What’s on in the Arts
22nd August, 2022
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Matt McGinn: presents and evening of music on Fri 26 August, Newry Town Hall. Guests include Joshua Burnside and Ciara O’Neill.
Ulster Orchestra: presents their new Season opening concert, 23 September, 7:45pm. As a single horn sounds a fanfare that calls together the musicians of the orchestra, Ulster Orchestra invite you to join us them the opening of the 2022/23 Season in the company of Music Director Daniele Rustioni and phenomenal pianist, Stephen Hough.
The musical programme for the evening includes:
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2
R Strauss Ein Heldenleben
DANIELE RUSTIONI CONDUCTOR
STEPHEN HOUGH PIANO
Lose yourself in the tempestuous drama of Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto, with all of Stephen Hough’s dazzling virtuosity and warmth, and meet Richard Strauss’s (autobiographical?) ‘hero’ in a musical narration of A Hero’s Life (Ein Heldenleben).
Through depictions of the protagonist’s moods, enemies and his beloved companion, Strauss paints a kaleidoscopic picture of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life. This fascinating depiction of humanity is a welcome start to the new Season!
The Ulster Orchestra also presents Salon Sessions. With the aim to expand their support of and collaboration with local music artists, the Ulster Orchestra is launched an exciting new digital series, Salon Sessions, which is available to watch on their YouTube channel. Salon Sessions is free to view.
For further information on Salon Sessions and to view the new Season programme please visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk.
The MAC: presents
Colin Reid in Concert, 16 September 2022.
His performance marks a welcome return to the local live scene of Colin Reid, finger-style guitarist.
Expect to hear original music from his four studio albums and a few choice covers. Colin has been on hiatus from guitar performance to concentrate on creating new music for various ensembles and situations and is now back for a rare performance at the MAC for one night only.
Once described by the great Bert Jansch as “a cross between me and John Renbourne” and by The Irish Times as “a stunning finger-style guitarist”, Colin will be joined onstage by special (mystery) guests. Come along if you want to hear accessible, engaging, melodic, original music.
AURA – an album launch of reimagined Irish airs, 29 Oct, The MAC.
Celebrate the island of Ireland with this one of a kind event to launch the album of solo piano music featuring Irish Airs written by Belfast composer Neil Martin and performed by Derry-born pianist, Ruth McGinley. AURA is an album of re-imagined Irish airs presented in a more Classical musical language… some well-known, some less so, all magical. A very special evening of music and spoken word.
Visit www.themaclive.com
Oh Yeah Music Centre: 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: presents a series of concerts including:
Les Filles de Illighadad, 6 Sep, Black Box
As the name suggests, Les Filles de Illighadad (daughters of Illighadad) hail from the small, secluded village in central Niger. Only accessible via a grueling drive through the open desert, there is little infrastructure and no electricity or running water. But what the nomadic zone lacks in material wealth it makes up for deep and strong identity and tradition.
Their music draws from two distinct styles of regional sound, ancient village choral chants and desert guitar. The result is a ground-breaking new direction for Tuareg folk music and a sound that resonates far beyond their village.
At the heart of the music is the percussion and poetry of ‘Tende’ – a term used for both the instrument and the type of music – whereby a mortar and pestle are transformed into a drum, and women join together in a circle, in a chorus of singing, chanting, and clapping. Sometimes for celebration, sometimes to heal the sick, sometimes it’s poetry of love, and always a space where the wall between performer and spectator disintegrates.
For further info visit www.movingonmusic.com
Northern Ireland Opera: presents one of the most beautiful operas ever written, La Traviata, which returns to The Grand Opera House on 10, 13, 15 and 17 September 2022. Join Northern Ireland Opera as they present a brand-new production of one of the most popular operas of all time: the much-loved and cherished La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.
This stunning new production comprising four performances is sure to delight and move audiences of all ages. It is perfect for anyone looking to experience an opera for the first time as well as for existing opera fans. Northern Ireland Opera is delighted to engage with the Ulster Orchestra to bring this masterpiece with its gloriously romantic score to life. Visit www.niopera.com
The Black Box: presents a series of concerts this spring. For further information 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 https://www.scottsjazzclub.com/
Portico of Ards: presents a new programme of events for 2022 . Highlights include:
- Classical pianist, Leon McCawley, 3 September
- Neil Delamere, 16 September
- Owen O’Neill: The Whole Nine Yarns, 17 September
- Rainer Hersch: All Classical Music Explained, 18 September
- Teresa Livingstone and Diona Doherty, 23 September
To view the full programme visit porticoards.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
Phil Taggart: ChillDaBeats is the brand new show from NI DJ, Phil Taggart. Every week he brings you a soft focus selection of the best alternative chill sounds along with the biggest guests picking some brain soothers in the Soul Food Selection. ChillDaBeats goes live every Sunday. Listen on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2IpL7ldc1Rui2aa9meX3 This podcast series is supported by emergency funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Department for Communities.
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)
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents Music Corner, the best of traditional music with great traditional musicians every Saturday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/AnChulturlann/
FILM, LITERATURE, DANCE & DRAMA
Tinderbox Theatre Company: presents Birds of Passage in the Half Light written by Kat Woods.
Duncairn Arts Centre, 1st – 10th September 2022.
Booking link - https://www.theduncairn.com/events/birds-of-passage
Birds of Passage in the Half Light is the dark and funny new production by Tinderbox Theatre Company, combining sharp writing, deft direction, dazzling performance and clever and witty animation.
The personal and political entwine to explore the complicated relationship between Her faith and the generational impact that it has had on Her female lineage. See the fractured world of Her as she battles the dogmatic iron grip that once captivatingly controlled Ireland for centuries. She needs to cut the ideological umbilical cord and set Herself free of the weight of Her ancestral wounds, but can she?
“Ferociously fierce and fast moving” – The Stage
“Beckettian lyricism and blacker-than-black laughs” – The Scotsman
***** - The Skinny
**** - The Stage
**** - The Scotsman
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 events programme visit www.linenhall.com
Cahoots NI: presents The Ghost House, 14-31 Oct, Cityside Retail and Leisure Park. Journey into a shadowy world of shipwrecks and sword fights, through the thin veil that separates our world from the world we call, ‘the past’. Secrets emerge and things definitely go bump in the night in this seriously spooky story! The Ghost House is a walk-through theatre experience in a custom built, multi-space set, featuring live performances, magic, digital technology and dance from Cahoots, makers of The Grimm Hotel (BIAF 2021).
Strand Arts Centre:
AUGUST
- Stranded! Shit Show Shambles (Emily McDonagh), Friday 26th August, 8pm
- André Rieu's Summer Concert- streamed concert, Sat 27th 7.30pm or Sun 28th 4.30pm August
For more information visit www.strandartscentre.com
Grand Opera House: presents a series of shows including the highlights below:
- Bat Out of Hell, 23-27 August
- Shane Todd, 2-3 September
- Northern Ireland Opera, La Traviata, 10,13,15,17 September
- Saturday Night Fever, 20-24 September
- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 27 Sep – 1 Oct
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 4-9 Oct
- Northern Ballet, The Little Mermaid, 12-15 Oct
- Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble, 25 Oct, part of the Belfast International Arts Festival
- Paul Carrick, 26 Oct, part of the Belfast International Arts Festival
For tickets and the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Lyric Theatre: presents a new programme for 2022 with summer highlights including,
The Border Game, a Prime Cut and Lyric Theatre Production, directed by Emma Jordan 25-27 August
From the award-winning writers Michael Patrick & Oisín Kearney (My Left Nut and The Alternative), and Irish Times Theatre Award-winning director Emma Jordan (Red and A Streetcar Named Desire); The Border Game is a timely and powerful reflection on 100 years of the border and how it has impacted those who live along it. Inspired by 100 testimonies collected by the writers with real people living all over the 300-miles of the border. This show contains very strong language throughout.
Roshini, 22 August, presented by ArtsEkta as part of the Belfast Mela, Lyric Theatre
Roshni (from the Persian word meaning light or brilliance) is a beautifully intimate crafting of dance and live music, transporting and uplifting the audience on a journey of joy.
In our uncertain world, when everything around us can feel full of pessimism and doubt, Roshni provides us with a ray of light, to put a spring in our step and a warmth in our hearts! World-class artists Sonia Sabri and Sarvar Sabri, alongside an ensemble of skilled musicians, take us on a path to repair and heal.
This soul-stirring performance is a captivating combination of Kathak dance, with live music and vocals from a global palette of styles, driven by the bold rhythms of Tabla percussion. Kathak is a striking movement language of virtuosic foot percussion, rapid spins, geometrical patterns, with poignant mime and gesture, all intricately woven with the live music.
Roshni brings together Sonia’s distinctive style of dance, rooted in the traditions of Kathak from Northern India, yet reimagined in the context of her lived British experience, with diverse musical genres and artists, ranging from South Asia, Middle East and Eastern Europe, celebrating the rich diversity of our global community.
Green and Blue by Kabosh Theatre Company, 14-18 September
The award-winning Green & Blue explores the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict. An officer from the Royal Ulster Constabulary in his green uniform and Eddie from An Garda Síochána, resplendent in blue, communicate via crackly radios until an explosive incident forces them to meet across a field only farmers know the location of.
Focusing on what it’s like to be hunted when you’re protecting a man-made line on the ground, the play looks at the societal and human cost of borders. ‘Green & Blue’ is based on real-life interviews with former serving officers. Winner of The Lustrum Award for Best Theatrical Moment at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe. Presented by Summerhall.
Propaganda: A New Musical, Lyric Theatre. With a Broadway influenced score, a live 14-piece orchestra and stellar cast, Propaganda promises to be a musical for our time. Commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, and developed with the Lyric New Writing department, Propaganda: A New Musical by double Ivor Novello- nominated composer Conor Mitchell is an old fashioned Soviet love story.
For further details on all events and to buy tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents a new season of music, comedy, theatre and more. Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents,
Dinner with Groucho by Frank McGuinness, 5-9 Oct, The MAC. An evening that promises blistering wit, brilliant buffoonery, and reflections on the ephemeral nature of life from the award-winning writer of such iconic plays as Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me and The Factory Girls comes this fast-paced fictional dinner date like no other.
On The Shelf, 9 – 23 December, various times, £12.50 - £20
A Christmas show that’s strictly for grown-ups. Starring Tara Lynne O’Neill (Ma Mary from Derry Girls) as Paula who, this Christmas Eve, finds herself firmly back on the shelf. Following its sold-out run in 2018, this smash-hit comedy is back with an updated version for the MAC that’s bigger and better than ever.
It’s Christmas Eve. Paula has a list and she’s checked it twice. She has the flat, the car and the career. Now all she wants for Christmas is the ring! Her boyfriend has other ideas though and she ends up back On The Shelf.
Faced with spending a lifetime of Christmases alone, she decides to peel off the spanx, pour a drink or twelve and dish the dirt on love, life and turning 40. Like the rest of Paula’s night though, things don’t quite go to plan with the arrival of an unusual and unwanted house guest (Chris Robinson (Bouncers).
Join The MAC for a laugh-out-loud cracker. Time to get together for a guaranteed great night out this Christmas. https://themaclive.com/event/on-the-shelf
Tinderbox: In August 2022, Tinderbox will premiere award-winning writer Kat Woods’ astonishing new play as part of Edinburgh Fringe followed by a two-week production at the Duncairn Arts Centre. The one woman play will feature animation and incredible sound design that will reveal the theme of shame and trans-generational trauma through powerful and rich storytelling. Birds of Passage in the Half Light will work in partnership with Alliance for Choice and Nexus NI in the delivery of a unique participatory programme. Kat Woods previous plays Mule, Belfast Boy and Killymuck received huge critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in previous years and we are delighted to present this powerful tour de force at the Gilded Balloon this August. For more information visit www.tinderbox.org.uk
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
Echo Echo: presents Introduction to Body Wisdom Movement for Over 50s on Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm at Echo Echo's studios on Magazine Street, Derry-Londonderry. Join Echo Echo for a short introductory evening course in Body Wisdom Movement and Dance for the over 50s led by Echo Echo's Artistic Director Steve Batts.
Of course moving is healthy, physically and psychologically but we aren't striving for those benefits. In our experience they come best as a by-product of exploring movement as a shared, poetic artistic process. The approach Echo Echo take is that older people have enormous poetic potential embedded in their movement lives. Echo Echo take away the expectations that are usually attached to dance as an art - extreme mobility, athleticism, agility - and begin from where people are.
Any men and women 50 years and upwards can join, no matter the level of physical ability or experience. To register please visit https://www.echoechodance.com/whatson/introduction-to-body-wisdom-movement-dance
For more details on al of Echo Echo’s classes and events visit www.echoechodance.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and Quotidian: presents Poetry Jukebox. Poetry Jukebox are #ChangingTheMessage! This project aims to share beautiful, profound and life-affirming words and change the words on our streets, opening hearts and minds, putting poetry to work where it belongs: everywhere, for everyone.
As well as pressing buttons on the physical jukebox outside the Cultúrlann, poetry-lovers will be able to listen online at https://www.culturlann.ie/en
Crescent Arts Centre: has launched a new season of the Crescent’s Creative Learning Programme where you can explore a hobby, brush up on your creative talents, or have a go at something new. Visit https://crescentarts.org/courses
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has released details of their new winter-spring 2022 seasonal programme of events. Visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com for tickets and information.
Declan McConaghy Show: Newry based former BBC broadcaster, Declan McConaghy has created a new serfies 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
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: is delighted to present their summer programme with events and courses in abundance with something for all during the traditional festival of Lúnasa. Further information on all events, workshops and courses can be found in their programme available on www.culturlann.ie
Cathedral Quarter Arts: presents Fionn’s Window. Visitors to Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter are invited to divine their way around the area in a journey of discovery and inspiration which has its origins in the Druidic traditions of our collective past and the mythology that has endured.
Following on from last year’s successful Ogham Grove installation for Culture Night, the Cathedral Quarter Trust (CQT) is presenting Fionn’s Window, named after Irish hero Fionn MacCumhaill, a warrior chieftain and druid. Fionn’s Window launched on June 21, to mark the Summer Solstice. Fionn’s Window comprises a series of hand-made wooden plaques, representing each of the twenty-five Ogham characters. The plaques have been placed in various locations around the Cathedral Quarter, enabling visitors to divine their own journey and answer their own personal questions. Read more at www.culturenightbelfast.com
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: has released details of their new programme of theatre, music and digital classes. To book 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 https://www.theduncairn.com/player
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 Mammybanter. 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.
As well as having a voice the young people are developing their communication skills, confidence and self-awareness as well as learning skills in sound engineering and digital editing, skills they can take with them into their future career paths. 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: has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Lanscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contempoary 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: unique to WheelWorks Arts is their state of the art ArtCart — a mobile arts studio that travels to your venue and opens up to provide an additional studio space for workshops and is packed full to the brim with digital equipment such as ipads, music and film making technology.
Virtual ArtCart activities take place at your own venue. Where outdoor space is limited, Wheelworks bring the ArtCart creativity inside your centre. They also come with a full outdoor suite — marquees, stage sound, lighting and outdoor heaters.
This unique space allows your young people the opportunity to experience professional equipment in a custom-made studio. It allows your centre to offer a range of socially distance spaces and utilises outdoor space. To book your perfect digital and arts activities just email www.wheelworksarts.com
Youth Action NI and The Rainbow Factory: The Rainbow Factory School of Performing Arts was launched by YouthAction Northern Ireland in March 1990. It continues to be seen as one of the largest, most exciting and innovative part-time Performing Arts projects to be established in Northern Ireland and is the cornerstone of our Youth Arts Programme. This August they present Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat from 8-13 August, tickets £10. Visit www.therainbowfactory.co.uk
Streetwise: 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
The MAC: presents
Ron Mueck, 29 July – 20 Nov, The MAC. Free, booking advised. Suggested donation: £5
This is the first exhibition of Mueck’s work in Ireland and brings together seven of his key works including Dead Dad, 1997 and his monumental work In Bed, 2005. Book now for the opening weekend (29 - 31 July) of what will be a powerful exhibition of Mueck's meticulously sculpted figures, from mini to mammoth, that act as psychological reflections of the human condition. https://themaclive.com/exhibition/ron-mueck-2
Craft Northern Ireland: presents August Craft Month, an initiative bringing together summer craft events across the island of Ireland through a partnership of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Craft NI and Cork Craft& Design. From craft talks, open studios, craft trails, exhibitions, workshops, meet the maker events, to how tos and try-out event, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages. To view the full programme visit www.augustcraftmonth.org
Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition, view now until 7 November 2022, Botanic Gardens and Craft NI Gallery, Belfast. Free to view, visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.comIrish Craft Heroes is a highly-visual, outdoor panel trail at Botanic Gardens celebrating Ireland’s inspirational craftspeople and makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of craft and design practice in Ireland. The exhibition charts the evolution of the craft and design sector on the island of Ireland over the last 50 years, and pays homage to the many makers whose work has significant legacy.
The outdoor panel trail launched in Kilkenny Castle in 2021, to coincide with Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s 50th Anniversary since its establishment in 1971. It then toured to Dublin Castle in Autumn 2021, and Galway and Cork in 2022, and now to Belfast. Presented by Belfast International Arts Festival and Craft NI | Curated by Design & Crafts Council Ireland | Supported by National Museums NI.
Craft NI Gallery: Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition: To accompany the outdoor trail, Craft NI will show a capsule exhibition of work from the Northern Ireland-based Heroes, giving people the opportunity to see their stunning work up close, a perfect complement to the outdoor exhibition in Botanic Gardens. NI makers include Seliena Coyle, Jack Doherty, Sara Flynn, Bob Johnston, Alison Lowry, Michael McCrory, Peter Meanley and Cara Murphy. For more information visit www.craftni.org
Golden Thread Gallery: presents ROOT AND BRANCH Catherine and Simon McWilliams, view now until 15 October 2022 at Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast. Free to view, visit www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk
Catherine and Simon McWilliams, mother and son artists, present work together in the Golden Thread Gallery’s Project Space. Taking Betty McCord’s sculpture ‘Rook’ as a starting point, the exhibition is a conversation about the processes of making artwork with familial connections. Both Simon and Catherine are interested in the natural environment, with the rook appearing in both of their works at various points. This connecting motif draws out a combined interest in interpreting the world around them, whether it’s a goddess emerging from within a tree, bursting with life and vibrancy or a quiet view out a beautiful window, revealing a riot of colour.
Simon and Catherine display immense technical skill within their chosen media. In painting or sculpture, they are informed and inspired by the materials with which they work and have both revisited the subject of trees throughout their individual careers.
Catherine’s tree pieces are evocative of female figures, gods, terrifying in their ferociousness. Female figures have played a central role in her paintings over a number of decades from the 1960s to the present day. In moments of transition, the figures metamorphose into Celtic goddesses and rise above with a sense of joyous freedom.
The cherry tree for Simon might be aligned with his attitude towards paint as a medium. It continues to flower even as the world around changes, adapting to its environment much as he has introduced new materials and new techniques into his more recent works.
The McWilliams hail from a family of artists and this history and connection informs and speaks through their work. They engage with the act of creating in a unique and personal way, using paint for its endurance through generations and ultimately its versatility. The interpretative power of paint is core to their work and acts as an additional connector which, as with the images of trees, continues to provide something beautiful, revelatory and enduring.
CCA: presents Ballads of Rhinestones and Newcomers, which runs from 20 July-24 September 2022, with a preview event taking place from 7-9pm. Ballads of Rhinestones and Newcomers features work by Frank Sweeney and Tom O'Dea, and Bojana Janković, an Eastern European artist based in Belfast. The exhibition brings together two counterpointing experiences of the border between the UK and Republic of Ireland at a time when the realities of Brexit are playing out. The work included in the exhibition refers to the history of analogue radio and TV signals, as well as the migrant experience of the border.
Visit www.ccadld.org for further details and background.
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich:.For further details visit www.culturlann.ie
VOID: Void Gallery presents their next exhibition, Above Us the Milky Way, from 25 June – 27 August, which features work from artists Orna Kazimi, Kubra Khademi, Mario García Torres and Erkan Özgen. The title of the exhibition is taken from a novel by Fowzin Karimi that explores the complexities and the impact of war through memories, loss and notions of home.
Many who are forced into exile face forced migration, and the burden of carrying the past into the present and future. The legacy of war, the repression of minorities and women, and the trauma that seeps through the generations forms the focal point of this exhibition.
Join VOID for a series of children and family events this summer with Void Engage as part of their current exhibition Above Us the Milky Way.
Visit www.derryvoid.com
Golden Thread Gallery: presents AN OBJECT OF VISION Alexandra Lethbridge, part of Belfast Photo Festival 2022.
Thursday 2nd June to Saturday 20th August, Project Space.
‘You’re seeing less than half the picture without the vision of women artists and women of colour.’ This was the message delivered by the Guerrilla Girls in 1984. Not much has changed since then. The line was used in a poster campaign to rebel against the International Survey of Painting and Sculpture held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The exhibition included the work of 169 artists, less than 10% of whom were women.
Belfast Exposed: Presents the following exhibitions:
Gallery 1: Belfast Exposed is delighted to present 'Parr's Ireland: 40 Years of Photography', a retrospective of work by esteemed British documentary photographer, Martin Parr.
One of the pre-eminent photographers of his generation, Parr has been taking photographs in Ireland since the 1980s, when he spent two years living in Co. Roscommon. Returning at regular intervals for the next three decades, his work in Ireland forms a visual testimony of the changing cultural and social norms of Irish life, the influx of newfound wealth and, in particular, the Americanisation of Irish society from the 1980s onwards.
Brought together in 'Parr's Ireland: 40 Years of Photography' as a complete collection for the first time, Parr's Irish body of work has been on tour since 2021. The work explores a variety of themes and events of historical and social significance in Ireland including the Pope’s visit to Ireland, the traditional Irish horse and cattle fairs, rural ballrooms, the infamous abandoned Morris Minors of the West of Ireland, seaside holidays and the changing face of economic Ireland.
What is more, Belfast Exposed is privileged to be presenting a curated special edition of the collection, that includes the commission of work focusing specifically on Northern Ireland, and will be on display in Gallery I from Thursday 4th August to Saturday 24th September.
Gallery 2: Strangely Familiar is a collection of thought provoking work that explores the realm of cinema and its relationship with the still image. As the name suggests, Johnston combines familiar objects & settings with the strange and bizarre, all photographed through the medium of film. Johnston shoots all of her work on film, and processes and prints her work by hand. This is a key part of her practice, as is the pace of the processing and printing work, which takes place immediately after a shoot has finished. Johnston has described this rhythmic practice as akin to an 'obsession'.
'It is the moments spent in the darkroom that I really love, there is something very comforting about walking into a darkroom and seeing your enlarger and smelling the chemicals' - Samantha Johnston.
The exhibition showcases Johnstone's signature style in a series of evocative, powerful still lifes, replete with rich colours and a combination of the mundane and mysterious. A unique experience for viewers, Strangely Familiar will be shown in Gallery II from Thursday 4th August to Saturday 24th September 2022.
Visit www.belfastexposed.org
ArtisAnn:
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
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 (and you still get to take the art home immediately the exhibition ends). Visit www.artisann.org
Belfast International Arts Festival: The 60th Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) has unveiled the autumn season of its diamond anniversary year, with a programme of events that addresses the current and future nature and role of arts and culture in society, the contemporary issues that are influencing our international artists, and Northern Ireland’s place in the global world.
From October 5 to November 6, over 320 imaginative, inspiring and intriguing events spanning across the artistic disciplines of music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion will be hosted throughout the city of Belfast for all to engage with and enjoy. Some of the many highlights include:
- Irish Craft Heroes, 29 July – 7 November, Botanic Gardens. This exhibition charts the evolution of the craft and design sector on the island of Ireland over the last 50 years, and pays homage to the many makers whose work has significant legacy.
- Dinner with Groucho by Frank McGuinness, 5-9 Oct, The MAC. An evening that promises blistering wit, brilliant buffoonery, and reflections on the ephemeral nature of life from the award-winning writer of such iconic plays as Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me and The Factory Girls comes this fast-paced fictional dinner date like no other.
- Propaganda: A New Musical, Lyric Theatre. With a Broadway influenced score, a live 14-piece orchestra and stellar cast, Propaganda promises to be a musical for our time. Commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, and developed with the Lyric New Writing department, Propaganda: A New Musical by double Ivor Novello- nominated composer Conor Mitchell is an old fashioned Soviet love story
- Cahoots NI presents The Ghost House, 14-31 Oct, Cityside Retail and Leisure Park. Journey into a shadowy world of shipwrecks and sword fights, through the thin veil that separates our world from the world we call, ‘the past’. Secrets emerge and things definitely go bump in the night in this seriously spooky story! The Ghost House is a walk-through theatre experience in a custom built, multi-space set, featuring live performances, magic, digital technology and dance from Cahoots, makers of The Grimm Hotel (BIAF 2021).
- AURA – an album launch of reimagined Irish airs, 29 Oct, The MAC. Celebrate the island of Ireland with this one of a kind event to launch the album of solo piano music featuring Irish Airs written by Belfast composer Neil Martin and performed by Derry-born pianist, Ruth McGinley. AURA is an album of re-imagined Irish airs presented in a more Classical musical language… some well-known, some less so, all magical. A very special evening of music and spoken word.
- Big Telly: presents Frankenstein’s Monster Is Drunk And The Sheep Have All Jumped The Fences, 14-22 Oct, Brian Friel Theatre. The story begins in 1946, when they dig Frankenstein’s monster out of a glacier, where he’d crawled after his Hollywood career had given up the ghost. Fully defrosted, he meets his match, a spark which ignites a love story of monstrous proportions, a duet of undateables who stand out and fit in and forge their own brutiful brand of domestic bliss in a small holding with their 67 (Italian) blue sheep. Where comedy is pitch black and horror gets a happy ever after, this wildly fresh look at the Frankenstein myth is provocative, topical and tailor made for critically acclaimed theatre mavericks, and festival favourites, Big Telly. Age guidance: 14 Yrs +.
There are many more theatre, visual arts, music, comedy, film and talks events available to view and book at www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Clandeboye Festival: 20-27 August 2022, Clandeboye Estate Co.Down. At this moment of new hope and normality, the Clandeboye Festival will bring everyone back together for a celebration of great music, great performances and an amazing new chapter. Camerata Ireland proudly presents the 2022 Clandeboye Festival – its 21st birthday!
The Clandeboye Festival takes place from Saturday 20th to Saturday 27th August in the historic surroundings of the Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, Co. Down. Over 13 concerts, the Festival will showcase the very best of well-loved music by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and more, with performances from world-class musicians, including our regular artists Michael d’Arcy and Elina Vähälä (violin), Ed Creedon (viola), Henri Demarquette (cello), Ailish Tynan (soprano), Michel Lethiec (clarinet), Richard Watkins (horn), Eimear McGeown (flute), Justine Gormley (piano), and all-Ireland orchestra Camerata Ireland, along with many special guests. The Festival is, as always, led by Artistic Director Barry Douglas (piano). https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/clandeboye-festival/
Open House Festival at The Walled Garden: Open House Festival returns to the stunning setting of Bangor Castle Walled Garden 11-29 August, with an exciting line-up of music, comedy, theatre, classic film and spoken word events. Headline acts include Beth Orton, Martha Wainwright, Paul Brady, Paddy Raff, Eddi Reader, Villagers, Duke Special and the Hothouse Flowers, as well as festival favourites Celtic Soul, Ronnie Greer and Manukahunney. Specially commissioned events include Berts To Bangor, recreating the amazing jazz music performed at Berts Jazz Bar in the Merchant Hotel, Belfast. This year’s Classic Film screenings include Thelma and Louise and Chicago. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Vie the current Walled Garden programme at www.openhousefestival.com
Northern Ireland Opera: present the 12th Glenarm Festival of Voice, 26-28 August 2022. Join Northern Ireland Opera and BBC Radio 3 in the beautiful coastal village of Glenarm this August for our annual celebration of song: The Glenarm Festival of Voice. Now in its twelfth year, this much-loved event brings together BBC Radio 3 recitals, outreach events, performances their Artist Development Programme and culminates in the Competition Finale where five singers from across the island of Ireland compete in front of a live jury panel to win the Deborah Voigt Opera Prize and become the NI Opera Voice of 2022. Applications to enter the vocal competition are now open – if you are between the ages of 18-28, born on the island of Ireland and either a singer pursuing career in opera or as a professional pianist. Visit www.niopera.com