Creative Citizens Programme here

Ballymena welcomes the International Methodist Modern Art Collection to The Braid Arts Centre and 9 local churches with Ballymena Inter Church Forum. A unique event only
in Ballymena. This is the first time the collection has ever been exhibited in All-Ireland.
As part of this prestigious visit to Ballymena, a series of unique events will happen in 9 local churches. This Art Trail gives you details of a packed programme of events, all events are free and
all churches are open to the public. Why not take time out to view these magnificent works of art in the splendour and history of our local churches. Take an opportunity to view not only the
best in modern art, but also the beauty of these local churches. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome!
CHURCHES ART TRAIL
Friday 22nd May 2015
Time
Location
Event
All day
Ballymena Methodist Church
‘The Elements of the Holy Communion’ by Jacques Iselin on display, church open to public.
‘The Quiet Peacemakers Exhibition’ on display in the Church Hall.
6.30pm - 8pm
West Presbyterian Church
‘The Ascension’ by Peter Rogers on display, church open to public. West Church Craft Group hand-knitted model of
West Church and surrounding streets on display. Floral displays, music and short talks on West Church History.
West Church ‘A Church of the Revival’ available for sale.
7pm - 11pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
‘Crucified Tree Form (The Agony)’ by Theyre Lee-Elliot on display, church open to public. Vigil with readings, reflections & prayers.
Saturday 23rd May 2015
9am - 1pm
High Kirk Presbyterian Church
‘Cain and Abel’ by John Reilly on display in the Sanctuary, church open to public.
10am - 10.30am
All Saints Parish Church
Morning Mass with painting ‘The Washing of the Feet’ by Ghislaine Howard on display.
10am - 12.30pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
‘Crucified Tree Form (The Agony)’ by Theyre Lee-Elliot on display, church open to public.
10am
Ballymena Methodist Church
Bread Making Demonstration with Wenda Bristow (Church Hall).
10am - 4pm
West Presbyterian Church
10.30am - 4pm
First Ballymena Presbyterian Church
‘The Ascension’ by Peter Rogers on display, church open to the public, also same events as listed for Friday 22nd May.
Refreshments tea/coffee, homemade scones and tray bakes served in the Minor Hall. Donations welcome.
‘The Arts Space’ Artists in Residence working and demonstrating and also exhibiting their work in the Church Hall.
Tea/coffee and tray bakes will be provided throughout the day – come along and see local artists at work.
11am - 5pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
‘The Supper at Emmaus’ by Roy de Maistre on display, church open to public.
Photographic exhibition in Parish Hall. Exhibition of Children’s Art. Tea/coffee served in Parish Hall.
12.30 - 2.30pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Wedding Service, church closed to public.
1.30pm - 2.30pm
All Saints Parish Church
Wedding Service, church closed to public.
1.30pm
Ballymena Methodist Church
Come and hear The Singing Chef!
2pm - 4pm
Wellington Presbyterian Church
‘Storm over the Lake’ by Eularia Clarke on display, church open to public, Tea/coffee available.
2.30pm - 3.30pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Reflection and music by Living Faith. Tea/coffee available.
3pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
Short talk on Social History.
3pm - 4.30pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Short intermittent periods of song and reflection.
3.30pm
Ballymena Methodist Church
A Musical Feast (Church Hall).
4pm
Ballymena Methodist Church
The Sacrament of Holy Communion.
6pm - 7pm
All Saints Parish Church
Evening Vigil Mass.
7.30pm
First Ballymena Presbyterian Church
‘The Cross over the City’ by Michael Edmonds on display, church open to the public. A celebration of old and new church
music with First Ballymena Choir and friends. Supper will be served afterwards.
8pm
All Saints Parish Church
Reflection and Prayer on theme of ‘The Washing of the Feet’, the painting on display by Ghislaine Howard.
8.15am
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Holy Communion, church open at service times only.
9.30am - 1pm
10am - 3pm
11am
High Kirk Presbyterian Church
First Ballymena Presbyterian Church
Ballymena Methodist Church
‘Cain and Abel’ by John Reilly on display in the Sanctuary, church open during service.
‘The Arts Space’ Artists in Residence exhibiting their work in the Church Hall.
‘The Elements of the Holy Communion’ by Jacques Iselin will be part of Sunday Service.
‘The Quiet Peacemakers’ Exhibition on display in the Church Hall.
11am - 6.30pm
West Presbyterian Church
‘The Ascension’ by Peter Rogers on display, church open to public, also same events as listed for Friday 22nd May.
11.30am
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Morning Service, church open at service times only.
CREATIVE
citizens
Mid & East Antrim
Sunday 24th May 2015
11.30am
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
Holy Communion.
1.30pm - 6pm
All Saints Parish Church
‘The Washing of the Feet’ by Ghislaine Howard on display, church open to the public.
2pm - 8pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
‘The Supper at Emmaus’ by Roy de Maistre on display, church open to public.
6pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
Holy Communion.
6pm - 8pm
High Kirk Presbyterian Church
‘Cain and Abel’ by John Reilly on display in the Sanctuary, church open during service.
6.30pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Evening Service, church open at service times only.
Monday 25th May 2015
9am - 12noon
High Kirk Presbyterian Church
‘Cain and Abel’ by John Reilly on display in the Sanctuary, church open to public.
10am
10am
10am
10am
All Saints Parish Church
First Ballymena Presbyterian Church
All Saints Parish Church
Ballymena Methodist Church
Morning Mass.
‘The Arts Space’ Artists in Residence exhibiting their work in the Church Hall.
‘The Washing of the Feet’ by Ghislaine Howard on display, church open to the public.
‘The Elements of the Holy Communion’ by Jacques Iselin on display, church open to public.
The ‘Quiet Peacemakers’ Exhibition on display in the Church Hall.
-
10.30am
3pm
6pm
4pm
10am - 4pm
West Presbyterian Church
‘The Ascension’ by Peter Rogers on display, church open to public, also same events as listed for Friday 22nd May.
Refreshments tea/coffee, homemade scones, tray bakes served in the Minor Hall. Donations welcome.
11am - 5pm
St. Patrick’s Church, Broughshane
‘The Supper at Emmaus’ by Roy de Maistre on display, church open to public, also same events as listed for
11am - 5pm
St. Patricks Church, Ballymena
Reflections & music at various times throughout the day. Tea/coffee available.
2pm - 4pm
Wellington Presbyterian Church
‘Storm over the Lake’ by Eularia Clarke on display, church open to public. Tea/coffee available.
11am - 2pm
Gracehill Moravian Church
‘Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem’ by Norman Adams and the wonderful cross community embroidery panels depicting
Gracehill’s history on display, church open to public.
2pm - 3pm
Gracehill Moravian Church
The 3rd Carrickfergus Brass Band will be playing a special selection of music in the newly restored village square.
In the event of wet weather, the concert will be held inside the church (please bring your own folding chairs).
3pm - 5pm
Gracehill Moravian Church
Light refreshments will be available after the concert and ‘Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem’ will be available for viewing.
Gracehill Moravian Church
Morning Service with ‘Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem’ by Norman Adams on display.
Saturday 23rd May. Tea/coffee served in Parish Hall.
Saturday 30th May
Sunday 31st May
11am
CREATIVE CITIZENS
PROGRAMME
THE YEAR OF THE ARTIST
“Ballymena has always had a deep creative ‘pool’ in all the arts. It’s wonderful and, personally, exciting for me that
this pool is being tapped into and explored by this wonderful creative alliance. I’m very proud of you all!”
Liam Neeson OBE, Freeman of Ballymena
“Mid & East Antrim’s Creative Citizens Programme is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the Arts.”
BAFTA Winning Film Director, Lord David Puttnam
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Mid & East Antrim – The Creative Borough, we are delighted to
have been chosen as an area of outstanding creativity for the second time, thanks
to Voluntary Arts Ireland, the citizens of our Borough and our local arts community.
The Borough of Mid & East Antrim is a very creative place and we intend to celebrate
that fact in this our ‘Year of the Artist’ where focus will be placed on the Visual Arts.
Why don’t you join us and experience the best in local, regional and international Arts.
We look forward to seeing you!
Among our partners for this year’s Creative Citizens Programme is our main partner Voluntary
Arts Ireland – an Ireland and UK wide organisation who enable participation in creative and
cultural activity across the nations.
“This is a really inspirational and creative programme”, says Kevin Murphy, Voluntary Arts
Ireland Chief Officer. "Harnessing the talents of local creative citizens makes a
lasting contribution to a place. We all know of great groups and people organising and doing
wonderfully creative things where we live. Having a festival that celebrates them is wonderful."
Our Programme Partners
Voluntary Arts Ireland
Northern Regional College
Ballymena Arts Partnership
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Arts Care and NHSCT
FabLab NI
Ballymena Inter Church Forum
Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum
Trustees of The Methodist Modern Art Collection
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Hope Centre, Ballymena
WOMAD in Northern Ireland
Voluntary Arts Week is an annual celebration of cultural creativity across
the UK & Republic of Ireland. The event is promoted by Voluntary Arts
but is run by the arts & crafts groups and individuals who take part in
cultural activities all year long. The aim of the week is to shine a national
spotlight on the wide range of creative groups and dedicated volunteers
that make up the UK’s vibrant voluntary arts sector – encouraging more
people to connect with activity in their community and discover the joy
of ‘taking part’.
Voluntary Arts Week 2015 will take place from 15 to 24 May see how you can get involved at www.voluntaryartsweek.org.uk
MAJOR EVENTS PROGRAMME
The Methodist Modern Art Collection
Monday 11 May to Thursday 18 June | 10.00am to 8.00pm daily except Sundays | Admission free
Copyright © Eularia Clarke & The Trustees of The Methodist
Art Collection. All Rights Reserved. No images from
The Methodist Art Collection may be reproduced,
copied, modified or adapted
The Methodist Modern Art Collection travels to
Northern Ireland for the first time in its 55 year history.
In the early 1960s John Morel Gibbs, a Methodist
layman and art collector – realising that many
non-conformists had little appreciation of the
insights that contemporary artists could bring to
the Christian story – decided to create a collection
of prime examples of such work that could be
toured around the country. This he did, with the
help of Methodist minister, the Rev. Douglas Wollen.
The works they acquired became the core of the
present Collection – described as “the best denominational collection of modern art outside
the Vatican”.
The Collection includes leading names from the British art world of the last 100 years, such as
Edward Burra, Elisabeth Frink, Eric Gill, Patrick Heron and Graham Sutherland. The Methodist
Art Collection is one of national importance and continues to expand to reflect the ideas of
contemporary artists. This presentation of the collection provides a fantastic opportunity to
experience very high quality work up close in familiar local spaces and local Churches in
partnership with Ballymena Churches Forum & The Braid Arts Centre. The Braid Theatre will
be transformed into a gallery during this time with a quiet room where people can take time
to reflect on the works.
The Methodist Modern Art Collection – Arts Trail
Friday 22 to Monday 25 May & Saturday 30 May to Sunday 31 May
The project will also include an Arts Trail around local Churches, with a painting from the
collection being exhibited in several Churches around the Ballymena area, turning local
members of the congregation into Arts Ambassadors for their selected artwork and to support
the event- see back page for full programme.
Special Guided Tour of The Methodist Art Collection
by the Reverend Graham Kent –
Secretary of the Trustees of The Methodist Modern Art Collection
Monday 11 May | 11.00am | Free admission | The Braid Arts Centre
Join us this morning for a unique opportunity to hear the Reverend Graham Kent share
his extensive knowledge of the collection.
Our Spaces Project by the Hope Centre Ballymena
May 2015 | Free admission | The Braid Arts Centre
An exciting photography exhibition produced by 12 young
people who took part in community visits all around the
Borough and beyond, documenting the contrasts and
similarities of different communities and addressing issues
such as tolerance & anti-social behaviour.
Supported by The Department of Justice & PCSP.
Growing Art with WOMAD in Northern Ireland,
Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum and Beyond Skin
Maritime Carnival Parade
Exhibition of Sculpture by Miguel Neves
Saturday 6 June 2015 | 2.00pm to 4.00pm | Free event | Larne Town Centre
May and June 2015 | The Braid Arts Centre
Sail down Larne Main Street in a special maritime parade, a band of pirates will be joined by
other colourful carnival elements celebrating Larne’s rich maritime heritage! Local groups have
been participating in carnival and stilt walking workshops in preparation for the parade. There
will be plenty of music and entertainment at Broadway Bandstand to keep you entertained as
the parade goes by. Parade starts at 3.00pm leaving from Larne YMCA. For further information
please contact 028 2826 0088 or visit www.midandeastantrimboroughcouncil.gov.uk
June/July 2015 | Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm |
Free admission | Larne Museum & Arts Centre
WOMAD is the world’s most prestigious International Arts
Festival spanning over 25 countries. Managed by Beyond
Skin, the WOMAD programme will work with young people
from Ballykeel and Dunclug to grow bamboo which will then
be made into pan pipes by the
young people, enabling them to interact with the natural
environment and engage in a cycle
of planting, growing, investigating, making and playing. The young people will learn how to
play their own home-grown pan pipes with professional musicians from all over the world.
‘Sharing Precious Memories’ Book Launch
Tuesday 12 May | 2.00pm | The Braid Arts Centre
Creative written pieces featured in this book, ‘Sharing
Precious Memories’ give an account of personal and
uniquely interesting life experiences among a wide range
of themes and topics. These pieces were written by a
group of residents from Braidwater Quay in Ballymena.
The Creative Sound Bath – An escape from it all!
Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June | Sessions daily 10.30am to 11.30am,
12.30pm to 1.30pm, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, 3.30pm to 4.30pm |
Free admission | The Braid Arts Centre
If you feel you would love to take a retreat, but don't have the time,
then our Sound Bath Experience will offer you the chance to do
just that.
These impressive pieces of creative writing were the
collective outcome of participants completing a 10-week Creative Writing Project. The project
was funded jointly by Arts Care and NHSCT with the ultimate goal of merging and developing
artistic and creative ability with improving health
and emotional well-being.
During this 'Mini Retreat' we invite you to take time out and reconnect
with yourself. At our Sound Bath you can experience the ultimate
escape through a deep, relaxing journey with sound. The Sound
Healing Spa Team, play a range of instruments such as Tibetan
singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, gongs, percussion and drums
to provide you with a wonderful experience of sound and oneness.
Our Sound Baths have been welcomed as a hugely calming
experience for all involved. Just sit back, relax and be soothed.
Book a session by calling The Braid Box Office on 028 2563 5900.
The project was co-ordinated by Ciara O’Malley, Arts Care Artist in Residence and sessions
were led by Creative Writing Facilitator Susan McKinley.
Monoprint Workshop with Artist Maurice Orr
Saturday 20 June | 11.00am to 4.00pm | Admission £7.00 |
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Miguel's sculptures show
his inherent vision and style.
FILM SCREENING PROGRAMME
Braid Film Theatre presents The Fault in our
Stars in Association with Waterstones Books,
Ballymena
Thursday 28 May | 7.00pm | Tickets £4.00 | Ages 12+ |
The Braid Arts Centre
Two teens, both with different cancer conditions, fall in
love after meeting at a cancer support group.
Braid Film Theatre presents The Breakfast Club
Thursday 25 June | 7.00pm | Tickets £4.00 | Ages 15+ |
The Braid Arts Centre
Five high school students, all different stereotypes, meet in
detention, where they pour their hearts out to each other,
and discover how they have a lot more in common than
they thought.
Northern Regional College Exhibition
The Braid Arts Centre
Wednesday 13 May to Thursday 28 May | 10.00am to 8.00pm
daily except Sundays | Admission free | The Braid Arts Centre
#lovetoFILM
Join artist Maurice Orr for a practical printmaking workshop,
exploring the versatile technique of monoprinting. Using
textural images of the natural landscape as inspiration,
participants can try a variety of techniques with oil-based inks
to create their own 'plate', before printing on paper using the
artists own portable printing press. Absolutely no drawing or
painting skills are required - just a willingness to experiment and try new things!
May
Art & Design students from the Northern Regional College
in Trostan Avenue present a range of work from a wide
collection of artistic disciplines. The courses involved are
the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design, BTEC Level 3
Extended Diploma in Art & Design (year 1 & 2) and the
BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.
During their Art & Design course students have the
opportunity to develop skills in a variety of mediums
and techniques such as drawing, painting, printmaking,
photography, graphic design, ceramics, textiles, 3D design,
animation, fashion, sculpture, etc.
This year students from the Foundation Diploma in Art &
Design have received offers from universities around the
UK in Fine Art, Animation, Fashion, Applied Arts and
Jewellery, 3D Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Photography
and Graphic Design. We invite you to see this exciting
exhibition of the work of our future artists and designers.
Woollen Woods - Grand Opening
All materials and light refreshments will be provided. Participants may bring their
own lunch or avail of the cafe at The Braid. Please book by 12 June as numbers are limited:
Contact Noreen Mullan, [email protected] or telephone 028 2563 5925.
Launch of Public Art Project The Five Apples
June 2015 | The People’s Park, Ballymena
Commissioned by Dunclug Partnership with the Arts Council
of NI, Japanese Artist Shiro Masuyama will unveil this exciting
new Public Art work. Based on the themes of communities
working and creating together, trust and peace. This work
is the result of a year long project in the Borough with local
groups. A celebration day and launch party will be held to unveil the work in The People’s Park.
This art work adds to the growing collection of Public Art in Mid & East Antrim.
Saturday 16 May | 1.00pm to 5.00pm | Admission Free |
Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead
FabLab NI Project with Ballymena
Inter Ethnic Forum Create Culture Map
Join us for the Launch of the first Woollen Woods in Ireland.
As part of Voluntary Arts Week The Diamond Jubilee
Orchard in Whitehead will be yarnbombed in a spectacular
fashion with a riot of colourful knitted apples, crocheted
cherry blossom and fantastic flora and fauna.
June 2015
Calling all aspiring actors and filmmakers: May is
#LovetoFILM month and there are lots of ways to
get involved! Whether you fancy yourself as the
next Liam Neeson or Tarantino, or simply enjoy
sharing creative clips with your camera phone,
there are lots of ways to join in the fun.
Find out more at www.voluntaryarts.org/lovetofilm
SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
‘Building Legacies, The architectural heritage of Charles Lanyon
in Mid-Antrim'
Friday 1 May to Saturday 27 June | Free admission | The Braid
This exhibition highlights the life and work of Charles Lanyon and will be on display in the level
3 gallery space.
Love Your Yarn Shop
Saturday 2 May | 10.00am to 5.00pm |
Lighthouse Yarns, Whitehead
Lighthouse Yarns are holding a Yarn Bombing Open
Workshop Day in preparation for the launch of Ireland's
first Woollen Woods this May. Come along and learn how
to make crocheted cherry and apple blossom, pompoms,
finger knitting and much more. Bring your own Woollen
Woods knitting and crochet projects and finish them off among friends. Your colourful creations
will be installed and displayed as part of our Woollen Woods celebrations for Voluntary Arts
Week, at the Diamond, Jubilee Woods in Whitehead on Saturday 16 May 2015.
As part of our Family Fun Day take part in our Origami, Finger Knitting, Felting, Crochet
Blossom and Pompom workshops and add your own hand-crafted work to the Woollen Woods
installation. Seed Bombing, Foraging and Cookery Demonstrations, Pond Dipping and much
more on the day.
FabLab is a digital fabrication workshop which
allows anyone to make practically anything!
Developed by MIT in Boston, almost any concept
which can be designed on 2D or 3D software can
be manufactured within the labs and skills developed around IT, Design and Fabrication.
The FabLab will be working with Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum to create a Culture Map,
a map of Mid and East Antrim Borough showing our rich local cultural diversity.
The final artwork will be on display in The Braid Arts Centre throughout June.
Telephone 028 9335 3021 for further information or visit lighthouseyarns.co.uk
Contact [email protected] or [email protected]
www.voluntaryartsweek.org/woollenwoods
The Friendly Little Fund
Museums at Night at Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid
If you are part of a local group and you would like to get creative,
The Friendly Little Fund is just for you. The fund will help arts groups
in the Mid & East Antrim area to put on new events as part of the
Creative Citizens programme and throughout the year. This fund is
ideal for emerging or established groups who want to try something
new. Perhaps you'd like to share your creativity during an open day
or plan a new workshops. Events must be open to non-members and/or reach out to new
people. Awards of £250 will be made to 10-12 different groups. This is an open fund and you
can apply anytime. For details of the very simple application process contact Emma Whitehead
at Voluntary Arts Ireland on 078 28 570 837 or email [email protected]
Friday 15 May | 7.00pm to 9.00pm | Free admission
An Arty Afternoon Tea in association with
The Methodist Modern Art Collection &
The Adair Arms Hotel
Thursday 28 May & Thursday 4 June | 2.00pm | Tickets £12.50 |
The Braid Arts Centre & Adair Arms Hotel
Marianne O’Kane Boal is an Art and Architecture Critic
and Curator with 15 years of experience in the industry.
In this afternoon talk beginning at 2pm in The Braid Theatre,
Marianne will guide you through the Methodist Modern Art
Collection with professional insight into the works.
At only £12.50 for your art fix and afternoon tea, it is not to
be missed. To book visit The Braid Arts Centre Box Office or
call 028 25 635900. Please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
The Art Maze
Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May | 12 noon to 6.00pm | Ecos,
Outdoor Events Area
Artist in Residence Donnacha Cahill from Galway will be
working on a huge art installation in the outdoor events area
at Ecos over the weekend of the Agricultural Show. Creating
a maze from straw bales, The Maze will be open to try out on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Come along and try your best
at an escape attempt. Not for the faint hearted as you never
know where The Maze will transport you!
ART EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMME
This is an opportunity to experience three floors of collections, exhibitions and hands-on
activities. Come and join us for this informal evening in the museum to find out more about
the exciting history of your local town.
Spring at the Market Yard
Saturday 16 May | 11.00am to 3.00pm | Larne Market Yard
As well as lots of lovely things to buy from lots of stalls, there will be live music, craft
demonstrations, children’s arts and crafts and much more.
Architectural Heritage of Charles Lanyon in Ballymena Coach Tour
Saturday 6 June | 10.00am to 1.00pm | Admission £5.00 per person
Gallipoli 1915 – 2015: A Local Legacy
Friday 24 April to Saturday 29 August | 9.00am to 5.00pm daily
except Sundays | Admission free | Mid Antrim Museum
A poignant photographic essay created in the autumn of
2014 by award winning photographer James Hughes.
The work features battle sites in Gallipoli where mid-Antrim
men served during the ill-fated First World War campaign.
Supported by Northern Ireland Museums Council.
Exhibition of Art by John Lashford
May 2015 | Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm | Free
admission | Larne Museum & Arts Centre
John's work is mainly contemporary expressionism and
includes many large scale works that create a sense of
atmosphere and drama.
This tour forms part of Mid-Antrim Museums Service community engagement initiative,
'Ways of Seeing, A Sense of Place'. Including cream tea at The Adair Arms Hotel.
Tickets available from Visitor Information, The Braid Ballymena Tel: 028 2563 5900
Email: [email protected]
Tickets and information for all events are available from:
The Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ
Tel: 028 25 635 900 www.thebraid.com
Box office open Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 9.00pm