Swing into 2025 with new creative classes at The Crescent

As it launched its new programme of courses and workshops for January-April 2025, Friday night’s (6^th December) ‘Take To The Stage event ’ saw students perform alongside tutors, for an end of term celebration for family and friends. Performances included tap, drama, ukulele, African drums and more.

The Crescent Arts Centre, which is annually supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland with funding from the National Lottery, is a vibrant community arts centre and cultural hub. Open to all, it’s a place to gather, meet and learn, with the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide range of arts activities.

Sophie Hayles, CEO of The Crescent Arts Centre, explained: “The Crescent has been running courses and workshops for over 35 years, and we’re really proud of all the brilliant things that happen in the building on a daily basis. Each term it’s a joy to have folks embracing art in all its wonderful forms and filling our gorgeous Victorian building with creativity. The new term starts Monday 13 January – come join us.”

Gilly Campbell, joint Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, “The Crescent is situated in the heart of Belfast, it’s been a home to the arts for many years, a place to meet, make friends and learn something new. As we begin to look ahead to the New Year, this is a great time to be thinking about how the arts can enrich our lives and to look at the wonderful range of courses and opportunities available at our local arts centres.”

The next term of classes runs from January - April 2025. The 12 week programme spans 6 artforms. Highlights include:

• Rory O’Connor – founder of Rory’s Story Cubes - will teach Learn to Play an 11-week introduction to some of the mechanics that underpin the majority of modern table top games
• Get hands on creative and Learn to Knit this New Year
• Expand your writing techniques and learn to craft a creative responses to the Banshee
• Learn the traditional form of Set Dancing, which celebrates rhythm, music and community
• Interested in your family roots but are not sure where to start? Natalie Bodle is a full-time professional genealogist, and will help you learn these tools
• We often hear how teens are looking for a space for art activity. On Saturday’s there’s Art Lounge for 14 – 17 year olds
• Learn how to develop and perform your own unique stand-up comedy routine in Stand Up Comedy with Paul Mone. Not only for those interested in improving their joke-writing or performance skills – but those looking to become more confident speaking in public

For more information go to crescentarts.org