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
Born in Llangollen, North Wales in 1950, Terry has been making music since 1968. From 2 years old he lived in Belfast and then moved in 1971, to England and worked there as a teacher in and around Manchester where he also played in folk clubs, pubs and working men’s clubs solo as well as with other musicians. Terry spent the summer of 1976 as a DJ and folk singer in Denmark. Since 1981, he has travelled and recorded extensively whilst working as an educator in Jamaica, El Salvador, Colombia, Turkey, Mauritius, Japan, and Venezuela. He currently lives in Downpatrick.
In October 2009, after a period of musical inactivity, he recorded songs in Mauritius, and Cool Hand Records released the CDs ‘Rain Songs’, ‘Broken Hearts’, ‘Sugar Cane Road’ and the DVD ‘Old Fashioned Cowboy.’ This was followed by the release, in November 2013, of two CDs recorded in Japan: ‘Relax Unwind’ and ‘Washed Away.’ He digitally released the CD ‘Sometimes’ in July 2020.
Currently Terry is writing and recording new material as well as completing postproduction on several CD and live audio and video performances of recordings he made in Japan during October 2014 to June 2016. This is Terry’s first time performing at Down Arts Centre and we look forward to welcoming him to STUDIO NIGHTS for Songs & Stories!
WASTED
DATE: FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £15 / £13
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: BRUISER THEATRE COMPANY
Wasted, by award-winning playwright Kat Woods, is a socio-political play that explores themes of binge drinking, consent, and sexual assault. Join Oli, Emma, and their friends on a night out drinking, dancing, flirting, and clubbing. The morning after the night before ensues and any events can only be remembered through the blurry haze of a dubious hangover.
Wasted illuminates that grey area in the sexual relationship after a few too many drinks. The characters are not sure what has happened; both suffering from post-alcoholic amnesia. They are both secure in the fact that sex happened but, where alcohol puts the female in a state unable—legally—to consent to sex, our characters continually ask “what happened” as they are marched through the legal system. Age guidance: 16+ due to discussions on alcohol and sexual activity
Trigger warnings: There will be discussions around the issue of sexual abuse and rape that some may find upsetting. Bruiser Theatre Company have partnered with two local charities, Nexus and Ascert, that can provide information on support services.
Performances
Performances
ANDREW RYAN: LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON
DATE: FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £16
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS
Andrew is finally living the life he always thought he would after moving to Belfast and he’s taking his hilarious tales of woe and ineptitude on tour across the UK and Ireland this Autumn. He’s stopped people-pleasing, overthinking things and (let’s be honest lads) it’s been a complete disaster... just what he’s used to! He’s tackling the big things in life from getting ill with no insurance abroad, roadside assistance cover fails and trying to get his girlfriend to change her nationality. Strap in, this show promises to be his biggest and best yet.
Andrew takes this show on the road after a sell-out tour in 2022/23. Over 30 million online views for his stand-up clips and his hilarious scrapes from his hit podcast ‘Cork in the North’. As seen on Comedy Central Live, Secrets of the Comedy Circuit (UTV), Blame Game (BBC1 NI), Russell Howard’s Good News, and HOST of Q Radio’s Breakfast Show.
SEX IN THE CITY HALL
DATE: SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £25
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: GBL PRODUCTIONS
Callie, Lottie, Maddy and Sammy are four best friends who work together in City Hall. Well for now, because apparently one of them is getting fired in the morning. But which one?
Join the girls as they barricade themselves in City Hall overnight and say ’no surrender’ to the powers that be. These women won’t go down without a fight. It’s all for one, and one for all.
From the writer of smash hit shows BRIDSMAIDS OF NORTHERN IRELAND and THE HEN DO, Diona Doherty and Sean Hegarty, bring you this laugh out loud, high energy comedy because sometimes… girls just wanna have fun. Contains strong language. Age guidance 16+.
BELFAST GIRLS ON THE RUN!
DATE: SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £20
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: TSW MANAGEMENT
The Belfast GIRLS are BACK and up to more mischief! Bernie finds herself in hot water with the police after flogging the latest weight loss pill to half of Belfast so Bernie, Betty & Michelle find themselves ON THE RUN! And what better place to hide than the local Convent, surely no one’s going to look for her there, right?! Or will they? Will Bernie get caught and go to prison? Will she realise her heart belonged to GOD all along and become a nun?
Grab your mates and your Blossom Hill and come and find out! You don’t wanna miss the CRAIC!
STUDIO NIGHTS: FIL CAMPBELL & TOM MCFARLAND
DATE: THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 7PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 6PM)
PRICE: £12
VENUE: STUDIO BAR: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Songs to make you sing and get you thinking
Beautifully contrasting vocals, a unique mix of guitar and inventive percussion, original, traditional and contemporary songs, engaging choruses and the Irish gift of chat and craic – little wonder the distinctive sound of Co Fermanagh based Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland has won fans around the world since they began performing as a duo in the early 90s.
With their ninth studio album released in 2023 and several project recordings, including three CDs of Irish traditional and folk songs from the TV series Songbirds, their diverse range of songs – powerful, intimate and quirky – continues to captivate audiences wherever they play. Fil , from Belleek in Co. Fermanagh, has been gigging regularly since she was a teenager and after studying Music and English at Queens University in Belfast has had a long career in music - as a singer, TV and radio presenter, music promoter, and voice coach. Together with her husband Tom who hails from Belfast and who has worked with artists as varied as David Knopfler, John Wright and the Sands Family, they have performed all over Europe, Ireland, the USA, Australia and UK, at festivals and folk clubs, on radio and TV.
ON OUR WAY TO LISBON
DATE: SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £15 / £13
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: ISOSCELES THEATRE COMPANY
Glasgow Celtic’s 1967 European Cup win is one of the great sporting legends of all time.
This amazing feat has been turned into a spectacular two-man play called ‘On Our Way To Lisbon’ by Patrick Prior, and produced by Isosceles Theatre Company.
Two fans recreate the epic campaign that saw Jock Stein’s young team sweep aside the best that Europe had to offer.
The two actors, Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden, play everything - players, crowds, commentators, managers, in a masterpiece of story-telling.
The glory of the famous victory is set against the drab reality of their Glasgow existence...was Celtic’s victory the best moment of their lives?
Over the last few years, the play has thrilled audiences in Scotland, Ireland, England and Las Vegas, gathering rave reviews, awards and standing ovations.
The show has obvious appeal for football fans, but for those with little interest in the game, it stands as a stunning piece of theatre for all.
Performances
Performances
CELTIC SOUL
DATE: SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £17
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Celtic Soul, the definitive tribute to Van Morrison are back at Down Arts Centre this Autumn! In this 2hr show packed with songs including Van’s hits, you’ll also hear songs from across his back catalogue of albums like Astral Weeks, Moondance, Avalon Sunset and Veedon Fleece.
The band continue to receive a devoted following and critical acclaim wherever they perform and have continued their success with sold-out notices at Belfast’s Ulster Hall, Dublin’s prestigious Sugar Club and many theatres across Ireland.
With years of playing in blues, folk, trad and jazz bands, the seven-piece band have the ingredients to deliver Van’s music authentically. Now in their 15th year together, the unchanged lineup of Celtic Soul are: Clarke Wilson (Vocals and Saxophone), Ray McEvoy (Electric Guitar), Marcus McAuley (Acoustic Guitar), Rik Gay (Drums), Keith Ward (Piano and keyboards), Gerry McClurg (Trumpet) and Mark Crockard (Electric and Double Bass)
Let Celtic Soul take you on a journey through the songbook of our very own musical legend, Sir Van Morrison
THE ELVIS SPECTACULAR SHOW
DATE: FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £25
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
If you only plan on seeing one Elvis show this year make sure it’s The Elvis Spectacular Show starring European Champion, Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB Band and The Sweet Sensations.
Experience the thrill of a live 9 piece band with authentic costumes as Ciaran, the band and the beautiful backing singers take you on a two hour trip to Elvis heaven.
Relive the early days of rock and roll in the 1950s, right through to the glitzy Vegas shows of the 1970s including of course the iconic Elvis jumpsuit.
Some people like to rock, Some people like to roll. But moving and a grooving seems, To satisfy my soul!
CALLINGS
DATE: SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £18 / £15
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: KABOSH THEATRE COMPANY
‘Callings’ follows five queer people who found sanctuary and community on the other end of the phone by seeking solace in Cara-Friend – a befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support the many hidden LGBTQ+ individuals across the north of Ireland.
Charged with the music of the day, and set amidst a storm of anti-gay headlines, ‘Callings’ delves deep into the struggle for survival our queer communities faced on a daily basis.
‘Callings’ poignantly and powerfully expresses how even simple acts of connection can change the course of a life, and how during oppressive times, a gang of bright and brilliant queer people crafted community to save themselves and each other.
In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to exist, these moments of connection were an act of resistance and rebellion.
‘Someone out there has been plucking up the courage for god knows how long, tonight they’ll pick up the phone and you’ll be there for them….’
STRAY GAITERS
DATE: FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £15/£13
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Stray Gaiters are a group of seasoned musicians who pay homage to the enduring legacy of Neil Young, channelling the spirit of his distinctive sound – raw, authentic and unapologetically real. Whilst they meticulously recreate the sonic tapestry of Young’s vast songbook, their performances are not mere replicas but heartfelt interpretations, fused with a live energy that pays tribute to both the music and the atmosphere of Young’s legendary performances. Whether you’re a devoted Neil Young fan or completely new to his music, come with Stray Gaiters on an unforgettable trip – dance with them beneath a harvest moon and let them blow you away like a hurricane!
ANTHONY TONER
DATE: FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £15 / £13
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
After a sold out show in November 2023, Coleraine-born singer songwriter Anthony Toner makes a welcome return to Down Arts Centre for a winter show, which will be an intimate solo acoustic performance featuring a selection of songs from his extensive back catalogue. As always, expect some peerless guitar playing on a repertoire that includes old favourites like ‘Sailortown’, ‘East of Louise’ and ‘Well Well Well’, as well as selections like ‘An Alphabet’ and ‘The Protection of the King’, from his more recent albums.
Along the way he’ll throw in some well-chosen cover versions, some blues – and of course a number of stories from the road and background information on the songs. And he may even read a poem or two. One audience member at a recent show commented that the evening was ‘like watching a series of beautiful short films’.
IRISH ROCK NIGHT
DATE: FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £15
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: OSSIA MUSIC
A night of Ireland’s greatest rock songs. With some staying true to their roots while others dispense with the traditional form leaving the lyrics exposed and laid bare, often taking new meaning with the passing of the years. This treatment is applied with painstaking attention to detail and stunning effect to songs from Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, U2 and Snow Patrol to name but a few.
Paul McMordie, Davy Bates, Ross Montgomery, Nathan Mateer and Suzy Coyle, have given each track a new depth and a powerful significance.
Performances
Performances
TIM MCGARRY ‘RIDICULOUS’
DATE: SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £22.50
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS
Tim McGarry, the lanky star of ‘Give My Head Peace’ and ‘The Blame Game’ has a brand new stand-up show - Ridiculous.
Tim’s father advised him to “always have a sense of your own ridiculousness.” But let’s face it we’re all taking ourselves too seriously these days.
So join Tim as he examines life, politics and the modern world and looks for the ludicrous, highlights the hilarious and laughs out loud at the frankly ridiculous.
Just remember, you can look ridiculous, you can feel ridiculous, you can be ridiculous.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
DATE: FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £16 / £14
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Dyad Productions, who have toured their sell-out festival show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story. It’s Christmas Eve, and the miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he’ll never forget. Dicken’s festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad’s inimitable solo style (Lady Susan, Christmas Gothic, A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, Austen’s Women).
Draw near an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig and Cratchit et all to discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. Ebenezer lives in us all, and this glorious tale reminds us how not to give in to the Scrooge within.
Taking inspiration from Dickens’ original performances of his own work and utilising the brilliant narrator of the novel to bring the story to life, this solo piece is performed Andrew Margerison (Frantic Assembly’s Fatherland, Macbeth), and directed by Dyad’s Creative Director, Rebecca Vaughan.
CHRISTMAS CANCELLED!
AND WE’RE
IN WONDERLAND
It’s Christmas Eve here And we’re in Wonderland
A sad old Queen says Won’t see another one
DATE: SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2024
TIME: 2.30PM
PRICE: £8 / £5 (CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS)
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Yes, it’s true! The Queen of Hearts has decreed there will be no more Christmases ever in Wonderland. Santa has been locked in the dungeon along with anyone else who still has the festive spirit and that includes the White Queen and a giant Caterpillar.
Can Alice return and save the day? Will the Mad Hatter help her to restore again the whole festive season? Christmas may be cancelled but the Dramability pantomime definitely isn’t!
Tickets booked directly with Dramability via their Facebook page
Send a message and they will get back to you!
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
DATE: FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 2024
TIME: 7PM
PRICE:
£10 ADULT / £7 CHILD / FAMILY TICKET £30 (2 ADULTS / 2 CHILDREN OR 1 ADULT / 3 CHILDREN)
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
PRESENTED BY: CENTRE STAGE THEATRE COMPANY
When three furry, funny Honey Bears ask ‘Who’s been eating my porridge, who’s been sitting in my chair, who’s sleeping in my bed?’, everyone knows there can only be one answer - Goldilocks! She’s off to seek her fortune but she soon finds that it is not as easy as she thought.
The Three Bears are hiding a very special honey hive, making honey that helps Santa have a very special breakfast before he sets out for Christmas - but a rather naughty witch, Wanda the Wasp, is out to steal it... still, there might be a Handsome Prince in the forest to help... and the children in the audience will certainly want to lend a hand in this sparkling version of the much loved tale.
With loads of audience participation, funny scripts, live music, simple effects, memorable tunes and strong performances, this production of Goldilocks and The Three Bears is in the very best traditions of family entertainment this Christmas.
THE BELFAST MA: A CRACKIN CHRISTMAS
DATE: SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER 2024
TIME: 8PM (BAR AVAILABLE FROM 7PM)
PRICE: £22
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
After five years of playing to sell out audiences across the country, Belfast Ma is back with her new Christmas Theatre show this December.
Starring Award winning performers Tiktok’s Paul Nugent and Netflix’s John Travers, this sell out phenomenon is your number one treat this Christmas.
Join Sadie, Stevie and her Big John in the living room at 26 Belfast Street as they get ready for another Christmas not to be missed. Grab yourself a wee Bailey’s and find out all the latest biz about Patricia, Theresa, Big Maureen and Dirty Gerty, as everyone prepares for their favourite day of the year.
Don’t miss this hilarious new comedy based on everyone’s favourite Ma, The Belfast Ma – it’s a guaranteed pure geg this Christmas!
Performances
Workshops & Classes
TAI CHI
DATE: TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER FOR 6 WEEKS & TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER FOR 6 WEEKS
TIME: 12:30PM – 1:30PM OR 6PM - 7PM
PRICE: £35/£30 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: PETESY BURNS
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: TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER FOR 10 WEEKS
TIME: 10AM – 12 NOON
PRICE: £75/£70 CONCESSION
VENUE: NEWCASTLE CENTRE
TUTOR: 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.
PAINTING
DATE: TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER FOR 8 WEEKS
TIME: 1:30 – 4PM OR 6:30 -9PM
PRICE: £75/£70 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: GEMMA 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.
POTTERY
DATE: WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 10 WEEKS
TIME: 7PM - 9PM
PRICE: £110/£100 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: 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.
PAINTING
DATE: WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER FOR 10 WEEKS
TIME: 7PM – 9PM
PRICE: £75/£70 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: 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.
CREATIVE WRITING
DATE: WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER FOR 10 WEEKS
TIME: 7PM-9PM
PRICE: £75/£70 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: 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.
Workshops & Classes
Workshops & Classes
SILVER JEWELLERY MAKING WORKSHOP
DATE: TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER FOR 8 WEEKS
TIME: 6:30 PM – 9PM
PRICE: £150 / £130 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
TUTOR: 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.
LEARN HOW TO SEW CURTAINS
DATE: SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: NAOMI WHAN
Curtains can be very expensive to order, so why don’t you learn how to make them yourself? You will learn how to make fully lined curtains. You will see how to measure the window correctly, square off the fabric, add the lining and attach the header tape, as well as lots of tips and tricks. You will make a sample curtain in this class to take away with you. All techniques will be detailed in handouts with step by step instructions for you to refer back to with the aim that you will be able to make your first pair of curtains at home with confidence! Please bring along a sewing machine with spare needle. If you don’t have a machine please enquire at time of booking and one may be available. All other materials will be supplied.
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
DATE: SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
TIME: 10AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: JACQUI BRACHI
Using exemplars from the 13th century we will construct a Gothic alphabet. This style was common with slight variations throughout the 14th century as well. We will use the tracing and coping method to both understand the construction of the letters. A capital alphabet will be introduced with a small project to complete the day. Pens, tracing paper and practice paper will all be available on the day.
NATURALLY SOAP
DATE: SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
TIME: 10:30AM – 1PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £30/ £25 CONCESSION
TUTORS: IRENE GOURLEY AND PAMELA MAWHINNEY
If you are interested in making your own hand made soap using only natural ingredients, then this hands-on workshop is for you. Tutors, Pamela Mawhinney and Irene Gourley from local business Naturally Soap, will teach you the ancient craft of soap making using the traditional cold process method. The basic skills taught in this workshop will enable you to go home and make your own soap with ease. All materials will be provided; however, attendees must bring their own apron, disposable gloves, a small towel and wear long sleeves and full shoes.
One Day Workshops
One Day Workshops
BOOK BINDINGHARDBACK
DATE: SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER
TIME: 10AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: KAREN DAYE HUTCHINSON
Make a beautiful hand stitched book during this I day course. Learn the essentials of this craft with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own journal or artist book. This is a great foundation in traditional bookmaking and how it can be adapted.
GEL PLATE PRINTING
DATE: SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER
TIME: 10AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: RUTH OSBORNE
In this workshop you will explore a range of mark-making and print-making processes when printing by hand and using a gel plate. Using botanicals, stencils and some found objects patterns you will create a range of printed papers and fabrics that will then be used to create a series of unique collage works. A frame will be provided as part of the workshop materials so that participants may take home their own unique artwork.
SILVER STACKING RINGS
DATE: SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER
TIME: 10:00AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM PRICE: £70/£65 CONCESSION
TUTOR: 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
PUMPKIN SUCCULENT PLANTERS
DATE: SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER
TIME: 10AM - 12 OR 1PM – 3PM
PRICE: £40/£35 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
TUTOR: JOANNE DONNELLY
Autumn means pumpkins! So, for something different, come along to this fun and funky workshop where you will combine pumpkins and plants to create a beautiful pumpkin centrepiece using moss and succulent cuttings that will last throughout autumn and beyond (you can plant the succulent cuttings after the pumpkin has gone!).
No waste and no pumpkin carving required just a relaxing time creating your own beautiful pumpkin and succulent showpiece!
SILVER LINKED BRACELET
DATE: SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER
TIME: 10:00AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £70/£65 CONCESSION
TUTOR: 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.
MONOPRINTING MONOTYPE
DATE: SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER
TIME: 10AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: KAREN DAYE-HUTCHINSON
Create some painterly prints using different techniques guided by printmaker Karen DayeHutchinson ARE. Explore additional detail layering using Drypoint and other combinations of hybrid print.
Notes: Non-toxic and no solvents used.
One Day Workshops
One Day Workshops
CREATE A HAND STITCHED & DYED LEATHER SATCHEL
DATE: SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER & SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER
TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:30PM
PRICE: £140/£135 CONCESSION
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
TUTOR: 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.
AUTUMN WREATH
DATE: SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER
TIME: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £35/£30 CONCESSION
TUTOR: NAOMI WHAN
Add a touch of autumn colours into your home by joining us this morning to enjoy this fun and informative workshop. Participants will be provided with all materials needed to create a beautiful wreath or table centre piece. Choose from a variety of artificial flowers and foliage and add seasonal embellishments using wire. This method of wreath making is a great way to transform your home and can be adopted to suit the different seasons.
HAND EMBROIDERY
DATE: SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER
TIME: 1:30AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £35/£30 CONCESSION
TUTOR: NAOMI WHAN
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with threads using a variety of stitches in various colours. Each participant will create a sampler of embroidery stitches and will receive handouts as a reminder of how to sew the stitches. You will learn how to embroider chain, blanket, feather, French knots and couching plus lots more. Embroidery hoops and all materials and threads will be provided. You’ll look at how to source inspiration for your own designs, and how to transfer those designs onto your chosen fabrics, before you know it, you’ll be stitching your cares away, embroidering new life into everything from cushion covers, pillowcases to shopping bags and clothing. This workshop is suitable for beginners or for those looking to refresh their skills.
COPPER ETCHED CUFF
DATE: SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER
TIME: 10:00AM – 4PM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: KAREN DAYE HUTCHINSON
Learn about traditional copper etching. Karen Daye-Hutchinson ARE works with etched copper in both her printmaking and jewellery practice to create distinctive collections. During this one-day course you will create an etched and beautifully formed copper cuff ready to wear.
One Day Workshops
Movies in the Mornings
DOWN ARTS CENTRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH FILM HUB N.I PRESENTS ‘MOVIES IN THE MORNINGS’ - A SERIES OF FILM SCREENINGS EACH MONTH ON THE THIRD THURSDAY FROM 10.30AM TO 12.30PM
THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN
DATE: THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2024
TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
PRICE: £5
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Capturing a year in the life of a rural, lakeside community in late 1970s Ireland, That They May Face The Rising Sun is a sensitive and beautifully realised adaptation of the last novel by John McGahern. Joe (Barry Ward) and Kate (Anna Bederke) have returned from London to live and work in a small, close-knit community in rural Ireland, close to where Joe grew up. He’s a writer, she’s an artist who retains part ownership of a London gallery.
Now embedded in a remote lakeside setting, the drama of a year in their lives and those of their neighbours unfolds through the rituals of work, play and the passing seasons. A delicate, meditative exploration of ritual, community bonds, and the question of how best to live. 2023/Cert 15/1h 51m/Drama
NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
DATE: THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER 2024
TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
PRICE: £5
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
A magnificently beautiful film with moments of soaring joy and gut-wrenching horror as Robert Mitchum arguably delivers a career defining performance as Harry Powell is one of the most memorable screen villains of all time.
A self-proclaimed preacher marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real dad hid the $10,000, he’d stolen in a robbery. 1955 /12/1h 28m/Crime, Drama
NOTHING COMPARES
DATE: THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
PRICE: £5
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Following the career of singer Sinéad O’Connor through her rise to fame and how her iconoclastic personality led to her exile from the pop mainstream. 2022/Cert 15/ 1h 37m/Biography, Documentary
THE HOLDOVERS
DATE: THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2024
TIME: 10.30AM – 12.30PM
PRICE: £5
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them -- a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) -and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). 2023/Cert 15/ 2h 13m/Comedy, Drama
Exhibitions
DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM SHOWCASE: BELINDA LOFTUS COLLECTION
DATE: THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
PRICE: FREE
Belinda Loftus is a local artist who uses a wide range of media and styles to explore the natural environment, ancient history and myths, political events past and present, and the impact of high finance and artificial intelligence.
There are four groups of works in this show. ‘Lost in the Landscape’ commemorates those physically or mentally lost in our landscape, particularly during the Northern Ireland conflict. ‘Home’ explores the complexities of the concept of home in our present world. ‘Financial Climate’ comments on adverse impacts of high finance. ‘Worldbank’ uses bank-styled images to advocate actions to combat climate change and destruction of ecosystems.
In 2023, Down County Museum accepted a sample of Belinda’s lifetime of work, some 17 pieces. These were added to the museum’s extensive fine art collection which largely contains art that relates to County Down. This includes 34 pieces that were originally held by Down Arts Centre.
Image featured ‘Ground Being’, Soft pastel and charcoal on cardboard
DATE: THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
PRICE: FREE
MARTIN MCPARLAND ‘PREOCCUPATIONS OF A RAMBLING MAN’
Over a period of 15 years, I have afforded myself the time to travel on foot and by bicycle. On these extended trips I have travelled across Europe and the British Isles. Exploring diverse Islands from Corsica to Shetland. Travelling with my journal and sketch books I have compiled a journalogue diary reflecting my explorations and discoveries. This exhibition reflects these experiences.
Image featured ‘Here Today’, Oil paint on linen
Martin McParland is a practising Artist based in Newcastle, County Down and an Art Tutor based at Down Arts Centre and Newcastle.
BRENDA MORGAN ‘SILURIAN COAST’
DATE: THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER TO FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
PRICE: FREE
I am an interdisciplinary artist working in Lecale in County Down and as Graduate in Residence in Belfast School of Art at Ulster University. My practice includes painting, drawing, collage and more recently, ceramics which I am thrilled to discover an absolute love of.
This exhibition is about expressing my love, awe, and connection to our ancient and beautiful coastline of Lecale, and a hope of instilling a desire to help protect and expand our wild places. It takes a close-up view, capturing textures of rock, sand, water, and wildlife, utilising all the previously mentioned mediums.
Image featured ‘Silurian Vessels’, Stoneware
Exhibitions
Theatre Company in Residence
DRAMABILITY
2024 has been an exciting year for Dramability!
Auditions and rehearsals for the annual Dramability Panto were held over the Summer and will recommence the first Saturday in September.
This year’s production takes us back to Wonderland where it is the darkest of times. The Red Queen has cancelled Christmas and Dramability needs your help.
Can the people of Downpatrick restore the festive spirit before it’s too late?
We’re certainly going to have a lot of fun finding out so come along and join in the madness and mayhem that define all the Dramability productions.
On Tuesday afternoons the UpsideDown company, a spinoff from Dramability will continue to meet in Down Arts Centre. 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 Café is all set up to pop up again this December in the Studio Bar at Down Arts Centre to celebrate Christmas and to provide a selection of songs, sweet treats, and superior service over the festive period.
Keep an eye on the Dramability and/or DAC Facebook pages for more information regarding all the above events.
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.
CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR PERFORMANCES / WORKSHOPS / CLASSES
• Tickets cannot be exchanged, or money refunded.
• Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in performance.
• The Management reserves the right to make any change to the programme without prior notice.
• The Management reserves the right to refuse admission.
• The Management reserves the right to request that ticket holders leave the premises and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with such a request.
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
