnered with The Learning Machine in 2025
Behnaz Mafakheri is a Kurdish woman from Iran. After she finished her studies at the University of Urban Engineering and Architecture she came to Northern Ireland to find freedom away from the regime. Behnaz comes from a creative entrepreneurial family with previous restaurant and Persian weaving businesses. Behnaz is working with Beyond Skin managing music & community projects and events and job sharing with The Learning Machine to assist women and girls in Afghanistan.
