Exhibitions

DATE: WEEK BEGINNING 3 JULY

WEEK BEGINNING 7 AUGUST

TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS

The summer school this will take place during the weeks beginning 3rd July and 7th August and will be a mix of auditions/rehearsals for the Christmas panto and work on this year’s project - the grand launch of our ‘Stages’ cafe.

There will, of course, also be the usual fun and games and all kinds of summer silliness. Further details will be available on the Dramability facebook page and the Down Arts Centre facebook page closer to the event.

This summer Dramability are delighted to bring their new venture to Down Arts Centre. Inspired by stage and screen they are inviting the public to join them in their new cafe for fun, music, coffee, and sweet treats. Bringing a touch of drama to your afternoon tea/coffee experience, the mixed ability group will be providing fun musical performances while serving a selection of yummy treats. Customers can simply sit back and enjoy the entertainment or even reserve a spot and join in themselves.

So, if you’re looking for something a wee bit different, do come and visit us. The cafe will be opening on very limited days and times so booking will be essential.

For further information, keep an eye on the new DAC facebook page where details of when and how you can reserve a table will be available.

Artist in Residence 2023

McKenna specialises in creating beautifully unique ceramics for gift and home.

Following a degree in Fine and Applied art from University if Ulster she went on to do a Masters in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University in the heart of the potteries, Stoke on Trent. During this time she had the unique opportunity to do an industrial placement with leading tableware manufacturer Dudson Ltd. and so began her love for surface pattern.

After graduation she went on to work for Royal Stafford/Poole pottery as a surface pattern designer. Utilising her skills as a fine artist she was able to create collections depicting hand painted elements and her illustrations for mass produced tableware. Having a strong affiliation with the pottery industry, she is hugely influenced by industrial techniques and processes and her fine art background is evident in the work she produces today.

Áine currently creates stunning translucent pieces from porcelain paper clay. The innovative designs are intended to amuse and delight the viewer as they learn it is not actually paper but ceramic.

With over 10 years experience working in ceramic design, Áine will now take up the post of Artist in Residence in Down Arts Centre, supported by Newry Mourne & Down Council.

The residency is designed to allow makers the opportunity to develop their practice and enhance their skills.

As Artist in Residence Áine will be on-site full time where visitors can see her at work. She will also deliver a programme of pottery classes available for both adults and children, all while developing a new body of work and curating exhibitions.

Áine’s work will be available to buy at the craft shop in Down Arts Centre.

DATE: FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)

PRICE: £15

PRESENTED BY: NUALA MCKEEVER

VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE

Internationally-acclaimed writer and actor Nuala McKeever is back with a new one woman drama about identity, love and the power of friendship.

DATE: SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)

PRICE: £23

PRESENTED BY: GBL PRODUCTIONS

VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE

It’s the follow up to last year’s smash hit ‘Bridesmaids of NI’ by Diona Doherty. Another great girl’s night out!

DATE: FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER

TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)

PRICE: £15 / £13 CONCESSION

PRESENTED BY: KABOSH THEATRE COMPANY

VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE

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.

Down Arts Centre hosts a craft shop specialising in the best of craft both regionally and abroad. Artists include Gill Graham, Mount Ida Pottery and Ghost and Bonesetter plus prints from both Belfast and Seacourt Print Workshops.

Come in and collect that special gift or just a treat for yourself.