www.downartscentre.com
JANUARY / APRIL 24
Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre produces a programme of arts events throughout the year; including exhibitions, live theatre, music entertainment and comedy performances, as well as a wide range of workshops and classes. BOOKING INFORMATION The Down Arts team are pleased to let our customers know we now have online booking from our website
www.downartscentre.com
You can still call us on 0330 137 4014 or drop in to book tickets. Open to the public Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm Down Arts Centre 2 – 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick BT30 6BP downartscentre@nmandd.org
downartscentre
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WITH SPECIAL GUEST KEN HADDOCK DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
FRIDAY 19 JANUARY 2024 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) £15 / £13 DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Award winning blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer brings his powerhouse band back to Down Arts Centre, featuring some of the finest musicians in the country, including Anthony Toner on guitar and vocals, and keyboard maestro John McCullough. Special guest Ken Haddock adds his inimitable style and vocal brilliance to the line-up, making it an eclectic mix of blues, roots, soul and a little jazz, played with style and passion by the best in the business. “This is a magnificent band, of world class” Blues in Britain magazine
JAKE O’KANE: THE INAPPROPRIATE TOUR DATE: SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £25 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS Roll up, roll up, the Jake O’Kane circus is back in town! After a decade of sell-out tours, Jake is back with his annual multimedia roundup of the year’s events in NI and beyond. It’s going to be a no holds barred fun fest of puncturing political pomposity. Nobody is safe as Jake turns his keen wit on himself and his personal peculiarities. As always, he’s ably supported by ringmaster two-stroke Terry McHugh. Don’t miss this colossal combination of comedic clownery - book early, book often.
STUDIO NIGHTS
BRIGID THE GODDESS: A STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE BY SINEAD RICE McALEAVEY DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2024 7PM – 9PM £12 STUDIO BAR AT DOWN ARTS CENTRE
The legends of Brigid the Goddess have long lain dormant under the legend of Brigid the Saint. This Imbolc, storytelling champion Sinead Rice McAleavey, will untangle their tales and bring the goddess back into focus on St Brigid’s Day. The epic story of Brigid, one of the firstborn of the Celtic gods, is uniquely rich and entertaining, and is guaranteed to throw light on the origins of the Irish gods themselves as well as the beliefs of pre-Christian Ireland.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Performances
RONNIE GREER & BAND
Performances
THE SODA POPZ ROCK N ROLL SHOW DATE: FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £16 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: SHOWBIRD PRODUCTIONS The Soda Popz are bringing their spectacular Rock’n’Roll show to Downpatrick! This high energy show has been wowing audiences, young and old, all over the country, paying an authentic tribute to some of the best-loved hits from the fabulous 1950’s/60’s. So put your glad rags on and join us for the best retro experience around with toe-tapping Rock ‘n’ Roll hits from iconic artists such as Johnny Cash, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis and many more! “Highly recommend the Soda Popz – they are great fun and really know how to keep everyone entertained!! What a fantastic atmosphere they create too!!”
THE LEGEND OF LUKE KELLY DATE: FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £23.50 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS The Legend of Luke Kelly is an authentic show celebrating the life and songs of Ireland’s most iconic and greatest folk singer. Created and performed by the renowned Chris Kavanagh the show is not a tribute but a journey through Luke’s music that has received rave reviews in Ireland and abroad. An overwhelming endorsement of authenticity are the huge number of followers and regular sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues such as Vicar Street and Cork Opera House. In 2011 Chris was asked by John Sheahan to perform with The Dubliners on their German tour and Luke’s family are still in regular attendance at his concerts.
TEECHERS DATE: SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £15 / £13 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: BRUISER THEATRE COMPANY Fast-moving, inventive, and highly entertaining, Teechers is John Godber’s brilliant take on life at a modern Comprehensive. Through their hilarious end-of-term play three Year 11s exuberantly sketch the new drama teacher’s progress through two terms of recalcitrant classes, cynical colleagues, and obstructive caretakers. Disillusioned, he departs for the safe waters of a private school and leaves behind his students, whose youthful irreverence gives way to despair. Brought to the stage by award-winning Bruiser Theatre Company with high energy, break-neck comedy, and breathtaking ensemble performances, Teechers is a modern classic with something vital to say about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Recommended for age 12+. Contains some strong language.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
DATE: FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £20 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: ROZLYN SHERIDAN ‘Absolutely Flab-u-lous: Bernie Jones’s journey from Laundry Queen to Slimming Sensation!’ Following the resounding success of ‘Nobody Puts Bernie in a Corner’ which had audiences on their feet with continuous standing ovations during its sold-out tour across theatres in both the north and south of Ireland, Bernie is back with the next uproarious chapter in her story. Get ready to laugh until your laundry comes out wrinkle-free as we follow Bernie’s side-splitting adventure towards life in her forties and her quest for a slimmer waistline! In this hilarious one-woman show, Rozlyn Sheridan portrays numerous hilarious characters and reprieves the role of Bernie Jones, the lovable laundry business owner who finds herself in a spin cycle of laughter as she forges firm friendships at her local Slimming Watchers group. Audiences can expect an evening filled with laughter, heartwarming moments and a reminder of the importance of friendship. Join Bernie Jones and get ready to laugh your way to a slimmer waistline because who needs squats when you can burn calories with belly laughs?
AUSTEN’S WOMEN:
LADY SUSAN
DATE: SUNDAY 3 MARCH 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £15 / £13 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: DYAD PRODUCTIONS
From the award-winning creators of ‘Austen’s Women’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘I Elizabeth’, ‘Female Gothic’, ‘Christmas Gothic’ and ‘A Room of One’s Own’. Austen’s Women are back – in a brand new show! Devil-may-care Lady Susan, the coquettish black widow, hunting down not one, but two fortunes; oppressed, rebellious daughter Federica; longsuffering sister-in-law Catherine; family matriarch Mrs De Courcy; and insouciant best friend Alicia. Return to the Regency (or rather, Georgian) in this darkly comic tale of society and the women trapped within it; their struggles, their desires, their temptations and manipulations – and at the vanguard, Lady Susan: charming, scheming, witty and powerful; taking on society and making it her own. But has she met her match? Based on Jane Austen’s first full length work from 1794 and created entirely from letters, the piece is performed by Rebecca Vaughan and directed by Andrew Margerison.
GIVE MY HEAD PEACE
DATE: FRIDAY 8 MARCH 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £25.50 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS
After yet another sell-out run in 2023 the Give My Head Peace gang return with a brand-new show that’s guaranteed to be hilarious. Da, Cal, Ma, Billy the Peeler, Dympna, Pastor Begbie and Sandy the Kneebreakers Barman will bring their unique take on life and the year’s events in Northern Ireland. There will be topical jokes, satire, the odd song and barnstorming stand-up comedy from Tim McGarry. If you’ve seen the Gang before you’ll want to book early. If you haven’t been before…book early!
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Performances
ABSOLUTELY FLABULOUS
Performances
ANDY IRVINE DATE: FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £20 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: THE HEADLINE AGENCY As part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Downpatrick, we are delighted to welcome legendary Irish singer/songwriter Andy Irvine to Down Arts Centre. With his impressive repertoire of Irish traditional songs and dexterous Balkan dance tunes, he creates an exciting new fusion of Irish and World Music not to be missed. Having travelled the world with bands such as Sweeney’s Men, Patrick Street, Planxty, and more recently Mozaik, Andy continues to pursue new combinations and styles of music. He has broadened his musical horizons over the course of his forty-year career to encompass the musical styles of countries he visits, such as the Balkan folk style of playing. Between the achievements of his solo, group work and collaborations, he is a highly revered troubadour of the Irish music world. Andy Irvine never fails to deliver a pulsating, heartfelt performance!
PADDY RAFF: GIMME A MINUTE! DATE: TIME:
SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024 4PM (bar available from 3pm) 8PM (bar available from 7pm) 8PM SHOW IS SOLD OUT PRICE: £17 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: TSW MANAGEMENT
Award-winning Northern Irish comedy sensation Paddy Raff is back on tour taking his brand new hilarious standup show ‘Gimme a Minute!’ on the road in 2024. Having previously sold out venues across UK and Ireland, including a record 6 nights in Belfast’s SSE Arena, Paddy’s new show, featuring his own blend of storytelling, observational and musical comedy, is one not to be missed.
INTIMATE MOMENTS AT THE PIANO – AN EVENING WITH RUTH MCGINLEY DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2024 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) £20 DOWN ARTS CENTRE
An intimate concert of piano music that promises to draw the listener into McGinley’s unique and soothing sound world. An evening of musical intimacy and storytelling that promises to stir emotions featuring music by Bach, Erik Satie, Chick Corea and Neil Martin. Derry-born Ruth McGinley had already gained widespread recognition as one of Ireland’s leading pianists by the age of 16, winning countless accolades including the piano final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award. Since then, her career has been wide-ranging and daring, collaborating with some of the most acclaimed musicians working today, and straying from the typical classical- pianist journey. In recent years Ruth has performed as soloist at the Southbank Centre, London in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall and at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC. But it is perhaps the spaces between where Ruth’s interests really lie. A determination to walk her own path, Ruth’s love of music goes far beyond the classical world. A highly sought-after collaborator, Ruth works with musicians from many backgrounds including jazz, folk, electronic and film music. This is Ruth’s first time performing and Down Arts Centre and we are delighted to welcome her to Downpatrick!
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
DATE: FRIDAY 12 APRIL 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £15 / £13 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: MOVING ON MUSIC Steeped in Irish and Scottish traditional music, the iconic trio of Michael McGoldrick (flute/pipes), John McCusker (fiddle) and John Doyle (guitar/vocals) is one not to be missed. Renowned for their masterful delivery, McGoldrick, Doyle, and McCusker will draw you in whether they are locking-in together on an array of tunes – from exhilarating, driving reels to evocative slow airs – or sharing captivating traditional and self-penned songs. All three musicians have gone on to global acclaim and with a wide range of individual projects it is rare to get an opportunity for all three to make an appearance in Ireland. This performance is one not to be missed!
NEIL DELAMERE: NEIL BY MOUTH
Performances
MCGOLDRICK, MCCUSKER, DOYLE TRAD TRIO
DATE: SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2024 & SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £25 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: BIGGER STAGE Catch the usual hilarious tall tales, razor sharp observations and quick-witted improvisation for which this awfully funny Offaly funnyman has become notorious. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Countdown, Celebrity Mastermind, The Celebrity Chase, Beat The Chasers, The Blame Game and The Panel. “No TV camera could accurately measure the lightning speed of Delamere’s wit” The Irish Times
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF HRT
DATE: FRIDAY 26 & SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2024 TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM) PRICE: £23 VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED BY: GBL PRODUCTIONS
Vera and Anna have made the trip to Donegal to see their singing idol Daniel O’Donnell. Vera has been abandoned by her husband and Anna is content to dream of Daniel whilst sustaining a loveless marriage. Fergal invites the women to join him at dawn. In a series of dream-like meetings the women confront their spouses and each other. Alcohol-loving Vera is always looking for excitement and is prepared to accept one-night stands to get back at her ex who’s traded her in for a younger woman – 25 years younger in fact. She’s afraid about spending the rest of her life alone – she’s not ready for the ‘sexual scrapheap’. Anna is calmer and resigned to her fate – she knows her husband couldn’t manage on his own so she stays in a loveless marriage because it means other people will think she’s happy. Don’t miss this hilarious show on its NI tour in Downpatrick for 2 nights only – it will leave you in hot flushes!
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Workshops & Classes
TAI CHI DATE: TIME: PRICE: TUTOR: VENUE:
TUESDAY 9 JANUARY FOR 6 WEEKS TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY FOR 6 WEEKS 12:30 – 1:30 OR 6 - 7PM £35/£30 CONCESSION PETESY BURNS DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Tai Chi is a gentle flowing exercise which aims to enhance the bodies intrinsic energy system. The main benefits are relaxation and physical and mental balance. As well as this Tai Chi works on strengthening the core and is a cardiovascular exercise. At its core Tai Ch promotes physical and mental well-being through focusing the practitioner on the individual moves and creating a sense of truly being in the moment. As the nature of the movement is slow and gentle Tai Chi is suitable for all regardless of age or ability.
PAINTING DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
TUESDAY 16 JANUARY FOR 10 WEEKS 10AM – 12 NOON £75/£70 CONCESSION NEWCASTLE CENTRE MARTIN MCPARLAND
This painting course is aimed at both beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life and landscape. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils, brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
TUESDAY 16 JANUARY FOR 10 WEEKS 2 – 4PM OR 7 -9PM £75/£70 CONCESSION DOWN ARTS CENTRE GEMMA MARIE BLAKELY
This painting course is aimed at both beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life and landscape. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils, brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
SILVER JEWELLERY DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
TUESDAY 16 JANUARY FOR 8 WEEKS 6:30 PM – 9PM £150/£130 CONCESSION DOWN ARTS CENTRE KAREN DAYE – HUTCHINSON
Suitable for beginners with no previous jewellery experience. An exciting course to include a traditional and contemporary approach to jewellery making and design. You will be guided through the basics of annealing, cutting, soldering, doming, texturing and the use of safe enamelling to build towards a little jewellery collection. Corse tutor: Karen Daye-Hutchinson owner of ‘Ghost & Bonesetter’ jewellery. Materials and Tools: Basic materials including copper sheet and wire will be given as part of the class. Individuals may wish to purchase precious metal, stones, etc. as you go along. The price of these can be discussed and advised individually with your tutor. If you have some jewellery making hand tools, you can bring them along.
POTTERY DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY FOR 10 WEEKS 7PM - 9PM £110/£100 CONCESSION DOWN ARTS CENTRE ÁINE MCKENNA
Learn how to work with clay using hand-building techniques such as slab work, pinch pots, coiling, using formers and more. Create unique pieces from pots, figures, animals, bowls and more. Fee includes clay, glazes and firings.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Workshops & Classes
PAINTING
Workshops & Classes
PAINTING DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY FOR 10 WEEKS 7PM – 9PM £75/£70 CONCESSION DOWN ARTS CENTRE MARTIN MCPARLAND
This painting course is aimed at both beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life and landscape. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils, brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
CREATIVE WRITING DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY FOR 10 WEEKS 7PM-9PM £75/£70 CONCESSION DOWN ARTS CENTRE DR CATHERINE KELLY
These workshop-based classes are designed to support those who wish to explore and develop their writing skills. They will cover topics such as writers’ tools and sources, character and plot, as well as looking at a variety of styles including short stories, scriptwriting and poetry. Opportunities to experiment with different types of writing will be provided to enable participants to find and enhance their own writer’s voice. Whether for fun or with a view to publication, this course aims to find ways to unlock imagination and to develop a greater awareness of craft.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
**ALL FULL DAY WORKSHOPS COME WITH A SANDWICH LUNCH AND MATERIALS
DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 9:30 - 4:30 DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £55/£50 CONCESSION NAOMI WHAN
If you love the idea of making your own clothes but don’t know where to start, this simple top workshop is the class for you! Learn how to cut out your pattern and construct the garment. Pattern and fabric will be supplied. If you have your own sewing machine, please bring it along with some spare needles. If you don’t have one, please enquire at time of booking and one may be available.
SILVER STACKING RINGS DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £65/£60 CONCESSION DIANE LYNESS
Spend a day of fun and make a pair of silver stacking rings under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful pair of rings to take home. No previous experience is required. Bring an apron to protect clothing.
One Day Workshops
MAKE A STYLISH TOP IN A DAY
CREATE A HAND STITCHED AND DYED LEATHER SATCHEL DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY & SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 9:30 AM – 4:30PM £135/£130 CONCESSION DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM ENDA KENNY
Learn to make a hand stitched and punched leather satchel. On this course we will work with vegetable tanned leather which we will cut by hand, dye and hand stitch for a beautiful and refined finish. This course will demonstrate how to 1. Handle and cut tooling leather. 2. Dye leather by hand. 3. Use leather punches to create stitching holes. 4. Saddle stitch the satchel using waxed thread. 5. Seal the leather with a waterproof finish. 6. Add straps for the perfect fit. All Materials included, just wear old clothing or an apron to cover up as we will be using leather dyes/pigments. To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
**ALL FULL DAY WORKSHOPS COME WITH A SANDWICH LUNCH AND MATERIALS
One Day Workshops
GET TO GRIPS WITH ZIPS DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £55/£50 CONCESSION NAOMI WHAN
Struggling with zips? This is the class for you! We start with a standard zip, moving onto a lapped zip, then progressing onto a centred zip and finish off the day with an invisible zip which can be tricky but trust me - once you’ve learnt how to do it, you’ll never look back. Please bring along a sewing machine. If you don’t have one, please inquire at time of booking and one may be available for you to use.
SILVER NECKLACE OR EARRINGS DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £65/£60 CONCESSION DIANE LYNESS
Spend a day of fun and make a pair of silver earrings or a necklace under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful pair of rings to take home. No previous experience is required. Bring an apron to protect clothing.
DESIGN, SCREEN-PRINT AND SEW DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 2 MARCH 10AM - 4PM £55/£50 CONCESSION DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM RENÉ MULLIN
For Beginners, work with Artist René Mullan on this one-day immersive course. You will learn to screen-print on textiles, machine sew and finish your very own unique hand printed design.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
**ALL FULL DAY WORKSHOPS COME WITH A SANDWICH LUNCH AND MATERIALS
DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 9 MARCH 10:00AM – 4PM ( DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £65/£60 CONCESSION DIANE LYNESS
Spend a day of fun and make a pair of silver linked bracelet under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful pair of rings to take home. No previous experience is required. Bring an apron to protect clothing.
SEWING WITH OIL CLOTH DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 23 MARCH 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £55/£50 CONCESSION NAOMI WHAN
Oil cloth is a very current fabric. It is a durable fabric that requires different handling to other fabrics. In this workshop you will learn how to operate a sewing machine when stitching oil cloth fabrics. Also, you will learn about how to cut and press oil cloth. At the end of the day, you will have made your very own fully lined oil cloth handbag and has attached handles. Please bring along your own sewing machine or if you don’t have one, please enquire at time of booking and one may be available.
MONO PRINTING DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 13 APRIL 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £55/£50 CONCESSION KAREN DAYE HUTCHINSON
Join Karen Daye-Hutchinson ARE ARUA; an established and award-winning printmaker for this one-day printmaking class. Karen is a member of Belfast Print Workshop, Prism Print International, the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. You will be guided through the process of making some prints using a mixture of painterly marks and Drypoint Etching to active a little collection of beautiful original prints.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
One Day Workshops
SILVER LINKED BRACELET
**ALL FULL DAY WORKSHOPS COME WITH A SANDWICH LUNCH AND MATERIALS
One Day Workshops
APPLIQUE CUSHION DATE: TIME: VENUE: PRICE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 20 APRIL 10:00AM – 4PM DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM £55/£50 CONCESSION NAOMI WHAN
Come along and learn how to make an appliqued cushion cover. We will learn how to embellish the cushion by learning different styles of machine applique and will be working with various fabrics and threads to add texture and colour. You will be able to draw up own design ideas or choose from a selection provided on the day. This class suits complete beginners as well as those with some sewing experience. Please bring along a sewing machine with spare needle. However if you don’t have your own please enquire at time of booking and one may be available.
LANDSCAPE NEEDLE FELTING DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE: TUTOR:
SATURDAY 27 APRIL 10 AM - 4PM £55/£50 CONCESSION DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM
Join local artist Jennifer Cunningham in the Felt Picture Making workshop where you will be guided through creating a felted landscape. Using woos and embroidery techniques you will embellish and enhance your piece ready to be framed for taking home at the end of the Class. This class is suitable for beginners.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
THURSDAY 11 JANUARY – FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY DURING OPENING HOURS FREE DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Acclaimed Co Down-based painter Jim Manley marks his 90th birthday with an exhibition of works spanning more than four decades. A previous winner of the McGonigal Prize (1979), the Paton’s Prize EVA (1984) and the Landscape Prize RUA (1997), his mixed media (mainly water colours and acrylic) work primarily consists of land and seascapes. A seasoned environmental campaigner and conservationist, many of the works highlight human impacts on nature.
RECENT PAINTINGS “TRIPLE REFLECTIONS” BY LEO CASEMENT DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY TO FRIDAY 1 MARCH DURING OPENING HOURS FREE DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Latest works by Leo Casement depicting his individually styled “Vertical Fields”. Landscapes of the rolling hills and water.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Exhibitions
LANDMARKS BY JIM MANLEY (RUA)
Exhibitions
DOGWOOD AND DOLLARS BY AINE MCKENNA DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
THURSDAY 7 MARCH TO FRIDAY 5 APRIL DURING OPENING HOURS FREE DOWN ARTS CENTRE
An exhibition by artist in Residence Áine McKenna. Specialising in porcelain, this ceramic design exhibition highlights the works achieved during her Down Art Centre residency, during which time she has had the opportunity to experiment and create this new body of work. Dogwood and Dollars is a reflection of a specific time and place and how once changed by a new experience one will never be the same again. The work is beautiful and delicate with a nod to spirituality and symbolism.
THE SPACES BETWEEN BY SARAH MCWILLIAMS DATE: TIME: PRICE: VENUE:
THURSDAY 11 APRIL TO FRIDAY 3 MAY DURING OPENING HOURS FREE DOWN ARTS CENTRE
It is often the space between the fixed points in which life happens, experiences exist within the liminal. In this exhibition Sarah McWilliams brings together her 2020 abstract painting series, entitled Transitional States with new work, developed on residency at the Tyrone Gutherie Centre in 2023 with the bursary awarded by Newry Mourne and Down Council. Her work continues to explore themes surrounding boundaries, belonging and the beauty within the broken and fragmented.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Artist in Residence 2024 Local Designer/Maker Áine McKenna specialises in creating beautifully unique ceramics for gift and home. Following a degree in Fine and Applied art from University of Ulster she went on to do a Masters in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University in the heart of the potteries, Stoke on Trent. During this time she had the unique opportunity to do an industrial placement with leading tableware manufacturer Dudson Ltd. and so began her love for surface pattern. After graduation she went on to work for Royal Stafford/Poole pottery as a surface pattern designer. Utilising her skills as a fine artist she was able to create collections depicting hand painted elements and her illustrations for mass produced tableware. Having a strong affiliation with the pottery industry, she is hugely influenced by industrial techniques and processes and her fine art background is evident in the work she produces today. As Artist in Residence Áine will be on-site full time where visitors can see her at work. She will also deliver a programme of pottery classes available for both adults and children, all while developing a new body of work and curating exhibitions. Áine’s work will be available to buy at the craft shop in Down Arts Centre.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Artist In Residence
ÁINE McKENNA
Theatre Company in Residence
DRAMABILITY
2024 is already promising to be more exciting and busier than ever for Dramability. Saturday rehearsals will restart the first week of January when auditions will be held for our new summer performance to be staged in the arts centre in June. In this production we will be taking a familiar and well loved tale and treating it to our own particular mix of original,quirky,and sometimes just plain silly! Full details of the show itself and of ticket availability will be released soon. On Tuesday afternoons the UpsideDown company, a spinoff from Dramability, will continue to meet in DAC. This group has responsibility for much of the organisation of events and performances and provides a wonderful opportunity for adults with disabilities to develop a range of interpersonal and work skills. Finally, Stages cafe is all set to pop up again this season to celebrate the St.Patrick’s weekend and to provide a selection of songs, sweet treats and superior service over the Easter period. Keep an eye on the Dramability and/or DAC facebook pages for more information regarding all of the above events.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Craft Shop
DOWN ARTS CENTRE CRAFT SHOP Down Arts Centre hosts a craft shop specialising in the best of craft both regionally and abroad. Artists include Gill Graham, Mount Ida Pottery and Ghost and Bonesetter plus prints from both Belfast and Seacourt Print Workshops. Come in and collect that special gift or just a treat for yourself.
ARTIST BURSARY SCHEMES In line with the Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2022 – 2027: Growing our Sector – strengthen and our culture, arts and heritage sector following the impact of the Covid pandemic Newry Mourne and Down Council have introduced a bursary scheme to support artist and their practice. The Council by supporting the individuals that attend these centres of excellence such and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, is promoting the District as one that recognises and supports the artistic achievement of its local artists and residents. BREAKDOWN OF ARTIST BURSARY/INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANT AVAILABLE All assessed through application and selection process – A call for applications will be made in January 2024 and awarded in March 2024 for the 2024/25 financial year. 4 x Tyrone Guthrie Bursaries of £500 2 x John Hewitt Summer School of £500 2 x Individual Artist Grants of £1000
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
BOOKING INFORMATION The Down Arts team are pleased to let our customers know we now have online booking from our website
www.downartscentre.com
You can still call us on 0330 137 4014 or drop in to book tickets. Open to the public Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm Down Arts Centre 2 – 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick BT30 6BP downartscentre@nmandd.org
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