Armagh is gearing up for a major creative initiative that offers local people a chance to get involved in the development of a new series of public artworks for the city centre.
Throughout February and March 2019, the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre will host a lively programme of FREE hands-on creative workshops, illustrated talks, town tours and research sessions led by the artists Kevin Killen, Robert Peters, Deborah Malcomson and writer Byddie Lee.
The programme launches on Thursday, January 31 at 2pm with the opening of a pop-up exhibition presenting information about this live project and showcasing the work produced so far by local community groups.
Lead artist on the project Kevin Killen has been researching and exploring the hidden stories of Armagh’s smaller streets and alleyways, such as McCrum’s Court, Jenny’s Row and ‘The Back Looter’.
The Alleyways programme of events and workshops at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre offers a host of opportunities for more people to get involved, be creative, meet the artist and take part in this exciting new collaborative art project.
Kicking off on Saturday, February 2 with a captivating tour of the city, the programme offers creative activities for all ages – from ‘Doodle Den’ drop-in sessions for families, through to a ‘Flash Fiction’ event and sculpture workshops catering for all abilities.
The workshop programme runs each Friday and Saturday at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre throughout February and concludes on Saturday, March 9 with artist Deborah Malcomson offering families a fun afternoon of exploring line, colour and Armagh City.
The full events list and registration information can be found at: http://connectedproject.eventbrite.com
Alleyways is part of the Connected project, an ambitious new collaborative cultural programming initiative being delivered across the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon and co-funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Local Government Challenge Fund.
The Connected programme represents a new investment of £260,000 in the arts across the borough.
Community Arts Development Officer with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Louise Rice, who is leading the project said: “This project offers a unique opportunity to join one of Northern Ireland’s leading visual artists, Kevin Killen, on a creative journey that explores the lesser known stories and spaces of Armagh city.
“It is exciting to see how his creative vision for Armagh’s alleyways is developing in response to his interactions with local people. We are very grateful to all of the local community groups who been involved so far. Their positive energy, openness, creativity and hard work is making this a very special project.
“Through the upcoming creative programme and exhibition at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, we’re hoping to
widen opportunities for people to engage in the project, be inspired and contribute to the future vision for public spaces in the city.”
To find out more about Alleyways Connected, log on to https://www.alleywaysconnected.com and check out the project’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AlleywaysConnected
For registration and booking information log on http://connectedproject.eventbrite.com. Spaces are free but please do book early to avoid disappointment.
