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What's on in the Arts
19th April, 2024
From festivals, to concerts, exhibitions and more. Here's your guide to What's On in the Arts....
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: is delighted to announced that IMRAM Literature Festival is bringing the acclaimed show 'Lost Moon Sisters - Diane Di Prima Project' to their stage on Friday 3rd of May. A magical event that images a poetic conversation between the radical poet Diane Di Prima and Dairena Ní Chinnéide.
With new music composed by Nick Roth, with pieces performed by Oleysa Zdorovetska, and with beautiful images projected by Margaret Lonergan. Diane Di Prima was a radical voice in new American poetry, a powerful feminist voice when men were the main speakers for the generation of Beat poets. Her book 'Revolutionary Letter' (1971), was a handbook of counter-culture protest that shows a utopian imagination while drawing attention to ecology. In Loba's epic poem, which is a tour-de-force, she draws on many myths to create the spirit of the hawk as a goddess with her singing. Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter called it "Liberating and moving, a poem for all times."
Tickets for the show are available for £12, those who wish to avail of a of theatre special, can purchase a ticket for £30 which will include the show and 2 courses from the restaurant Bia Loch Lao. Visit https://culturlann.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
Bbeyond: presents Common Ground, an international exchange festival between Northern Ireland and China featuring events in Derry-Londonderry and Belfast from 1-11 May 2024. The festival sees exchange between Guyu Action artists based in Xi’an, including other national Chinese artists and Bbeyond in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The purpose of the exchange is to highlight the common groundwork existing between artists from different cultures with the potential to open future dialogues and exchanges. Participating artists include, Chen Qiuge, Li Mengyuan, Xiang Xishi, Su Baiwei, Wang Pan, Mirror Huang, Pan Chennong, Lyu Desheng, Sandra Johnston, Sinead O’Donnell, Wioletta Ratajczak, Rebecca Strain and Rainer Pagel. For more details visit www.bbeyond.live
Festival of Fools: The amazing Festival of Fools returns to the streets of Belfast from 4-9 May 2024. Festival of Fools this May thanks to The National Lottery players. This thrilling festival spreads amazement and joy across the city of Belfast every year and once again the organisers have curated a fabulously fun programme with something to suit all tastes, from the very young, to the very young at heart! Visit www.foolsfestival.com to view the programme.
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival: returns in May 2024 with a packed programme of music, comedy, talks and more. Highlights include:
- Fri 3 May: The Breeze ‘Thin Ground;’ Album Launch
- Sat 4 May: PP Arnold and Bronagh Gallagher
- Sun 5 May: Conchúr White
- Wed 8 May: Contra at Circusful
- Thurs 9 May: Belonging at Circusful
- Sat 11 May: Sara Pascoe - Weirdo
- Sun 12 May: Revolucion to Roxy, Phil Manzanera In Conversation
For all this and more view the full programme and buy tickets at www.cqaf.com
Belfast Book Festival: Belfast Book Festival 2024 takes place over seven days in June with a vibrant line-up of events and activities for adults and children in the Festival’s Hub - The Crescent Arts Centre, South Belfast.
Festival highlights include an evening with Margaret Drabble, reflecting on seven decades of writing in conversation with Wendy Erskine; and Colm Tóibín discussing with Festival Patron Lucy Caldwell the writing of Long Island, the much anticipated sequel to Brooklyn.
Other writers at the Festival include Sinéad Gleeson, Kerry Barry, Elaine Feeney, Martin Doyle, Louise Kennedy, Fergal Keane, Suzi Ronson, Nicola Tallant, AC Grayling, and Eimear Ryan.
There’s a strong line-up of writers for children on Saturday 8 June: an audience with Jacqueline Wilson; readings with Martin Waddell alongside an exhibition celebrating his picture books; and launches of new work from Northern Ireland talent Ashling Lindsay and Colleen Larmour.
The Festival’s poetry programme features celebrated US poet Marie Howe; and Belfast’s Dawn Watson and Scott McKendry; and there’s a special live edition of RTÉ Sunday Miscellany with new writing from a line up that includes Jan Carson and Glenn Patterson.
Alongside bookable events there’s a range of free/drop-in activities including film poem screenings and a Poetry Jukebox. For the 3rd consecutive year the Festival is operating a Pay What you Decide Model.
Belfast Book Festival has pioneered panel-led curation in Ireland, with this year’s programming associates including Neil Hegarty and Mícheál McCann: Festival director Sophie Hayles notes that ‘Panel-led curation is now the norm in many countries: and at Belfast Book Festival we have witnessed how very well it works, providing access to a range of ideas, connections, and creative input’.
Belfast Book Festival runs at the Crescent Arts Centre from 7-13 June, and booking is now open at belfastbookfestival.com
Carnival of Colours/In Your Space Circus: presents The Big Splash as part of the Foyle Martime Festival 2024. Hold on to your rubber rings!!! For one year only, Carnival of Colours is dropping anchor at Foyle Maritime Festival 2024 to bring you The Big SPLASH!
In Your Space Circus is super excited to bring ship-loads of circus and street theatre to the Quay from 27th - 30th June. Keep an eye on their socials in the coming weeks and months for some INCREDIBLY exciting act announcements... make sure you don't miss the boat.
Belfast Tradfest summer Festival: takes place from 22-26 July 2024. The programme of events will be announced soon but tickets to the Summer School masterclasses are now on sale. The Summer School’s team of tutors is made up of internationally renowned performers with proven track records as teachers and educationalists. Whistle & Sing, Traditional Singing, Amhránaíocht, Sean-Nós Dancing and Set Dancing are suitable for all levels, including beginners. All other classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age. For details see https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com/music-masterclasses
Belfast 2024: is an ambitious cultural celebration made by the people of Belfast and led by Belfast City Council. This programme will see the city come to life with creative projects, events and civic initiatives taking place across Belfast throughout the year.
Highlights include:
Touch, Hear, Feel, by Helen Hall and Belfast International Arts Festival. Touch, Hear, Feel is an immersive and multisensory installation created with visually impaired communities led by artist Helen Hall, that explores touch through original choreography, fabrics, audio and video narratives.
Teac Damsa. An Droichead and Michael Keegan Dolan. An Droichead will create a new multi-disciplinary piece of dance theatre along with Teaċ Daṁsa, led by Michael Keegan Dolan.
The Art of Reconciliation, by Féile an Phobail, in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival and EastSide Arts. Féile an Phobail, in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival and EastSide Arts presents an international story of art and reconciliation, showcasing international experiences of the transformative role of the arts in dealing with complex issues around legacy, conflict and reconciliation.
Sound Links, by Ulster Orchestra. Townsend Street will be transformed for a one-day festival of dance, song and fun for all ages! This collaboration with Ulster Orchestra and Townsend Enterprise Park aims to continue the revival of a fascinating but overlooked street in west Belfast with a rich history and exciting future.
ROOTS, by Eileen McClory, Off The Rails Dance Company and Black Mountain Shared Space. ROOTS created by choreographer Eileen McClory with a dynamic collective of artists and expert gardeners will transform an interactive community garden, creating space to grow, dance, and dream. – Join us on the mountain in this new shared space -Culminating in live performances amid the flourishing Garden in August, and an immersive audio trail installation at Black Mountain Shared Space.
Midsummer at the Lyric, by Lyric Theatre. Come experience the Lyric Theatre like you’ve never seen before! Set to illuminate the banks of the River Lagan with an extraordinary festival in July 2024. Midsummer at the Lyric will be a collaborative spectacle igniting the Lyric’s outdoor space along the River Lagan; creating a magical and mythical space for play, theatre and music.
Little Amal, by The Walk Productions. A big Belfast welcome will be ready for Little Amal in May 2024. Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child, will take a journey across our city to see the place we call home and make it her home for a weekend as she explores our places and enjoys experiences with our people. Produced by ArtsEkta in collaboration with Des Kennedy and Amir Nizar Zuabi.
Eco Arcade, by Robin Price. Artist Robin Price is teaming up with young minds and local ecologists from the National Trust to create an interactive experience that merges gaming, technology, and environmental consciousness. Eco Arcade will take over the outside of two of Belfast's prominent cultural spaces, the MAC and Ulster Museum, during the dark winter evenings of '24. The arcade games will become fully playable by the general public so everyone can have a go!
Are You On The Bus? by Outburst Arts and Kabosh Theatre Company. Outburst Arts and Kabosh present Are You On the Bus? - a ground-breaking collaboration that looks at Belfast’s queer past to collectively imagine the future, featuring stunning new multi-media and audio works by Pea Dinneen and Stacey Gregg that draw inspiration from city transport, time travel and cross-generational queer kinship.
For more information visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/home
Tinderbox Theatre Company: presents I always liked the Name Marcus at The MAC, 1-5 May 2024. A funny and provocative new play written By Matthew Sharpe and created in collaboration with Tinderbox Theatre Company and presented as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
Meet Marcus, raised in Northern Ireland with mixed-race heritage. Marcus has always gone along with society's stereotypes to fit in - from posing as a rap superstar to flexing his muscles as a gym bro, he's tried them all. But when an audition makes him question his true self, Marcus faces the ultimate dilemma: Who is he, really?
Join Marcus on his FUNNY and PROVOCATIVE escapade as he embarks on a quest of self-discovery, unravelling the layers of societal expectations to uncover the truth buried deep within himself. I’VE ALWAYS LIKED THE NAME MARCUS is a unique but universal tale of personal identity and cultural diversity amidst our rapidly changing world. Visit www.themaclive.com for details and tickets.
Kabosh: presents Mary Ann, The Forgotten Sister, a theatrical walking tour from 13-28 April 2024. Written by Clare McMahon and directed by Paula McFetridge, Mary Ann, The Forgotten Sister is presented by Kabosh on Saturdays & Sundays in April 2024. The tour begins at Clifton Cemetery (Henry Place) and concludes at Clifton House. Visit https://kabosh.net/production/mary-ann-the-forgotten-sister/ for details.
Big Telly Theatre Company: presents, The Worst Cafe in the World, 49-51 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FD, from 4-6 May, 3.00pm - 5.00pm, 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Entrance times are every 15 minutes with the last entry at 4.30pm & 8.00pm.
Book a table at Big Telly’s Worst Café in The World —not a meal in sight, but a menu of theatrical bites to amuse your bouche – music, mystery, magic, masks and mayhem. From Shakespeare to sci-fi the stories come well-done and rare, but the waiters have a lot on their plate and may meltdown any minute… This may be the Worst Cafe for food but it’s the best for craic, specially created for people who like their theatre fresh. Tickets: £5.00 per person, for a minimum of 30 minutes of table service. Visit https://cqaf.com/the-worst-cafe-in-the-world/ for full details and to buy tickets.
Lyric Theatre: presents an exciting programme of events with highlights including:
- 10-21 April, Sunny Side Up
- 17-21 April, Boy out the City
- 24 April – 5 May, Project Children by Fionnuala Kennedy and Brassneck Theatre Company -
NEW YORK, 1975. Patrick and Denis Mulcahy, County Cork natives and police officers in the NYPD, watch news footage of the violence in the north of Ireland... and Project Children is born. Over the next 40 years, 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children would travel from Northern Ireland to America during the Summer months, as respite from the conflict. Belfast playwright, Fionnuala Kennedy, has documented this extraordinary intervention through interviews with participants, host families and the passionate volunteers involved with Project Children, the people who gave their time, so that our young people might have the opportunity to see another world outside of the conflict, creating a better future for us all. 'Project Children' is a powerful reminder of how activism and radical kindness can positively change the lives of children and young people.
- 16 May – 15 June, The Pillowman
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,
21 Jun 2024: The Shamrock Tenors
6 June 2025: Russell Kane: HyperActive
24 Sep 2025: Rob Beckett: Giraffe
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Strand Arts Centre: presents films and events, visit www.strandartscentre.com
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents a series of events with highlights including,
Experience a set of staged concerts in the round until May 2024. From short opera, song cycles, cabaret to musical theatre from the golden age, each event will take you into a world of beautiful music, drama and emotion in the special, intimate surroundings of The Playhouse.
All productions fully staged with singers in costume, accompanied by a pianist. Shows include:
- 20 April 2024 – The Lost Boy
- 28 April, The Bluetones
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
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:
Moves and Melodies. Moves and Melodies is an age friendly project in the Millennium Forum that includes song and dance workshops for 60 people. This project will be provided complimentary and will be held once a month in the Studio Theatre. The music facilitator is Fiona Logue and the dance facilitators are Claire Harkin and Emma Lindsay from Emma Lindsay Dance. There will be an opportunity to learn new dance skills and sing a range of song styles every month. 2pm – 3.30pm. For further information contact Lisa Heaney on 028 7127 2779 or email lisah@millenniumforum.co.uk
- 12 April, Paddy Raff
- 16-21 April, Shrek the Musical
- 15-16 May, Peppa Pig’s Fun day Out
- 21-25 May, The Woman in Black, cirect from the West End,
Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy music and talks with highlights including:
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 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.
13 April, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered with NI Opera’s Salon Series. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered will be performed by soprano Wendy Ferguson and pianist Ruth McGinley, with songs from the golden age of music theatre.
19-20 April, The Sound of Music, Youth Edition
23-27 April, theatre with Young Frankenstein
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 language, visual arts, craft, music, dance classes, and more plus workshops and events. Visit www.crescentarts.org for details.
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:
- 12 Apr, An evening with Irvine Welsh
- 14 Apr, Jan Carson in conversation
- 27 Apr, Lemn Sissay
- 29 Apr, Ulster Orchestra on Your Doorstep – Villa Italia!
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
Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble: Ahead of their showcase at Classical:NEXT 2024, Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble will give a short preview performance of “Peaceline Perspectives: Voices from a Divided City”, at 5pm on 12th May at the Sonic Lab, SARC in Queen's University. For more details, and to make a donation to help the group cover the considerable costs involved in the trip, visit: www.hardrainensemble.com
Dumbworld: presents the NI Film Scoring Summer School, 1-6 July - A Summer School for aspiring Film Music and Games Composers. This is a unique opportunity to learn the aesthetic and technical aspects of composing music for film, games, TV and more.
The NI FILM SCORING SUMMER SCHOOL is specifically designed for early career musicians and composers looking to develop their music composition and technology skills in writing music for screen (film, games, TV, etc). The week will consist of workshops, seminars, and tutorials that focus on the professional tools and approaches needed to create an original score. This course will be delivered by some of the most established and high-profile professional names working in film scoring, contemporary music, and music production, including Ivor Novello Award-winning composers David Holmes (Killing Eve [BBC, 2018-2022]) and Brian Irvine (The Woman in the Wall [BBC, 2023]). Seminars will also feature advice and support from an array of experienced professionals about building a career as a film music composer.
The course covers both the aesthetic and creative aspects of writing for screen as well as technical elements, software, and score preparation methodologies. It further offers the chance to connect with a network of Directors, Producers, and Sound Designers. It is a unique opportunity to experience the real-life process of composing an original score for screen. Participants will come away with a fully mixed and mastered copy of their recorded score. Digital scoring will be strongly encouraged and supported while engaging in composing for a live ensemble will be optional.
For information on applying visit https://dumbworld.co.uk/project/ni-film-scoring-summer-school/
Belfast Trad and An Droichead: present A Belfast Song Gathering – a two-day celebration of Ulster singing on 19 and 20 April 2024. Highlights include:
- Friday Night Singing Session hosted by the Belfast Singing Circle at The American Bar, Friday, 9pm with guest singer Cathal Mc Connell.
- Family/Children’s Singing Workshop, The MAC, Saturday, 11am
- Geordie Hanna - The Man and The Songs ; Talk by Martin J. Mc Guinness, The MAC , Saturday, 12:30pm
- Saturday Singing Session hosted by The Nightingale Singing Session at The Sunflower Bar (Upstairs), Saturday, 4pm with guest Singer Catríona Ni Ghribín
- Ceolchoirm: The Belfast Song Gathering Concert, Cathal Mc Connell, Maurice Leyden and Jane Cassidy, Rose Connolly, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil
For information visit https://www.androichead.com/ag-teacht-anios/tionl-amhrnaochta-bhal-feirste-belfast-song-gathering
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered with soprano Wendy Ferguson and pianist, Ruth McGinley: 25 May 2024, 8pm, The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry, £20
The Lost Boy with vocalist, Conor Quinn: 20th April 2024, 8pm, The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry, £20
Chorus, 18th May, Ulster Hall. Following on from the huge success of the 2023 Opera Chorus Development programme and their performances in the highly acclaimed production of ‘TOSCA’ at the Grand Opera House Belfast, NI Opera proudly present our 2024 Northern Ireland Opera Chorus as the feature of this very special showcase. NI Opera choristers have become one of the greatest assets for the company and through this specialised programme, they have worked with industry professionals including vocal coaches, conductors, language coaches, choreographers and movement directors from highly prestigious opera houses all over the UK and Europe. For this concert they will be working with conductors James Grossmith, Margaret Bridge and Matthew Quinn. Come and enjoy well-loved favourites as well as some lesser-known delights. This concert will include works by Purcell, Wagner, Puccini, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and John Adams.
Eugene Onégin by Tchaikovsky. 14,17,19,21 September, Grand Opera House Belfast. After two consecutive sold-out productions, La Traviata in 2022, and Tosca in 2023, Northern Ireland Opera returns to the Grand Opera House with Tchaikovsky’s stunning operatic masterpiece, Eugene Onégin. Love, friendship and fidelity collide with devastating consequences in this story of passion, pride, a moment’s madness, a duel and a true love lost. Directed by Cameron Menzies, don’t miss your opportunity to see this award-winning national opera company’s new production of one of the most exciting stories ever set to music. Performed in Russian with English surtitles.
Visit www.niopera.com for details
Belfast Music Society (BMS): please visit www.belfastmusicsociety.com
Moving on Music: presents,
- 18/19 April, The Birds and the Bees Quartet
- 20 Apr, Matilda Lloyd and Alexandra Wittingham
- 2 May, Handmade Music at Accidental Theatre
- 11 May, Blue Whale Album Launch, Black Box
- 16 May, Stone Drawn Circles, Crescent Arts Centre
- 8 & 9 June, Mohammad Syfkhan, The American
- 13-16 June, Jake Blount Band (Tour)
- 28-29 June, Phil Roson Organ Trio (Tour)
For tickets visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards: presents HOLST landmark anniversaries in Portaferry. Celebrating 150 years since Holst’s birth and 90 years since his death, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry is delighted to welcome the Kammer Philharmonie Europa in a return visit to its stage in a performance of Holst’s exquisite “Suite for String Orchestra op.29 Nr.2” – the St Paul's Suite.
This world-renowned chamber orchestra continues its Europe wide tour in Portaferry on Friday 19th April, playing, in addition, works by Albinoni, Vivaldi, Bach, Delius and Mozart. On previous visits the precision and skill of their playing and the balance of their tone has wowed audiences who return again and again to hear them play.
For tickets visit www.porticoards.com
Ulster Orchestra: presents their new season with highlights including,
- 4 May, May the Fourth Be with You - A Star Wars Spectacular. Calling all Star Wars fans, young and old! Almost half a century has passed since the first Star Wars film changed cinema forever in 1977, with the franchise still going strong decades later. John Williams’s epic scores are some of the most thrilling music ever written, especially when heard with a live orchestra. With music spanning from Episode IV: A New Hope, The Emperor Strikes Back and The Phantom Menace to The Revenge of the Sith and The Mandalorian, The Force is strong with this one.
- 10 May, The Sun Still Shines – Ulster Orchestra and Conor Mitchell. Conor Mitchell New Work (World Première). GABRIEL BEBEȘELEA CONDUCTOR. The name Sophie Scholl is not widely known outside Germany, but her extraordinary story is the inspiration for a brand-new work by Conor Mitchell. As a student in Nazi Germany, she co-founded the non-violent group the White Rose and distributed leaflets, encouraging citizens to resist the Nazi regime, denouncing the murder of Jewish people and demanding an end to the war. In 1943, while distributing pamphlets at her university, she was reported to the Gestapo and executed after a show trial, aged 21, and her last words as she went to her death were “The sun still shines” (“Die Sonne scheint noch”). Her short life is a stellar example of the necessity of following your conscience and speaking truth to power, no matter what the consequences.
- 14 June Lir Arts Festival, Ballycastle – Co.Antrim. The Ulster Orchestra are On Your Doorstep at St Patrick's and St Brigid's Church, Ballycastle. Spend a Summer's evening in Ballycastle with the Ulster Orchestra in concert at St Patrick's and St Brigid's Church. Refreshments served in the Crypt after the concert. Brought to you by Lir Arts Festival, Bringing the Arts to Ballycastle.
Visit www.ulsterorchestra.com for the full programme and to book tickets.
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast: presents a programme of music and tours with highlights including,
16 Apr- Isabella Dorta's Belfast show of her 2024 spring poetry tour and an open mic/book signing!
20 Apr - This show is for the worthiest cause. Please join Oh Yeah for this Gary Moore Belfast Statue Fundraising Concert spectacular. Just announced, Thin Lizzy founding guitarist and blues legend Eric Bell Trio will be joining us on the night, including a very special interview with Eric Bell and BBC's Ralph McLean live on stage!
10 May - The Liquid Engineers: The Gary Numan Experience
24 May - The Linen Hall Library and Women's Work are delighted to launch the brand-new EP ‘Woman’ by Belfast based folk Singer Songwriter Ciara O’Neill. Following on from the success of her last EP where single ‘La Lune’ topped the BBC Radio Ulster and RTE Radio1 airplay charts and her subsequent RTE Radio1 Folk Award nomination this event is not to be missed.
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
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)
Omagh Forum for Rural Associations and The Rainbow Project NI: will celebrate Raymond Browne Lecky's Legacy at Fintona Golf Club. On Friday, May 17th, Fintona Golf Club will be abuzz with excitement as the community gathers to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Raymond Browne Lecky. Hosted on Lecky's birthday and International Day Against Transphobia, Biphobia, and Homophobia (IDAHOBIT), this special event promises an evening of creativity, art, and community spirit.
Join Omagh Pride for a FREE celebration of rural queer heritage. Lecky was a female impersonator born in 1881, who left an indelible mark on Fintona. Buried beside his partner Joel, Lecky dedicated his life to supporting musicians, actors, and his community, ultimately leaving the estate to the people of Fintona. To honour his memory, Omagh Pride, in collaboration with Arts Council Northern Ireland and The National Lottery Community Fund, presents "Lecky's Legacy."
The event, curated by Omagh Pride co-founders Cat Brogan and Loraine Montague, features a diverse lineup of performances and exhibitions. Attendees can look forward to performances inspired by Lecky’s life by Cat Brogan and an art exhibition curated by Loraine Montague, showcasing works inspired by community creative workshops. In addition to the curated art exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to view paintings of Lecky himself and historic landmarks of Fintona by renowned local artist Niall Taggart.
James McAnespy from New Ireland TV has produced a thought-provoking short film and the evening will culminate in a drag performance by Drumquin native Shania Laa Rue adding a touch of glamour to the festivities. For more information, please contact Cat Brogan at omaghpride@gmail.com.
University of Atypical: has announced details of their Spring-Summer Programme of Digital Horizon masterclasses. Each Masterclass is tailored to the specific needs of the Arts and Disability sector, promoting digital technology for artists and creatives, and led by artists who identify as d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent.Places are limited and free. Access requirements for those who sign up will be put in place. Please note that Peter Fleming's Masterclass takes place Nerve Centre and all other Masterclasses take place in University of Atypical for Arts and Disability
Masterclasses will take place on the following dates:
Thursday 18th April 2024 – Ledger Studio BELFAST
AI and Disability Representation: A Creative Masterclass on Getting it Wrong with Catherine Bourne
https://forms.gle/Rh5F9NRwvwMPYFxu6
Thursday 9th May 2024 – Ledger Studio BELFAST
Digital Horizon Masterclass -Working Digitally as a Creative or Artistic Producer with Ruth Fabby
https://forms.gle/CTnCHq5t9svzFv2NA
Thursday, 30th May 2024 – Nerve Centre DERRY-LONDONDERRY
Digital Horizon Masterclass -Sound Design and Composing for Moving Image with Peter Fleming
Sign up: https://forms.gle/kCQx4D2RTQvqPdk19
Thursday 6th June 2024 – Ledger Studio BELFAST
Digital Horizon Masterclass: Integrating Captioning into Creative Work with Porcelain Delaney with Porcelain Delaney
Sign up: https://forms.gle/fAHpRmjug3w1akuj7
Thursday 13th June 2024 – Ledger Studio BELFAST
Digital Horizon Masterclass: Build your own Online Platform with Simon Jay
Sign up: https://forms.gle/Lp2hBFqz5hsPZ3cc8
Digital Horizon is funded by The Santander Foundation. The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is grateful to their principal funder the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and core funding from Belfast City Council.
Visit https://universityofatypical.org/
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: presents live music from the following,
- 20 Apr, Harmonies of Freedom: Honouring Frederick Douglass in Belfast
- 2 May, Charlie Grey & Joseph Peach + Megan Nic Ruairí
- 11 May, Ryan Young
- 18 May, Nora Brown & Stephanie Coleman
- 24 May, Jinx Lennon + muckno
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
Yoga Classes with Dunla, 6:30-7:30pm, £5. No need to register, just pay on arrival.
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
Csilla Toldy: presents Ec(h)o - digital film poem screening at Armagh Planetarium from 20 April – 12 May Copernicus Hall. The film is screened in a loop and visitors will be able to engage with the artwork in the next four weeks between 20th April – 12th May. Csilla Toldy is giving an artist talk on Saturday 27th April at 1:00pm talking about her process and the ideas behind the artwork.
Echo in Greek mythology is the nymph whose own voice is never heard. She is cursed to repeat what she hears, thus she is ignored by all. This is an analogy for present-day attitudes to ecology. Eco-activists are not heard, they are cursed to repeat themselves endlessly. In this 16-minute-long film, the artist focussed on the elements that create our world: air, water, earth and fire. Thanks to the three screens in the Copernicus Hall of Armagh Planetarium, the viewer can have an immersive, multi-sensory experience of nature, sound, and animation. It is particularly fitting that the film screening is alongside the Planetarium’s exhibition on climate change. For more information about the artist Csilla Toldy http://www.csillatoldy.co.uk
The MAC: presents, Mother Tongue, 26 April – 21 July 2024. This new group exhibition represents some of the most exciting contemporary practices in Northern Ireland. Featuring sculpture, installation, painting, photography, audio and film made over the course of the past six years, the exhibition illuminates the breadth and quality of contemporary artists based in this region. The diverse artworks in this exhibition are brought together under the title mother tongue, a term that evokes our relationship to language, and our (dis)connection to the land, belonging, family and our own bodies.
Curated by Ciara Hickey and Alissa Kleist, exhibiting artists include Brown&Brí (Rachel Brown and Brighdín Farren), Jane Butler, Myrid Carten, Mitch Conlon, Janie Doherty, Michael Hanna, Jacqueline Holt, Susan Hughes, Dorothy Hunter, Julie Lovett, Phillip McCrilly, Jan McCullough, Emily McFarland, Tara McGinn, Helouise O’Reilly, Robin Price, Jonathan H.S. Ross, Christopher Steenson, Thomas Wells, and Yasmeen Mohsen Zaher.
The 21 exhibiting artists participated in the Freelands Artist Programme, a UK wide artist development programme that took place between 2018 and 2023 supported by the Freelands Foundation, run by PS² in Belfast, and curated by Ciara Hickey and Alissa Kleist. Other host partners included Talbot Rice Gallery (Edinburgh), G39 (Cardiff), and Site Gallery (Sheffield). There will be a public programme to accompany the exhibition including talks, screenings and tours. This exhibition was made possible through the generous support of PS², the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The Freelands Foundation, and Esme Mitchell Trust.
Visit www.themaclive.com
Dumbworld and The MAC: presents A New Topography of Love, available to view now until 6 June. A New Topography of Love is a 20-minute animated video-game opera experience, played on a bespoke arcade console. Imagine Super Mario Brothers meets Mario Lanza, Mickey Mouse, whales, bats, birds and Jeff Bezos, all battling it out for the future of our very own planet earth. It tells the tale of the earth – ravaged by waste and excess and almost too late to save – but the animals that remain become our teachers, reminding us of the essence of living and that there is nothing more important than our voice. The piece plays out seven chapters with three-interactive levels, all with one goal in common – to spread the love.
Written and directed by John McIlduff and composed by Brian Irvine, Dumbworld collaborates with artist Stephen Maurice Graham (The Washington Post, VICE, MTV) to create a bold new video-game opera experience. Come visit this installation from Dumbworld at the MAC anytime during opening hours. 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: visit www.queenstreetstudios.net
Seacourt Print Workshop. Visit www.facebook.com/seacourtprintworksshop
Craft NI Gallery: presents
- Make a wax pendant workshop, Saturday 8 June, 10:30am, £80.
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: ‘We Gather’ with Siobhán O'Callaghan, from 7 March – 18 April 2024.
Siobhán O’Callaghan is a Dublin-based artist, invigorated by art’s capacity for storytelling, documentary and commentary, and the processes of making. Her work centres around connection in various forms – shared experiences, intimacy, how we relate to our environment. She is mindful that the environments in which we live help people make sense of their belonging in a larger culture and community. Relationships and communication take centre stage in her works and the process of their making.
Exhibition: EXHIBITION - 'In Memory of the Future' - with Illustrators Ireland. In Homage to Tomi Ungerer, 7 March – 18 April 2024.
This is an exhibition by 55 Irish illustrators, celebrating the life and work of Tomi Ungerer. Tomi Ungerer was an internationally recognised, admired and well-loved illustrator. Ungerer spent much of his life as a young man trying to find a place to settle, having been uprooted first by World War 2, then by prejudice, and finally by boredom. In the end, Ungerer settled in Ireland.
In 2018 Ungerer was welcomed as the first honorary member of Illustrators Ireland – a gesture that was partially tongue-in-cheek – but Ungerer accepted his crown with grace, humility and great enthusiasm. Each illustrator has chosen a work by Ungerer and offered their response to it, or their interpretation of it.
Visit www.culturlann.ie
Belfast Exposed: presents,
Gallery 2: Our Archives – 40 Years of Belfast Exposed. 7 Mar – 1 June. As part of this year's ongoing celebration of their 40th Anniversary, the Belfast Exposed Archive is taking over Gallery II with an exciting exhibition that will provide a snapshot into life in Northern Ireland throughout the 1990s. The Belfast Exposed Archive is a substantial collection of over one million negatives and slides, held in trust for the community. Compiled over the last 40 years, the Archive contains contributions from both professional and amateur photographers.
Naturally, the Archive includes a significant amount of material in relation to the Troubles. However, many of the images show an alternative side of Belfast that reflects the reality, sadness and humour of the city as it experienced conflict, through the experiences of people who lived, worked and visited the city throughout that time.
Each photograph weaves together a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and struggles, forming a poignant testament to the resilience and spirit of Belfast's people. As viewers immerse themselves in this visual narrative, they are transported back in time, invited to bear witness to the unbreakable human spirit that has shaped the heart and soul of Northern Ireland's history.
Belfast Exposed also offer a series of photography classes and workshops for all levels of experience. Visit www.belfastexposed.org
VOID Art Centre: presents, Composting for the future: an exhibition and long-term period of research and training that reflects on ways of working within Void, past and present.
Composting for the future is a twofold exhibitionary project taking place across Void’s galleries. Composting for the future marks Void Art Centre’s commitment to a living practice of Social Permaculture, a group of principles that look to models of co-existence and co-creation in permaculture and our more-than-human world. Void’s organisational structure will be re-imagined, becoming based on collaborative methods of working and sustainable use of logical resources such as project production. Composting for the future represents the initial starting point for this transformation.
Void will host a Social Permaculture hub which runs from February 2024 to April 2024. This hub will act as a training ground for Social Permaculture activities. Alongside the training programme, Karla Sánchez, co-founder of Blackbird Cultur-Lab, will share a collection of publications that expand on farming and agriculture from historical, political-economy, and regenerative-agriculture perspectives, held in a temporary library resource created for Composting for the future. Concurrent to the exhibition and hub, Void will host a public programme that will address issues connected to Void’s future adherence to Social Permaculture values, such as the natural world, sustainability, interdisciplinary development and climate crisis. A public programme will accompany the project, bringing Void’s history and future working practices to events, workshops and reading groups.
Upcoming events include:
- Visual Arts Collective (VAC) Sketchbook session, Apr 17, 2024 1-3:00 pm
- Storytelling Through Textiles with Tessa Amery, Apr 18, 2024 2-4:00 pm
- Free Public Tours, Composting for the future, Apr 20 - May 4, 2024
- Ulster Graduate Award – Zara Lyness Residency, Apr 25 - May 9, 2024
Visit the VOID website for full details at www.derryvoid.com
BLACKOUT at Platform Arts: an upcoming exhibition hosted by 'Nua Collective,' at Platform Arts, Belfast. The event will showcase the works of 13 Irish artists who live around the world and will be held at Platform Arts, Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast. Visit www.nuacollective.com for more information.
CCA: presents, RECIPROCAL RESIDENCY SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2024, 13 Apr 24—29 Jun 24 featuring artists Ieva Kotryna Ski and Roisín McGuigan.
CCA Derry~Londonderry presents two solo exhibitions by Roisín McGuigan (NI) and Ieva Kotryna Ski (LT), participants in the third iteration of the biennial Reciprocal Residency programme, a partnership between CCA, Lithuanian Culture Institute and Kaunas Artists' House. The exhibitions feature new work by the artists following their participation in the residency programme.
Roisín McGuigan
/nɪˌɡəʊʃɪˈeɪʃn/, /ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/ (negotiation, conversation)
Roisín McGuigan’s exhibition comprises a selection of works from a broad enquiry into the prevalence and importance of negotiation and conversation in our lives using installation, print and sculpture. The table as locus for both domestic and political dialogue plays a central role in this exhibition. The table is the place where difficulties are wrangled through heartfelt discussions, redrafted documents, misinterpretations, clarifications, compromises and agreements: the dining table and the boardroom table are considered equal here. Other references such as political treaties and agreements, an 18th century marquetry table, and the power of tea and cake to facilitate a good chat, merge in the resulting works that consider the role and impact of negotiations past and present, and the persistent relevance of dialogue to our collective futures.
Ieva Kotryna Ski
faults and folds
The exhibition faults and folds presents mostly new works by Ieva Kotryna Ski that consist of video, prints and installation. During her stay in CCA Ieva Kotryna embarked on the journey through Northern Ireland landscape looking for geological dykes. In the exhibition her ongoing interest in these igneous intrusions and geological processes intertwines with the threads that appear along the way.
Faults in geology are fractures between two blocks of rock in the Earth’s crust, which allow formation of oceans and continental drifts. But here faults can also refer to defects, broken camera or faulted eyesight. Local stories and parallel narratives stitch into the folds of rocks. Insubstantiality of matter refers as much to our own fragile state as to a brittle layer of the visual perception.
Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
ArtisAnn:
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE. All artworks are available to buy. You can also buy art through the Arts Council supported Own Art scheme which gives you an interest-free loan over 10 months. Visit www.artisann.org
