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What's on in the Arts
27th November, 2023
From festivals, to concerts, exhibitions and more. Here's your guide to What's On in the Arts....
The Out to Lunch Festival: The Out to Lunch Festival welcomes us into the new year with a range of comedy, music, talks and film events from 6-28 January. Highlights include:
The Sailortown Sessions feat. King Cedar, Ferna & Ciaran Lavery, presented by Snow Water
Sunday 7 January, 3.00pm (Ends 5.00pm)
Doors 2.30pm | Unreserved seating. £15.00
Mark Watson: Search
Sunday 7 January, 8.00pm
Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating. £15.00
Donal Ryan in Conversation
Thursday 11 January, 1.00pm
Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved seating. £10.00 (including Lunch)
Art is Long…Life is Short: An Evening of the Music of Ryuichi Sakamoto by Ruth McGinley
Tuesday 23 January, 8.00pm
Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating. £15.00/£12.00
To view the programme visit www.cqaf.com
Lyric Theatre: presents an exciting programme this autumn and winter with highlights including:
Hansel & Gretel, 24 Nov 2023 – 6 Jan 2024. (Signed performance on 14th Dec)
You can get lost in a story, but sometimes, you may just find yourself there too. Join Hansel, his sister Gretel and a mischievous little mouse called Monty, as they tumble through their story book and into an enchanted forest of technicolour. Together with a host of woodland creatures they will take you on a magical journey to defeat the witch in her sweetie house.
Tara-Lynne O’Neill’s brand-new telling of this classic tale is a spectacular Christmas adventure full of heart for all the family. It's a brand-new original musical with amazing dancing, and unmissable songs by Katie Richardson.
Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to the Lyric. Whether it's your very first Christmas show, or a Lyric family tradition, this wonderful live theatre experience will make magic memories.
Grimes & McKee: Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas, 1 Dec 2023 – 6 Jan 2024. (comedy)
Join Grimes & McKee with an incredible ensemble cast at Darkwood Manor. Embrace the holiday spirit with a hint of the supernatural and prepare to be festively terrified.
Picture this: Christmas Eve, an eerie ancestral estate, and a TV psychic, Nancy Nugent, ready to livestream the mysteries lurking within. But what if the ghosts she hunts are too ghastly even for her? Intriguing secrets, elusive guests and a sprinkle of holiday spookiness will keep you glued to your seat throughout. It's all part of the festive shivers in Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas.
Join the Lyric for a merry and mischievous spooky evening that'll leave you entertained and thrilled.
The Lyric has also announced it’s new season programme with shows including Little Women and Agreement. For further details on these and to view all events visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Grand Opera House: presents an exciting series of shows including,
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 2 Dec 2023 – 14 Jan 2014.
Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year at the Grand Opera House, Belfast with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This year’s show will be spectacularly brought to life from page to stage by a talented cast and creative team and features the Grand Opera House pantomime hallmark of an abundance of comedy, sensational songs and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, stunning scenery, and special effects. Belfast’s much-loved pantomime dame, May McFettridge, as May of the Mirror celebrates her record-breaking 33rd Grand Opera House panto season this year.
Elf In Belfast, An Adult Christmas Comedy, 6-30 Dec 2023.
Growing up, Mucker always felt different to everyone else in Belfast. Whilst his mates wore Adidas and listened to Techno, Mucker liked to line-dance to ‘Hit the Diff’. It was clear, the dad he never knew, was a full-on culchie. After his mum reveals his long-lost dad was a Castle Court security guard, Mucker sets out to be reunited and secures himself a festive job as an ‘Elf’ in the shopping centre’s Christmas Grotto. There he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with Jodie, a fellow Elf and aspiring dancer.
Will Mucker ever find his real Dad? Or does he even care now that he’s found happiness with Jodie? Find out in this hilarious adult comedy from Diona Doherty and Sean Hegarty, writers of Bridesmaids of Northern Ireland, and last year’s Christmas Studio show, Home Malone.
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Brassneck Theatre Company: presents, Cinderella, 5-21 Dec at The Devenish Complex. Written by Neil Keery and directed by Tony Devlin, this is a twist on the original tale and stars Philippa O’Hara as Cinderella. For schools and larger bookings contact lyndsay@brassnecktheatrecompany.com
Strand Arts Centre: presents films and events, visit www.strandartscentre.com
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents a series of events this autumn with highlights including,
- Maxwell Quartet, 23 Nov
- Damian Gorman and Anthony Toner, 25 Nov
- Lilliput Theatre Company, Lilliput’s Anniversary Variety Show, 6 Dec, 6pm.
- This is a show not to miss, for one night only, Lilliput welcomes you to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The show is a hybrid performance with local guest appearances, live and screen performances, live music and panto-style scenes all with a little bit of Christmas to finish!
- Foyle Foodbank Christmas Appeal.
- This Christmas The Playhouse is delighted to be a drop off point for Foyle Foodbank 's Christmas Appeal. Pictured (L-R) are The Playhouse staff members, Jodie McGlinchey, Paul McLaughlin, Fiona Harkin and Christy Curran.
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Waterside Theatre, Derry-Londonderry: The Grove Theatre Group presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs panto from 8-20 December 2023.Cost: Adult £10.50, Concession £8.50, Schools/Groups £8, Family of four £34 (ticket + booking fee). For performance dates and times visit www.watersidetheatreni.com For school, group and concession bookings please contact the box office on 028 7131 4000.
Linen Hall Library: the Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. The library is free for all to enter and enjoy. The Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. To view the full events programme visit www.linenhall.com
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents music, comedy, theatre and more with highlights including:
Jack and the Beanstalk, 30 Nov – 31 Dec. A gigantic beanstalk, Caroline the cow, magic beans, a goose that lays golden eggs and the nastiest of giants – it’s panto time again at the Forum with Jack and the Beanstalk on from 30 Nov-31 Dec 2023. Telling the story of peasant boy Jack and his attempts to please his impoverished mother and win the hand of Princess Jill, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK remains one of the best-loved pantomimes of all time. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes and magical special effects. Signed performances on Wednesday 6 Dec at 7pm, and an audio described performance on Sunday 17 Dec at 2pm. Visit www.millenniuforum.co.uk
- Energy of Light Disco, 24 Nov (over 15s)
- Sarah Millican, 7-9 Dec
- Ulster Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, 8 Dec
- Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas, 20 Dec
Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy music and talks with highlights including:
19 Oct – 14 Mar, Queer Set Dancing. Come along to a Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore. Part of the MACtivate programme, in association with The Rainbow Project, the MAC’s fortnightly Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore is specifically beginner-friendly. Join Alexa and the group from 6.30pm-8.30pm for a fun class with no expectation of any prior dancing experience. The class is run by a queer woman and we aim to create a welcoming and friendly environment for LGBTQ+ people and allies to learn a new dance, have some fun, and meet new people. Come along when you can - you don't need to have joined from the first date to attend. All welcome.
Salon Series – The Lost Boy, 2 Dec. Northern Ireland Opera presents The Salon Series at the MAC. Vocalist Conor Quinn (Jack, ‘Into The Woods’ NI Opera 2022) presents a staged performance of songs exploring a young man’s journey into adulthood. The Lost Boy leads the audience through a repertoire of songs in a staged performance drawn from cabaret and musical theatre, linked by themes of hope, loss of youth, unrest and war. Ranging from ‘I’ll Make a Man Out Of You’ to ‘The Parting Glass’, ‘Only Heaven Knows’ to ‘The Tenterfield Saddler’, this is an eclectic and emotional selection of songs which touch on love, loss, PTSD and generations lost to war and violence. The small ensemble for this Salon Series event includes piano, drums and bass.
A Christmas Sing-Along with Northern Ireland Opera, 3 Dec 2023. Come and enjoy an hour of songs, carols and music with the NI Opera Chorus! You’ll experience the power of an opera chorus performing some festive favourites and join in with them to sing carols and seasonal songs. Start your Christmas season off by belting out some rousing well-loved tunes: whether you sing in the shower or are a fully-fledged singer, this will be a fun, festive hour to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Night Before Christmas, 29 Nov 2023 – 7 Jan 2024. The MAC’s Christmas show for 2023 is a brand new MAC tale, The Night Before Christmas. 'Twas the night before Christmas and the air was thick with excitement...Not least amongst the fairy tale characters who, no longer content with living in the pages of your favourite books, jump up, out and into the real world in our brand new family Christmas show The Night Before Christmas. Meet a storyteller who loses her words, plus lots of characters from your favourite fairytales, in this festive fable about the power of stories. Written by Stephen Beggs and Simon Magill. Produced by the MAC.
Are Yule Being Served, 7-31 Dec 2023 (Age 18+). Christmas... It’s the most wonderful time of the year – unless you work in hospitality! Just ask the staff at the Wind Yer Neck Inn. Booked up with feuding families, festive functions, and frisky punters. Chaos is on the menu this year. With split-shifts and splitting headaches, will the staff make it through the busy season without being tipped over the edge? Let The MAC serve you up a brand new Christmas comedy written by and starring Caroline Curran (of Maggie Muff fame), and a stellar cast of Rhodri Lewis and Patrick Buchanan. Perfect for your festive night out, don’t be wait(tressing) around - book your tickets now!
Teechers by John Godber. 25 Jan – 10 Feb 2024. Directed by Lisa May. ( Age 12+). 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 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'.
For all this and more visit www.themaclive.com to view a full programme of events and exhibitions.
DU Dance (NI): presents Belfast Boys, physical dance theatre for boys aged 7-11 years at the Crescent Arts Centre. Classes at 2-3pm every Saturday. No experience is necessary. Book at info@dudanceni.com
Crescent Arts Centre: presents a series of classes, workshops and events, with highlights including:
- Late Night Art
- ‘Stripped Down’ Music events, the next one is on Saturday 11 November with Winnie Ama.
- 16 December – a bit of Indie Rock with Cormac Neeson and Charlie Hanlon
- Friday 8 December, 4:00 – 9:00 – ‘Take the Stage’. This will be a celebration of the great work made across all artforms by CAC’s Autumn Term Courses & Workshops participants. Expect an evening of performance, reading and exhibition, lighting up multiple spaces with opportunity for customers current and new to display their talent, explore the building and get a sense of what CAC do.
Visit www.crescentarts.org for details on all classes and events.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has releases details of their Autumn/Winter programme. Taking place from Sep-Dec 2023 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, the programme is overflowing with brilliant musicians, poets, authors, and artists. Highlights include:
1 Dec, Brigid O’Neill
16 Dec, Christmas at the Home Place Hearth with Anthony Toner, Neil Martin, Glenn Patterson and John McCullough
To view the full programme visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com for tickets and information.
Declan McConaghy Show: Newry based former BBC broadcaster, Declan McConaghy has created a new series of short films where he talks in-depth to creatives from Newry and the surrounding area who have made a contribution to theatre, music, dance and the performing arts in general. The view the films visit https://www.facebook.com/DMCSHOW ) or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH9LxmhE8O1Af3Csk-k6vA
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
Christmas Sing Along. 3 Dec, The MAC, Belfast. Join the NI Opera Chorus in December at The MAC for their Christmas Sing-Along. You'll get a chance to hear the NI Opera Chorus perform some festive songs before joining in with some favourites too. No singing experience necessary - just something to help get you in the mood for the Christmas season! Tickets are £14 to £22.
Cupid’s Bow, a host of wonderful and recognisable characters from opera come to ‘Cupid’s Bow, a bar where they can share their stories and some arias. A brand-new event conceptualised by Cameron Menzies for Valentine’s Week at the Grand Opera House Studio.
The Juniper Tree: A new production of the opera by Philip Glass and Robert Moran, based on a Grimm’s fairytale, coming to the Grand Opera House Studio in February.
Visit www.niopera.com for details
Belfast Music Society (BMS): presents,
- BMS Chill, 0-13 years and 14 Years plus, at the Crescent Arts Centre on 9 Dec (Christmas edition), 27 Jan & 24 Feb.
Belfast Music Society presents an afternoon of accessible high quality classical music for people with additional needs and their families. Join RiChmusicNI as they create both a stimulating and soothing environment for children and adults alike. People are very welcome to come and familiarise themselves with the space 30 minutes before the concert starts. NB: Tickets are £5 per person with an access companion/PA. Please let BMS know of any accessibility or additional needs so they can make this experience as enjoyable as possible. Email: info@belfastmusicsociety.org
Visit www.belfastmusicsociety.org
Allegri: presents, Allegri Ladies, Allegri Junior and Youth Choirs, Orchestra Northwest - The Nutcracker & Other Christmas Classics at the Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry on Sunday 10 December (3pm and 6pm).
Portico of Ards presents a range of performances with highlights including:
- Christmas Karaoke with Lady Portia, 8 Dec
- Little Miss Muffet's Christmas Adventure, 10 Dec
- Cappella Caeciliana: The Magic of Christmas, 16 Dec
To view the full programme visit www.porticoards.com
Carols by Candlelight Concert, 16 Dec, 7:30pm, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Glenarm. FREE.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Glenlough Community Choir and friends who are asking people to join them to share some gorgeous Christmas music with mince pies, mulled wine and a performance from the incredible soloist Sarah Richmond - Mezzo Soprano. This event is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme.
Carols at the Museum 2023, 5-6 Dec 2023, Ulster Museum Belfast.
The Ulster Museum, Belfast is located in Belfast’s historical botanic gardens and home to many treasures spanning the ages. Sestina Music is delighted to be returning to this atmospheric space for the 7th year running. Why not make a day of it, stroll through the exotic Botanic Gardens; explore the museum’s incredible exhibits and relax and refuel at their cafe with delicious mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies. Finally, join Sestina Music for an evening of enchanting splendour with soprano Charlie O'Hare, altos, Sarah Thursfield Mark Chambers, tenors, Chris Bowen and Patrick McGinley plus bass. William Gaunt. Join Sestina Music for an enchanting evening of seasonal splendour, heartfelt readings and carols spanning the ages. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to book in advance at www.sestinamusic.com/carols2023
Ulster Orchestra: presents their new 2023/24 Season which is on sale now. Highlights for Dec include:
The Snowman Family Concert, 2 Dec, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.
Journey through the classic tale of The Snowman with the Ulster Orchestra at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on 02 December 2023. Don’t miss this wonderful family experience that has created special memories for many. Young and old will enjoy this timeless tale of a boy and his magical Snowman, shown on a big screen ad accompanied by the Orchestra and young guest soloists.
Ulster Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, Christ Church, Derry-Londonderry, 8 Dec & 9 Dec, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.
No Christmas would be complete without a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Still one of the best oratorios ever written, its impact and appeal never fails to delight audiences. If you have never heard it before, now is the time, especially when it’s performed by the Ulster Orchestra, guest soloists and the Codetta Choir.
Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas, 20 Dec, Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry & 21 Dec, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.
This popular, magical concert returns to welcome you into Christmas week. Conductor Alfonso Casado Trigo will lead the Ulster Orchestra in an entertaining night for the whole family that is guaranteed to help you forget the present-wrapping and turkey-stuffing and fill you with Christmas joy! It is an enchanting programme of Christmas and movie classics including O Holy Night, White Christmas, All I want for Christmas and more.
Visit www.ulsterorchestra.com
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast:
The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more. Exhibition Opening Times, Mon – Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12-5pm. To enquire about a visit, or for further info and group bookings please contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com or call 02890310845
Moving On Music: Visit www.movingonmusic.com
The Black Box: presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events.For further information n visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club: Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. The club provides a welcoming environment for world class jazz music to be experienced in a concert setting. For upcoming performances visit Scott's Jazz Club (scottsjazzclub.com)
ITMA: 'Drawing from the Well' is an online monthly ITMA series which connects artists with archival materials to inspire new art. To date, nine videos, podcasts and blogs have been created by leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers, including Louise Mulcahy, Martin Hayes, Edwina Guckian and Cormac Begley. All episodes are free to view online at https://www.itma.ie/drawingfromthewell
Tommy Sands and Artsawonder: In this new online film series, legendary musician, Tommy Sands, films, sings, listens and learns from a singing five times world champion drum major Alan McBride, two young women, Jenna Stevenson and Wendy Graham Hanna, who initiate and drive an Arts hub shop, a rhythmic drum weaver rhythmic drum weaver Damien McKeown and a young woman Bronagh Kelly who lovingly echoes the poetry of her mother. To watch visit Media | Artsawonder (wixsite.com)
Tumble Circus: present their Winter Circus at Writer’s Square in Belfast from 15 Dec 2023 – 4 Jan 2024. Join Tumble Circus for circus, comedy and fun. Winter Circus is high skill, all human and all thrill featuring death defying aerialists, acrobats and juggles. Winter Circus is Belfast’s alternative festival extravaganza for all the family, all performed in a heated big top. Visit www.tumblecircus.com
University of Atypical: is offering a new series of Digital Horizon Masterclasses with registration now open. All masterclasses are free with lunch included, and access needs will be met. Classes include:
Dyslexia and How I Built My Robot Secretary with Conor McGinley, Friday 1 Dec, 10:30-4:30pm. Register at https://forms.gle/5eH3zTuELYQrfBvu6
Experimenting creatively with sound recordings with Sinead O’Neill Nicoll, Friday 26 January, 10:30am-4:30pm. Register at https://forms.gle/8XxBdSCf8xLR2mpC6
For full details visit https://issuu.com/uoat/docs/digital_horizon_a5_booklet_forweb
Crescent Arts Centre: has a new term of classes to book and enjoy now. Fancy learning to speak some Italian before your holiday to Italy this year? Well now’s your chance! From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something to tantalise all tastes. Visit www.crescentarts.co.uk
Duncairn: visit www.theduncairn.com
Duncairn Player: all of the previous video projects can now be viewed from the Duncairn Player including The Duncairn Virtual Cabaret, Take 2, Carlingford and the Ring of Guillion Sessions. Visit Player — The Duncairn
The Duncairn also has a range of workshops and craft classes and courses. For further details visit www.theduncairn.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents,
Irish Language Intensive Course. Intensive courses are a great way to boost your language skills in a short space of time. The course will be both motivating and informative and will take your confidence in the Irish language to another level. The levels we offer are: Bunrang|Beginner , Meanrang | Intermediate , Ardrang | Advanced . Please email sinead@culturlann.ie for more information
PANTOMIME | Babóg na Nollag, 2 Dec. £3/£5. A poor doll/toymaker is alone at home on Christmas Eve, she’s already received a letter from Father Christmas earlier in the Spring with the bad news that he did not require as many toys from her workshop as he usually needs. To make matters worse, she’s just received a message from her landlady threatening to have her turned out of her home. Her only companion is a much treasured and very old teddy bear.
Santa’s Grotto, 2 Dec. Don’t miss the chance to meet Daidí na Nollag while he is visiting Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiach and all the Irish-speaking children. All the good children will get a wonderful present on the day. There will be a fun art workshop also taking place while you wait to meet the man himself. The first session with Daidí na Nollag will be 1-2pm and the second session will be 2-3pm! For this and more visit www.culturlann.ie
Greater Shantallow Community Arts: presents Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio2/GSCA. This amazing group of creative young people have launched their very own podcast and it can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcast. The young people plan, host, interview and edit the Podcast. To date they have interviewed some of their local MLA’s, Councillors, survivors and local Derry’s own Serena Terry, creator of Mammy Banter. As well as this they have a voice and a safe place where they can openly talk about mental health and what it means to them. You can find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast but also by clicking this link below.
https://shows.acast.com/spill-the-tae-youth-led-podcast
Eden Place Arts Centre: in Derry-Londonderry has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Landscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contemporary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
WheelWorks Arts: presents,
ArtCart: Unique to WheelWorks Arts (WWA) is their ArtCart community engagement and outreach programme, which brings creative and artistic activities to your community. ArtCart is also the name WWA gives to its bespoke vehicle that can travel across Northern Ireland and transform into a unique workshop space. ArtCart is available for hire at youth, community, education, and festival events, bringing artistic and creative activities to the community. The available inventive activities cover digital and traditional arts and can include animation, DJing/music making, arts & crafts, and digital arts using augmented and virtual reality. For further information and to hear about their special Art Cart offers over Christmas, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com/artcart or email artcart@wheelworksarts.com.
TS3 Programme: The Tech Studio Skills Share (TS3 programme) is a new initiative by WheelWorks Arts (WWA) that offers training to help people improve their creativity and skills in digital communication by harnessing the specialist artistic expertise of the WWA team. The staff team at WWA consists of professional artists and digital innovators who have a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience in delivering creative activities. They are now offering a range of training opportunities to the corporate and commercial sectors. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com/ts3-training.
TechStudio: This is a 60m2 meeting room and collaboration space available for hire at our office in Weaver's Court, close to Belfast city centre (BT12 5GH). The room is equipped with a range of digital and recording resources, including cameras, green screens, tripods, iPads, and an interactive whiteboard, all available for hire. For pricing and to book the TechStudio, please use our online booking system. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com/room-hire or email info@wheelworksarts.com or business@wheelworksarts.com.
ChangeMaker: This is a programme by WWA that connects people from diverse communities with varied identities within organisations, communities, or geographical areas. It encourages open dialogue, exploration, and recognition of differences to foster mutual inclusion, enhance interpersonal understanding, and ultimately boost inter and intra-community cohesion. The programme explores perceptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions that workshop participants may have, with a view to understanding other contributors' values, heritage, biases, and experiences, and why people may have certain views or stereotypes. It also highlights how many of these perspectives may be unintentional, unconscious, and often unchallenged. For more information, contact Lesley@wheelworksarts.com.
Streetwise Community Circus: Fancy learning how to juggle and other circus skills?! In response to Covid 19 Streetwise Community Circus has developed a team of tutors who are now working via Zoom to reach out to those who can no longer participate in workshops. To take advantage of this opportunity all you have to do is email Streetwise on streetwiseathome@gmail.com. Suitable for participants who range in age from 8 to 80 plus.
Arts Care:
has a wonderful range of arts activities available online on their Arts Care 4U Premium +, their online arts delivery channel that everyone can access. Arts Care’s new dedicated online arts and well-being workshop resource, ‘Break-Time’, accessed via their website to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children and young people through the Arts. New art, music, dance & exercise, drama, creative writing and clown doctor’s CDTV videos will be uploaded regularly and it’s all FREE. Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ85xLA2BlQQdrnWBhKw1hw
142nd Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition at the Ulster Museum: The RUA Annual Exhibition is one of the most eagerly anticipated exhibitions in the Northern Irish cultural calendar, providing a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork in the fabulous galleries at the Ulster Museum. The exhibition contains examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and more. The must-see exhibition is free to view and is now on, continuing until 1 January 2024. Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Belfast Exposed: presents,
Gallery 1: Victor Sloan, 12 Oct – 21 Dec 2023.
Belfast Exposed presents Beyond, a new survey exhibition of work from world renowned Irish visual artist Victor Sloan. Containing both some of Sloan’s iconic works and a series of never before exhibited images and video pieces, Beyond gives audiences a chance to view a broad survey of work from one of Ireland’s major artists, spanning Sloan’s entire career. The exhibition features both Sloan’s trademark hand-manipulated conceptual images and a range of his documentary photography and video pieces.
The work has a strong international theme, with images from Berlin, Poland, Germany, The Golan Heights, Syria and Jordan displayed, alongside pieces from Northern Ireland. Victor Sloan's Beyond is the highlight exhibition. Beyond will be in Gallery I from Thursday 12th October until Thursday 21st December 2023.
Belfast Exposed's Big Christmas Photo Sale, provides the opportunity for anyone with a passion for photography to have their own work exhibited while also being available for sale, with proceeds going towards Mitchell House School in east Belfast. Pieces will be on display from 21 November to 23 December. Visit www.belfastexposed.org
The MAC: presents,
Niamh McCann: ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’. 8 Dec 23 – 7 April 24.
'someone decides, hawk or dove' is a commissioned work by artist Niamh McCann as part of the programme for ART:2023, a Decade Of Centenaries supported by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The title of the exhibition 'someone decides, hawk or dove' is a line from the poem Hairline Crack in Belfast poet Ciaran Carson’s 1989 collection Belfast Confetti. Hairline Crack is also the title of a film central to this exhibition which comprises of three acts with two musical interludes. An eyeless dog guides us through three separate landscapes: one bucolic, one musicological and one socio-political, in an odyssey along the border region of Northern Ireland. Like a mythological seer, this eyeless dog perceives and interprets obscure truths, through philosophical musings on Man’s long hubristic dominion over beasts, places, people.
Visit www.themaclive.com
Belfast Print Workshop - buy framed prints by BPW members working across a range of techniques, supported by The National Lottery, www.bpw.org.uk
Queen Street Studios, Belfast. Check out the Queen Street Studios Christmas Show & Sale from 30 November to 20 December and buy art direct from local artists in their studios. www.queenstreetstudios.net
Seacourt Print Workshop present their annual Members Christmas Exhibition at the Old Ulster Bank building, 75 Main Street, Bangor. The exhibition is open until 12 January 2024. Visit www.facebook.com/seacourtprintworksshop
Craft NI Gallery presents:
The Christmas exhibition, 'Ag925 - Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold' and the Big Bauble Showcase.
November 2 - December 30
Come along and immerse yourself in the makers' creative journeys in silver and gold; or enjoy this year's clever bauble designs and bring the delights of the handmade into your celebrations. Big Bauble Showcase is a yearly staple at Craft NI Gallery, featuring a wide range of unique handmade baubles, in limited ranges or one-offs. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Their Christmas exhibition, Ag925 /Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold will show new work from NI makers and a few special guests. Conveying the idea of precious metals but also hinting at creative journeys and innovative ways to incorporate these metals and/or colours in new work, and sometimes unexpected materials, we hope this unique selling exhibition will bring a glow to the shortest days of the year.
Exhibiting makers: Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins, Alison Lowry, Andrea Hayes, Anna Donovan, Anne Earls Boylan, Ariel Lavian, Caitlin Murphy, Cara Murphy, Celine Traynor, Claire Mooney, David Cousley, Fiona Kerr, Gail Kelly, Irene McBride, Jackie McMaster, Joel Smyth, Kathleen Walsh, Maggie Napier, Patricia Kelly, Ruth Osborne, Sarah Cathers, Shannon McShane
Visit www.craftni.org
Golden Thread Gallery: While they temporarily ‘go dark’, GTG is delighted that their programme of free workshops for all ages will also continue in collaboration with The Naughton Gallery at Queens. Starting from October, their workshops for families and kids, and for teens and adults, will take place in the Lanyon Building at QUB. As always, all materials will be provided, plus snacks. Dates and times may vary. Full details will be shared on the GTG website and social media in advance. Workshops are free but please book your place by emailing. And make sure you’re on their mailing list to be the first to know!
For further information visit www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents,
Exhibition - Recent Diagrams and Proposals: Duncan Ross, on now until 11 Jan 2024.
Recent Diagrams and Proposals is an exhibition of printed drawings and wooden sculptural assemblages. The assemblages are produced from materials gathered in public spaces including an anarchist-run community park in North Belfast. The prints reproduce a series of pen and ink sketches made using a range of graphic techniques including esquisse, automatic drawing and technical draughting. Amongst other themes, these incorporate the artist’s interest in neurological routine, geomancy and box art.
Exhibition | A Slowly Fainting Memory and Love and Regret: Conor Wickham, on now until 11 Jan 2024.
A Slowly Fainting Memory and Love and Regret’ is an exhibition of drawn works from artist Conor Wickham. The Achillea maritima or Cottonweed, is a Mediterranean species at the edge of its range here in Ireland. One would have to travel to the west coast of France to next come across this vascular plant. The Saxifraga nivalis, more commonly known as the Alpine Saxifraga is found in the highest mountainous regions of most circumpolar countries. It endures at the extreme edge of its range on a limestone cliff in Co. Sligo. Visit www.culturlann.ie
VOID Gallery: presents, Áine Mac Giolla Bhríde, Nov 18, 2023 - Jan 27, 2024.
Void Art Centre is pleased to present the first solo exhibition by Áine Mac Giolla Bhríde in the UK. The exhibition takes place across the two galleries at Void Art Centre. Conventionally, of course, galleries are rooms dedicated to the viewing of art, but as spatial environments, they are often repurposed venues whose original function was not the presentation of artworks. The galleries of Void Art Centre are located on the ground floor of the building, in a large, glass-fronted space, once a commercial unit host to a variety of businesses throughout the building’s lifetime. In 2021 two rooms of the ground floor were restructured to approximate ‘white cubes’, and sit within the larger edifice or shell. Galleries can be seen as somewhat emblematic of the adaptive and resourceful use of existing architecture today.
VOID also has a range of learning opportunities available for all ages, such as talks, workshops and more, visit their website for full details.
Visit www.derryvoid.com
CCA: presents, Deferral/Echo, on now until 21 Dec 2023.
Deferral / Echo is Kwok Tsui's first solo exhibition, comprising of new painting and drawing. It centres on Kwok's personal experience as an immigrant living in Northern Ireland, exploring the theme of displacement and the notion of home.
In the words of Anna Liesching, Ulster Museum curator, who has written a text to accompany the exhibition, "This body of work represents the push/pull between journey and stillness in Kwok Tsui’s practice and life. [...] Deferral, the feeling of missing milestones and moments, has been a constant in Kwok’s experience since he emigrated here in his early teens. The migration process, and the consequent lack of security, has delayed education, professional practice, childhood and even grief."
Born in China and growing up in Hong Kong, Kwok has since spent more of his life in Northern Ireland than China. Kwok's series of large-scale paintings capture moments of stasis and movement, and blend his multiple identities. Many of the works may be read as landscapes that oscillate between isolation and calm, loneliness, grief and comfort - reflecting in part the eye of the beholder as much as the artist's intention.
A series of events will accompany the exhibition and the extended text by Anna Liesching will be available to read with the exhibition guide. Visit www.ccadld.org
Ards Arts Centre: Why not visit The Collection, an exhibition of curated works from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Collection. The exhibition runs from 7 Dec 2023 – 27 Jan 2024 and features new acquisitions and local Ards artists. Visit www.andculture.co.uk
ArtisAnn:
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
www.artisann.org
Tue – Fri: 11am to 6pm ; Sat: Noon to 5pm
All artworks are available to buy. You can also buy art from this exhibition through the Arts Council supported Own Art scheme which gives you an interest-free loan over 10 months. Visit www.artisann.org
