There are few places in County Down where creativity feels as alive, accessible and community-focused as it does at Down Arts Centre this summer.
The launch of the Centre’s new Summer Arts Programme is more than simply the unveiling of another seasonal brochure. It is a statement of intent, a reminder that the arts remain one of the strongest forces for bringing people together, supporting wellbeing and giving communities spaces to connect, learn and be inspired.
And what a programme it is.
Across the coming months, Down Arts Centre will welcome audiences to an impressive mix of live music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions, creative classes, film screenings and family events that together showcase the remarkable breadth of artistic life thriving in this district.
The performance programme alone offers something for every taste. Audiences can look forward to acclaimed live music from Gráinne Duffy, sharp comedy from Paddy McDonnell and Tim McGarry, classic theatre with The Return of the Native, and locally produced productions including Danny Tango and The Belfast Ma: You Only Live Once. These are the kinds of events that bring energy into the town centre while giving local audiences access to high-quality cultural experiences on their own doorstep.
Just as importantly, the Centre continues to champion participation as much as performance.
Weekly classes in painting, pottery, yoga, Tai Chi and dressmaking create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to try something new, reconnect with creativity or simply enjoy the social value of learning together. In an age where loneliness and isolation affect so many, these regular gatherings offer something increasingly precious: community.
The exhibitions programme is equally ambitious. From Joanna Cantillon’s striking Mad As Birds exhibition to August Craft Month’s Objects and Innovations showcase, visitors are invited to experience contemporary art and craft created by both emerging and established artists. These exhibitions not only enrich the cultural life of Downpatrick but also provide important platforms for local and regional talent.
Particularly encouraging is the Centre’s growing commitment to nurturing young creativity through its extensive Summer Arts Programme for children and young people.
This year’s programme is packed with opportunities for children to explore theatre, visual arts, animation, storytelling and performance in a fun and supportive environment. Workshops in comic creation, Manga illustration, Lego animation, arts and crafts, ceramic painting and performing arts ensure there is something to spark every imagination.
Initiatives such as Mourne Stars Performing Arts Academy and Vibrant Voices Speech & Drama School demonstrate the real value of arts participation for young people. These programmes do far more than teach artistic skills, they help children build confidence, communication, teamwork and self-expression. They create spaces where young people feel encouraged to participate, experiment and grow.
Equally worthy of praise is the Centre’s continued emphasis on inclusion and outreach. The long-running Dramability programme remains one of the most inspiring examples of community theatre anywhere in Northern Ireland, proving year after year that creativity flourishes best when everybody is welcomed and valued equally.
What emerges from the new programme is a clear sense that Down Arts Centre understands its role not simply as a venue, but as a cultural hub at the heart of the community.
At a time when arts funding continues to face pressure, programmes like this remind us why investment in local culture matters. The arts strengthen towns. They support mental wellbeing. They encourage tourism and footfall. Most importantly, they give people opportunities to gather, participate and share experiences that enrich everyday life.
This summer, Down Arts Centre is offering exactly that, not just entertainment, but connection, creativity and community spirit.
It deserves to be celebrated, supported and, above all, enjoyed.
Tickets for all events are now on sale. With many shows expected to book up quickly, early booking is strongly advised.
Discover the full programme and secure your seats at
www.downartscentre.com or call 0330 137 4014
A warm welcome awaits, step inside, take your seat, and enjoy a season of unforgettable arts experiences.
This fun interactive workshop run by Can Do Academy will allow participants to draw their own 2D cartoon characters in a way that is suitable for animation. Everyone learns about the essentials of good 2 dimentional character creation and gets to animate their characters, using IPads and user-friendly apps for kids.
This fun interactive workshop run by Can Do Academy will allow participants to draw their own 2D cartoon characters in a way that is suitable for animation. Everyone learns about the essentials of good 2 dimentional character creation and gets to animate their characters, using IPads and user-friendly apps for kids.
Mourne Stars Speech, Drama & Performing Arts are coming to Down Arts Centre this summer! Sign up for a fun-filled week of Drama, Performing Arts, and Theatre Making. T Throughout the course of the week, your son/daughter will be taking part in the creation of a show which will be performed on the final afternoon for family & friends. There will be the opportunity to learn how to approach a script, act, learn lines, sing & dance, as well as learn what it is like behind the scenes when creating a play. There is the opportunity to create the props and set needed for the final performance, which will be so much fun for those with experience or not. Enjoy a week of Drama, Performing Arts and Theatre at Down Arts Centre with Mourne Stars Sp
Have you ever wanted to produce your own comic or illustrated story? Join published author/illustrator Kieron Black and learn how to fashion your concept or script into an illustrated format, be it superhero, manga, or children's book. Over the five morning sessions, attendees will learn about the processes of creating a story and turning it into narrative art. Under Kieron's guidance, they will then create their own character(s), environment, and basic plot and illustrate this in a format of their choosing, producing at the end of the week their own unique illustrated comic book story.
Join local artists Aine and Patrica McKenna for a Summertime themed arts & crafts week. Jam packed with activities where kids will learn to create their own work through a variety of arts projects, including pottery, painting & collage.
Exciting, colourful, creative fun for kids! Dress for mess and come along and enjoy a range of painting and decorating activities! This workshop suits both boys and girls and enables you to paint your very own trio of ceramic pieces, which includes a mug, plate, and ceramic decoration. You will be shown inspiration sheets and different painting methods to help you with your designs, or you can try out your own ideas. All materials will be provided on the day, so sign up now and join in the fun!
Schools are out, and it's time to enjoy the summer with summer-themed arts and crafts. In this workshop, your child will get to design their very own summer sun cap using fabric pens or paints. Afterwards, they will make a lovely beehive, and each will receive a balloon to decorate. So why not come along, bring your friends, and join in all the fun!
A week for the illustration enthusiast in your house. Join published author and artist Kieron Black for a series of specialist classes focusing on the Japanese comic art style, Manga! Learn the skills behind creating black-and-white inked sketches of detailed character faces, expressive eyes, and stylized hair. Create your own story using panel art in a Manga style and fill it with your very own Manga characters!
These mini animation master classes by Can Do Academy are a great introduction for children to the colourful world of Lego animation! The workshop will allow participants to make a complete animated Lego film on an iPad, using sound effects, visual effects, titles and lots of imagination! Your child will learn to use special iPad apps and they will receive a copy of their film at the end of the session! They can bring their own Lego characters or use the ones supplied by us.
These mini animation master classes by Can Do Academy are a great introduction for children to the colourful world of Lego animation! The workshop will allow participants to make a complete animated Lego film on an iPad, using sound effects, visual effects, titles and lots of imagination! Your child will learn to use special iPad apps and they will receive a copy of their film at the end of the session! They can bring their own Lego characters or use the ones supplied by us.
Exciting, colourful, creative fun for Kids! Dress for mess and come along and enjoy a range of arts and craft activities! These activities suit both boys and girls and include making your very own aquarium. You will be able to paint, stick, add glitter colour in, model make and create unique sea life creatures. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a beautiful art display piece to show all your friends and family! So sign up now and join in the fun!
Come and enjoy a creative crafty morning! Naomi will introduce your child to the fun of felt making at Down Arts Centre.
Pebble Art is a very popular crafting activity to do, and the results are amazing! It is so much fun from painting the pebble to using pebbles to produce various images… there's no end to being creative. The tutor will have lots of ideas and inspiration to help you enjoy a relaxed and fun morning, and you will leave with a beautiful framed pebble art picture to hang on your wall or give as a gift. Price includes all materials, tools, and instructions.
Come along and enjoy a relaxing afternoon making origami Paper Flower Bouquets. Naomi will guide you step by step, and before you know it, you will have learnt all the paper-folding methods required to make these beautiful 3D flowers.
Joanna Cantillon is a contemporary artist based in Newcastle Co Down. She has a BA(Hons) Degree in fine art specialising in oil painting. Joanna has exhibited her work extensively. She has had solo shows in the Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast and previously in Down Arts Centre and has had work selected for group shows in the RUA, Crawford Open, Flowerfield Arts Centre and Mostar Festival Bosnia. This Exhibition follows the success of her recent solo show in Newcastle Library entitled 'First Came the Animals'. "For me painting is as much about the process. I start with washes of oil paint and turpentine, as I go along the medium becomes pure oil, as little as I can possibly help. It's a basic process but it takes time so cannot be wasted. Thi
This annual showcase celebrates the art collection at Down County Museum. With a focus on the relationship between architecture and art, this year's exhibition explores the influence of Down's built heritage on artists across the centuries.
Csilla Toldy is a writer and film poet living in Rostrevor, Co. Down. Her visual work is text-based, and often multilingual, exploring themes of identity, nature, and our connections with the environment. Csilla's film poems were commissioned by the Executive Office of Northern Ireland and the Centre for Creative Practices. Many of them won awards at international film festivals. Works were exhibited in Poole Arts Centre, Leno Gallery Berlin, D-Light Gallery, The Complex in Dublin, Armagh Planetarium and the Foyer Gallery of Marketplace Theatre.
Objects and Innovations – a new exhibition of selected contemporary craft works curated from the Collection of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to celebrate August Craft Month at Down Arts Centre. Audiences are invited to experience key pieces from the Collection, by many of the region's leading designer-makers. Revealing some of the Arts Council's most recent craft acquisitions, this showcase will shine a light on emerging to established careers and feature a range of disciplines including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and sculpture.
Our small, friendly classes give every child the space to shine. Through engaging speech activities and imaginative drama games, students build strong communication and language skills while discovering their unique voice. They'll learn essential drama techniques, boost their confidence, and make new friends in a supportive, fun-filled environment. Perfect for nurturing creativity—and having a great time along the way!
NI Comedy present PADDY MCDONNELL - GOUT'S OUT Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell has built a strong reputation across the UK and Ireland turning everyday observations into hilarious anecdotes. In his hilarious new show, Paddy talks about getting older, dealing with gout and the perils of still trying to act like a young man through boxing and raising kids!
An Exploration of Fate, Society, and Nature. Thomas Hardy's "The Return of the Native" is a profound exploration of human desires and the indomitable forces that shape destiny. Set against the haunting backdrop of Egdon Heath, the novel tells the story of Eustacia Vye, a young woman whose passionate longing for escape and fulfilment drives the narrative inevitably towards it's tragic conclusion. With live music, high energy, multi role playing, humour and inventiveness, yet another English classic novel is brought wonderfully to life—Hotbuckle style!
Tim McGarry is back on the road with his brand new solo stand up show The Height of Nonsense. Following the huge success of his Ridiculous tour, Tim has now reached a stage in life where he couldn't give a f…flying monkeys. Concerned about the state of the world? Worried you don't have enough Tik Tok followers and that Netflix may finally run out of true crimes? Don't panic! Instead let a veteran 6 foot 4 comedian reassure you that there's nothing to worry about – it's all nonsense. So we may as well just relax and have a good laugh. Tim is well known and loved as the host of BBCNI's The Blame Game, star of Give My Head Peace and co-presenter of The Long and the Short Of It. "Packed full of beautifully crafted jokes and stories all del
Stray Gaiters are a group of seasoned musicians who pay homage to the enduring legacy of Neil Young, channelling the spirit of his distinctive sound – raw, authentic and unapologetically real.
Danny Tango Written by Eileen McCloskey A Phantom Fox production Danny Tango is a play about love and revenge. Two best friends Isobel and Ann are champion Latin American dancers. To 'out do' each other is their one focus in life. Their rivalry reaches new heights, when handsome Danny Tango, dancer extraordinaire, arrives on the scene. Who will he choose to be his partner on the dance floor and perhaps, in life? Interspersed with 80's hits such as "Lovecats" by The Cure and 'Love is a Stranger' by Eurythmics we are transported back to that exciting time of youth and promise. Twenty years later and life has not gone to plan for our arch rivals. Lonely and disillusioned they agree to set aside their differences but sparks fly when long
The Belfast Ma's latest 5-star show is a riotous comedy full of heart, hustle, and a plot to die for. The stakes have never been higher – With bills mounting, a baby arriving, and a bank balance that's just not balancing, Sadie needs a miracle... or a master plan. With a wee bit of scheming, a willing husband, a suspicious son, and a mate who knows far too much, Sadie's concocts the perfect solution. But can she pull off the scam of the century without ending up on Belfast Live? If you loved the Belfast Ma before, wait 'til you see what she's at now. But sure, it has to be done. After all, You Only Live Once. A hilarious comedy based on everyone's Ma.
As part of the Spotlight Community Cinema Festival, Down Arts Centre welcomes audiences for a special morning screening of the much-loved Irish comedy Waking Ned. Set in a small rural village, the film follows a community that bands together in a mischievous attempt to claim a winning lottery ticket. Full of wit, warmth and unforgettable characters, it is a joyful celebration of friendship and community spirit. Join us for a relaxed morning screening with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits included as part of the Movies in the Morning series.
As part of the Spotlight Community Cinema Festival, Down Arts Centre presents Listen to the Land Speak, guided by the voice and insight of Manchán Magan. This visually rich documentary explores the deep relationship between people, place and language, inviting audiences to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of the land. Through storytelling and landscape, it uncovers the voices and traditions embedded in Ireland's natural environment. A thoughtful and immersive evening screening for audiences interested in heritage, language and our connection to place.
Dressmaking with Patricia Dickson This Dressmaking course is aimed at both beginners and those who have some experience with a domestic sewing machine. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting to know your machine, choosing a project, how to take measurements, how to buy and read a pattern, and producing your chosen project. Also covered are basic fitting techniques and appropriate sewing techniques to use when making your project. The tutor will take you step by step and, through both practical work and demonstrations, take you through the course to complete your project. Participants can bring their own machine or request the hire of a class machine (if you bring your own machine, it is your responsibility to ensure it is i
Tai Chi is a gentle flowing exercise that aims to enhance the body's intrinsic energy system. The main benefits are relaxation and physical and mental balance. As well as this, Tai Chi works on strengthening the core and is a cardiovascular exercise. At its core, Tai Chi promotes physical and mental well-being through focusing the practitioner on the individual moves and creating a sense of truly being in the moment. As the nature of the movement is slow and gentle, Tai Chi is suitable for all, regardless of age or ability.
This painting course is aimed at beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life, and landscape. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils and brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging from A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
This painting course is aimed at beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life, and landscape. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils and brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging from A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
Do you paint for a hobby? Or have you always wanted to but didn't know where to begin? Join artist Kieron Black for a series of evening painting workshops. In a judgement-free, encouraging environment, learn the basics of composition and painting techniques, or hone the skills you already have. "I don't want to teach you to paint like me," says Kieron, "I want to help you paint like you, only better".
Learn how to work with clay using hand-building techniques such as slab work, pinch pots, coiling, using formers, and more. Create unique pieces from pots, figures, animals, bowls, and more. Fee includes clay, glazes, and firings.
Learn how to work with clay using hand-building techniques such as slab work, pinch pots, coiling, using formers, and more. Create unique pieces from pots, figures, animals, bowls, and more. Fee includes clay, glazes, and firings.
This painting course is aimed at beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting. The sessions will cover essentials such as getting started, choosing subject matter, composition, colour, perspective, still life, and landscapes. Materials needed are acrylic paints or oils and brushes. A canvas or painting board, sizes ranging from A3/A4, an image to paint, and a mixing tray.
This painting course in Downpatrick with Gemma Blakely is aimed at both beginners and those who have some experience of acrylic painting.
The focus of this class is primarily to connect with the breath and the body in a conscious way, moving slowly and mindfully. It will help to ease away pain and tension in the body and mind, and includes some strengthening exercises. The sessions will end with Yoga Nidra, when the body sleeps but the mind remains awake. This is a deep relaxation technique and a great way to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket with you.
Martin McParland introduces the art of outdoor sketching. Each week will move to different areas in Downpatrick. Bring along pencils, paper, and a board to lean on and something to sit on. The group will meet at Down Arts Centre at the beginning of each class, before heading outside to sketch with Martin.
Martin McParland introduces the art of outdoor sketching. Each week will move to different areas in Newcastle. Bring along pencils, paper, and a board to lean on and something to sit on. The group will meet at Newcastle Centre at the beginning of each class, before heading outside to sketch with Martin.
