Online Event: Ed Byrne on Humanism in the Arts

Presented as part of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival 2025 (10th to 19th October, 2025)

Navan-native Ed Byrne is probably best known for his stand-up comedy and TV career which began while at college in Strathclyde University, Glasgow. Having performed in dozens of countries to countless audiences since the 1990s, it is safe to say that he knows a thing or two about comedy and life in the Arts.

But Ed is also a humanist and has been a patron of Humanists UK for many years. Across dozens of interviews, TV shows and even stand-up routines, Ed has discussed his atheism and subsequent humanism at length – exploring topics such as morality, kindness and human rights.
As part of the Irish Arts Human Rights Festival 2025 hosted by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, this remarkable talk will explore Humanism in the Arts from Ed’s unique perspective.

About the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival
Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, Front Line Defenders, and a range of partners, present the seventh annual Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival from the 10 to 19 October 2025. The festival features exciting and innovative events that promote equality, human rights and diversity throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland and internationally. The aim of the festival is to showcase and highlight the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world, past and present, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today.