Valentines’ Gift Guide

Friday 7th February 2020 at 3pm 0 Comments Drama , Northern Ireland Music , Visual Arts , Craft

Image: Love from the Arts Council

From music and original art, to tickets to a great play or concert, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland picks out some perfect arts-inspired gifts for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.

The Ulster Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Daniele Rustioni, will be joined by his wife and star violinist, Francesca, for two special Valentine’s concerts in Derry-Londonderry’s Guildhall on 13th February and in Belfast’s Ulster Hall on 14th February. Tickets start at a very affordable £10, visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk

The Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival & Convention takes place at the Empire Music Hall and Ramada Encore Hotel from 11 to 13 March. This innovative festival, now in its 16th year, features a series of concerts from Grammy Award winning songwriters and local, emerging songwriters. For tickets starting at £5 visit www.belfastnashville.com

Craft NI’s new venue on Belfast’s Royal Avenue features the Craft NI Gallery, an exhibition space and a place where you can purchase works by wealth of designer-makers from Northern Ireland. From ceramics, to textiles, jewellery and original art, there is plenty to choose from. Visit www.craftni.org

It’s showtime! The MAC, Lyric Theatre, Grand Opera House, Millennium Forum, Crescent Arts Centre, The Playhouse and Waterside Theatre, all have fantastic shows coming up in 2020, including panto, musicals, comedy, family theatre, workshops and opera. A highlight for 2020 is sure to be Northern Ireland Opera’s, Kiss Me Kate, at the Lyric Theatre, on now until 22 February. If you’re unsure what tickets to buy, simply pick up a voucher!

Own Art is an interest free loan scheme, supported by the Arts Council, which makes buying a piece of art easier and more affordable by spreading the cost over 10 months. Spoil your loved one and choose from jewellery, ceramics, paintings, original prints and objet d’art. Participating galleries in Northern Ireland include Gormleys, ArtisAnn Gallery and Steensons. For more information visit www.ownart.org.uk

Gift them that musical instrument of their dreams with Take It Away. Similar to Own Art, the Take It Away scheme, supported by the Arts Council, offers the opportunity to purchase a musical instrument, equipment or software, with an interest free loan repaid over 10 months. See artscouncil-ni.org/the-arts/performing-arts1/take-it-away for more information on participating stores in the region.