News

November 2024
Open Arts is recruiting!

Would you like to work in an inclusive, creative and supportive organisation?

We are looking for a Communication and Development Assistant!

This is an entry level position into the arts sector so if you are just starting out or you fancy a change, this could be the job for you.

You can download the application pack here.

The mission of Open Arts is to inspire and support the creativity and artistic development of disabled people, so we very much encourage applications from the disabled community.

You can pop into our office on 2nd floor, Crescent Arts Centre for a chat with us Monday 4th November between 4pm – 5pm or Tuesday 5th November between 12:30 – 1:30pm.

If this does not suit you, get in touch with Eileen (eileen@openartsni.org / 028 90 240 765) to arrange another time for a quick chat by phone or on zoom. 

Deadline is Thursday 14th November by 12 noon.

October 2024
Open Arts Big Weekender!

Open Arts is thrilled to be part of the University of Atypical for Arts and Disability’s annual Bounce Arts Festival (#Bounce24) with a weekend-long series of brilliant events.

The Open Arts Weekender, running from Friday 4th October to Sunday 6th October will feature an exciting lineup of performances, exhibitions and interactive sessions that showcase our participants’ works.

Friday, 4th October (15:00-16:00) – Gamelan Music Experience

Kicking off the festivities at our space in Connswater Shopping Centre, visitors will enjoy otherworldly sounds of our Gamelan. This immersive event invites attendees to not only listen but also participate by playing these unique instruments. The session will include a tranquil sound bath, offering a meditative and calming start to the Bounce weekend.

Location: Open Arts space, Connswater Shopping Centre 

Tickets & Info at  Gamelan Music Experience

 

Saturday, 5th October (13:30-15:30) – Class Creations Exhibition + Workshop

On Saturday, the celebration moves to 2 Royal Avenue, where Open Arts visual art groups will proudly present their work in wood, clay, and textiles. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet the artists, engage in art-making activities, and experience participants’ amazing art. 

Location: 2 Royal Avenue  

Tickets & Info: Class Creations Exhibition event

The exhibition will be open from the 19th of September to the 17th of October.

 

Sunday, 6th October (12:00-14:00 & 14:30-16:30) – Open Arts Big Takeover

We are back with another brilliant Open Arts Takeover event that will be packed with performances and showcases from our groups. Featuring brilliant performances from Open Arts Community Choir, the Wonky Family Adventures play by our Monday Players Drama Company, an interactive dance workshop with Luminous Soul Dance Company, and a brilliant dance performance by Mae Murray Foundation Teen Hub. The young dancers are participating in Movement & Mentoring, which is supported by ACNI Young People & Wellbeing Arts Programme. Last, but not least, there will be readings from our talented  Creative Writing Group.

Location: Crescent Arts Centre  

Tickets & Info: Open Arts Takeover

All events are FREE but registration is required. You can register for them online following the above links.

September 2024
Open Arts is now a certified Arts Award Centre!

Jemma our Finance & programme officer is standing in a brightly lit corridor. She is holding a booklet in her right hand entitled "Arts Award Explore". She is wearing a caramel coloured shirt and black trousers.
Arts Award logo

Open Arts is very excited to announce that we have officially registered as an Arts Award Centre!

Jemma, our Finance & Programme Officer is now qualified to deliver and assess Arts Award qualifications at levels Bronze and Silver for SEND. We want to be an uniquely accessible centre offering opportunities for disabled children and young people to experience the arts.

Arts Award unique qualifications support children and young people aged 25 and under to develop as artists and arts leaders. The programme develops skills for success including creativity, leadership, reflective thinking and communication skills and embraces all interests and backgrounds. Young people also develop knowledge and understanding of their chosen art forms. Through Arts Award young people learn to work independently, helping them to prepare for further education and employment.

Her first cohort of young people are from the Mae Murray Foundation. Working with facilitators and members of Luminous Soul dance company they will assist in choreographing a dance piece that will be performed at the University of Atypical Bounce Festival in October 2024. 

Through a series of workshops and a 5-day residency as part of our Movement and Mentoring programme funded through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Arts Young People and Wellbeing Arts Programme they will continue to work together learning new skills and working on completing their Arts Award bronze level criteria.

National lottery logo of hand with fingers crossed. Words underneath say 30 years of changing lives.

August 2024
Summer events at Connswater Shopping Centre.

See below the workshops for both adult & kids in our unit in Connswater Shopping Centre throughout August.
 
Summer Sound Bath!
Let the rich, resonant tones of the gamelan wash over you, dissolving stress and tension while promoting relaxation.
 
Dates & Times:
14th Aug 10:30-11am
21st Aug 5-5:30pm
28th Aug 10:30-11am
 
Limited spaces available, registration is strongly advised. Registration form
 
Gamelan for Kids
Join us for a vibrant and interactive children’s gamelan session! 
 
Experience the mesmerizing sounds of gongs, metallophones and drums and play different sections of our Gamelan ensemble. Learn about Indonesian culture and the stories behind the music. These sessions are perfect for young musicians with and without disabilities of all skill levels. 
 
Dates: 13th, 20th, 27th August
Time: 3pm-3:30pm
 
Limited spaces available, registration is strongly advised. Registration form

If you have any access requirements please email Cinzia@openartsni.org.

June 2024
Performances at Connswater Shopping Centre now confirmed!!

See below for a host of amazing opportunities to enjoy the work of our participants

Thursday 6th June, 6pm – 8pm. 

Drop in Gamelan Session for Late Night Art 

Open Arts (beside Del Piero’s)

No registration required 

Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds and have a go at playing our beautiful traditional Indonesian instruments. You will also have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with a soothing gong bath. 

If you have any access requirements please email Cinzia@openartsni.org.

Thursday 13th June, between 2pm – 3pm. 

Luminous Soul, Let’s Dance 

Main Mall

No registration required 

Look out for Luminous Soul as they express individually and collectively what dance and movement means to them. They will spread their message that everyone can dance. 

Luminous Soul is a unique, contemporary dance programme that provides high-quality dance training and development for disabled people. It is the only company of its kind on the island of Ireland. 

If you have any access requirements please email Cinzia@openartsni.org.

Monday 24th June, 2:30pm & 3:30pm.

The Wonky Family Adventures 

Meet at Arts Care Creative Space. 

Limited spaces available, registration is strongly advised. Visit the Registration form.

Meet the unique characters from The Wonky Family businesses including Mrs Knitty Knit, Miss Inside Out Upside Down, Mrs Polywonka, Prof. Maxus, Miss Edie Swizzel-Hands. The audience will follow them across the mall in their battle against being shut down by Inspector Straight & Narrow. 

Wednesday 26th June, 2:30pm – 3:30pm.

Rhymes & Chimes 

Open Arts

Limited spaces available, registration is strongly advised. Visit the Registration form.

Our creative writing group will join forces with the gamelan players to present an uplifting event featuring readings of original work and relaxing melodic sounds.

May 2024
What’s on at Open Arts? Here is our amazing lineup for the months ahead!

We have been really busy these last couple of months with amazing projects such as Belfast City Council’s Accessible Tourism project and relocating to an amazing new home for our gamelan in Connswater Shopping Centre. 

Our core classes and stand-alone participatory projects are also in full swing engaging even more disabled people in the arts including children and young people. 

Prepare for a whirlwind of vibrant activities and captivating events as we unveil an exhilarating lineup for the upcoming months. From dancing to music, drama showcases to community outreach projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

Luminous Soul Try It Session

Date: 9th May

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Location: Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast

Join our inclusive dance company, Luminous Soul, as we seek new disabled dancers! Experience our ‘Try It’ session open to disabled individuals aged 18+ with a passion for dance. Commit to developing your skills and become part of our performing company. Contact cinzia@openartsni.org for more information.

Gamelan Taster Sessions

Starting on the 10th of May

Time: 1 to 2 pm

Location: Open Arts, Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast

Embark on an exciting journey with our gamelan taster workshops, welcoming both disabled and non-disabled individuals aged 18+. No musical experience is necessary! Limited spots available, so register early. Afterwards, you can sign up for a 4-week beginner course.

To register for a free taster workshop, please complete the below form.

https://forms.gle/bESXeyND89bXWJDB9

Open Arts at the NI Mental Health Arts Festival

10th – 19th May 

Location: Open Arts, Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast

Keep an eye out for us in the NI Mental Health and Arts Festival programme

OACC on the Road

May & June  

Stay tuned for updates as our Open Arts Community Choir performs in exciting and unusual spaces.

Outreach Gamelan Sessions

May & June 2024

Location: Open Arts, Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast

We will be working with local disability groups to enjoy gamelan workshops and relaxation sessions.

UpBeat 

May & June 2024

As part of our UpBeat programme we will be providing creative sessions in music and dance for disabled children and young people in the Newcastle & Mourne area over the coming months thanks to funding from the Arts Council NI’s Rural Engagement Arts Programme and in partnership with Autism Initiatives NI.

Our performers will also be delivering even more interactive, fun performances to the homes of disabled people and their families with Takeaway Theatre. Suitable for ages 5+ and all abilities!

Picture of 6 teenagers from Mae Murray, three of which are wheelchair users are taking part in an intensive dance workshop. There are three wheelchair users and three non wheelchair users. All have their arms in the air and are moving animately.

Pop up performances at Connswater 

Date: June (exact dates to be announced)

Experience the magic of drama and dance with captivating performances from our Monday Players drama group and Luminous Soul dance company.

Movement & Mentoring Project

Date: 12th – 16th August 

We’re thrilled to be organising another year of our Movement & Mentoring project in partnership with Mae Murray Foundation and funded by ACNI Young People & Wellbeing Arts Programme. It will start with a week-long dance summer scheme, facilitated by Helen Hall & Linda Fearon, with visits from Luminous Soul dance company members.

2 Royal Avenue Exhibition

Date: September – October 2024

Witness the brilliance of our visual arts participants in a new exhibition in the amazing space of 2 Royal Avenue.

Open Arts at Bounce Festival

Date: 4th – 6th October 2024

Keep an eye out for us in the Bounce Festival programme

April 2024
The Gamelan has moved!

A picture of some of the instruments of the Gamlan positioned in the new Connswater Shopping Centre Unit.

Open Arts is thrilled to announce that we have moved our Gamelan to a brand new home at Connswater Shopping Centre! We’ve secured a fantastic unit, and we couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter.

For over 30 years, Open Arts has proudly owned the magnificent hand-carved Javanese Gamelan orchestra, the only Gamelan of its kind in Northern Ireland. This extraordinary collection of tuned and untuned percussion instruments from Indonesia includes gongs, metallophones, and drums of various shapes and sizes.

Not only are the instruments stunningly beautiful, but they also produce an otherworldly, vibrant sound. What’s truly special is that the Gamelan is accessible to players of all levels, from seasoned musicians to complete beginners, and we warmly welcome people of all ages and abilities to join us. Many participants find the sounds and reverberations of the Gamelan incredibly relaxing and soothing, contributing positively to their mental well-being.

While we are very excited about the move we are also sad to leave our previous home at the Spectrum Centre. The Spectrum Centre has been more than just a space for us; it’s been a home full of creativity within a supportive community. While the Gamelan has moved we look forward to continuing to use the centre in other ways in the future.

We’re really looking forward to the opportunities that await us at Connswater Shopping Centre. Our new location promises increased visibility, enabling us to reach an even wider audience and continue our mission of inspiring and supporting the creativity and artistic development of disabled people.

Thank you to all the incredible people who have supported us and made this exciting transition possible. (A special shout out to Paul and Ryan from Pro-Coatings).

A selfie of Eileen, Bev, Jemma and Andy standing in the new unit in Connswater Shopping Centre where the Gamelan is now housed. Behind them you can see 2 large racks with Gongs hanging from them.
Eileen and Bev are waving enthusiastically and happily in the window of the new Connswater Shopping Centre Unit. There is a black banner hanging in the window that has bright and colourful flowers and the words "Open Arts" written in gold. There is a sign saying beside the door coming soon.

March 2024
Celebrating Mae Murray Teen Hub dancers

Nine young people from Mae Murray's Teen Hub are holding their Arts Award Certificates with Luminous Soul dancers Helen & Linda. They are all smiling and laughing at the camera.

What a blast we had last Friday! Ten awesome members of Mae Murray’s Teen Hub rocked the house as they received their Art Awards Certificates and were presented with Luminous Soul t-shirts, acknowledging them as honorary members! 

The Arts Awards are a recognised accreditation from Trinity College, London that takes young people on a creative journey, exploring the arts world, discovering their potential as artists, developing leadership skills

The group had the opportunity to discover their love for dance and experiment with movement during a week-long dance summer scheme followed by workshops throughout last September, facilitated by Helen Hall & Linda Fearon

Young people worked with professional dancers, learnt different dance techniques and most importantly had great fun! They also had the chance to learn from Luminous Soul dancers – Talia McDowell, Julie Anna Richmond, Andy Paton and Marylou McCord, who have all been developing their own practice.

The hard work paid off with an electrifying performance and standing ovation during Open Arts’ Creative Conversations event in October 2023.

Thanks to funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Young People and Wellbeing Arts Programme we are delighted to continue our partnership with Mae Murray and we are gearing up to do it all again this summer!

February 2024
Embracing the Inclusive Spirit

What an amazing day on Tuesday at Titanic Belfast for The Embrace the #InclusiveSpirit tourism event! The event was part of an Inclusive Tourism project that we have been working on with Belfast City Council, Tourism NI and Visit Belfast. 

We are so proud of our Lived Experience Team, which is composed of individuals with diverse disabilities. They have been engaged to provide insights on enhancing accessibility in the tourism sector. They have shared invaluable experiences and recommendations on intriguing destinations in a series of accessible itinerary videos that explore Belfast and have also helped produce a series of training modules to help businesses to communicate confidently with disabled people. 

The Embrace the Inclusive Spirit event, additionally supported by Titanic Belfast, was a full-day of interactive workshops, enlightening panel discussions, ample networking opportunities, and a dynamic drop in marketplace where attendees could connect with others and organisations dedicated to making Belfast more inclusive! During the marketplace, we had lots of interest in our Chatting for Change programme that offers the unique opportunity to talk directly to disabled people though Living Library events. 

The day was hosted by disability rights activist Seán Fitzsimmons and featured an impressive lineup of speakers, the most exciting for us was Irish writer and advocate, Sinéad Burke.

Delegates also enjoyed a brilliant performance of ‘Communication’ choreographed and performed by our amazing Luminous Soul dancers Andy Paton, Julie Anna Richmond and Talia McDowell and exceptional singing from our Open Arts Community Choir.

The next event as part of the Inclusive Tourism project is on 26th March in The Crescent Arts Centre. For more information and to register visit Living Library.

Dancers Julie, Andy and Talia standing beside each other at the entrance to the Titanic Suite in Titanic Belfast.

January 2024
Margaret takes home the prize at the Arts & Business Awards NI

Margaret is sitting at a round table with her award. It is very tactile and is constructed of two crescent shapes intertwined mounted on a round wooden base. Also at the table chatting are members of Open Arts board and staff.
A picture of chair Margaret Mann sitting at a round table at the Arts & Business awards. She is holding her award for Leaders on Arts Boards. She is surrounded by members of Open Arts board and staff.

We are delighted to announce that our chairperson, Margaret Mann, has won the Arts and Business Award for Leaders on Arts Boards! This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a board member to the arts organisation they serve and the wider arts sector.

We had a brilliant evening yesterday at the Arts and Business NI Awards ceremony at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, with fantastic performances and the opportunity to engage with different organisations that are an essential part of the art sector in Northern Ireland. But nothing could make us more proud (and a bit emotional) than the moment our Margaret walked to the stage and accepted her award.

Margaret Mann has been an essential part of Open Arts for 23 years. She is a founding member of our Open Arts Community Choir and an incredibly supportive, knowledgeable board member. As chairperson for the past 10 years, she has championed the organisation in our goal to provide opportunities for disabled people to participate in the arts.

Margaret is blind and has experienced barriers and lack of access herself. Using this lived experience and knowledge, Margaret has spoken on behalf of Open Arts at conferences and events within and outside of the arts sector to drive forward and promote access and inclusion. She has always been a firm advocate of personal and professional development for our staff. Her experience as an Open Arts participant gives her a unique perspective on what is needed to provide a safe and creative environment for our participants to thrive and develop their creativity and to advocate for them when needed.

We are very proud of Margaret and her achievements, and we are grateful for her leadership and dedication to Open Arts and we are really thankful to Arts & Business NI for recognising her essential role in our organisation and how her work on accessibility in the arts impacted the sector as a whole.

Below Margaret shares her thoughts about winning the award and on her journey as board member of Open Arts. 

I’m delighted about winning this award. I am truly humbled and grateful to receive the Arts and Business Award for Leaders on Arts Boards. Working with Open Arts, first as a board member and then as chairperson has been essential for my personal and professional development. For the last 23 years, as a participant and board member, I have seen the organisation grow and develop. I witnessed all the hard work done by the staff and artists to keep it running and experienced first hand the positive impact that Open Arts continues to have on myself, our participants, audiences and society in general and I could not be more proud of being part of it. Thanks to my role I have gained a deeper understanding of how an arts organisation operates and developed leadership, and strategic planning skills, that I applied in various areas of my life.It taught me how essential it is to look after the well-being of the organisation’s staff and participants. Being part of the board also has given me the opportunity to travel, meet different professionals in the arts sector and participate at events like this one.

We want to again thank Margaret for all that she did and continue doing for Open Arts and congratulate her and all the other winners and nominees.

November 2023
Open Arts Community Choir Christmas Jukebox: 2 Royal Avenue.

Come and get into the Christmas spirit with a live choral Jukebox!

Join us Saturday 2nd December, from 11am – 1pm.

The Open Arts Community Choir will be singing some of the best-loved Christmas songs and carols in 2 Royal Avenue this year – all they need is for you to choose your favourite from their Jukebox menu and they’ll sing it just for you and your family!

The OACC is an award-winning, dynamic, inclusive choir based in Belfast, demonstrating how people from different cultural backgrounds, with and without disabilities, come together through the medium of song. They have performed all over the UK and Ireland, as well as in America and Latvia. Their third album, entitled “Three”, is available on iTunes.

October 2023
Creative Conversations: The Big Open Arts Takeover!

Sunday 8th October, Creative Conversations: The Big Open Arts Takeover! 

With Monday Players, Open Arts Community Choir, Luminous Soul, Open Arts Creative Writers, Open Arts Visual Art Groups, Mae Murray Foundation.

Step into the world of Open Arts as they take over the Crescent Arts Centre!

During each event the audience will experience performances from Monday Players, Open Arts Community Choir, Luminous Soul dancers; hear readings from the creative writing group and participate in a workshop with visual art participants.

Inspired by the idea of a ‘Living Library’ you will also have the opportunity to chat with the participants, learn about the diverse perspectives and life experiences of disabled people.

There will be 3 events during the day. Each will last a maximum 1 hour 45 minutes including the dance performances below (which can also be booked separately).

3 groups will be guided through the building each time. One group will have an audio describer and another will have a BSL interpreter available for each event.

Event times:

12pm – 2pm – 4pm

You can book your tickets through EventBrite here.

1.15pm Mae Murray Foundation

Members from Mae Murray’s Teen Hubs took part in a summer dance intensive facilitated by Helen Hall & Linda Fearon with mentoring visits from members of Luminous Soul. They have continued to work and rehearse together to present this performance. The young people are also working toward achieving Arts Awards.

The work is supported by The Arts Council NI’s Young People & Wellbeing Arts Programme and BT Telecommunity Fund, distributed by Community Foundation NI.

3.15pm Fully Charged

Formed in 2022, Fully Charged is a duet of powerchair dancers, Cinzia Savonitti and Marylou McCord. Both are also members of Luminous Soul. Marylou McCord has been supported by University of Atypical through an iDA grant award to develop her music composition skills alongside her choreography.

Fully Charged was born because the dancers wanted to explore how movement and dance could be enhanced, not limited, by their powerchairs!

This piece explores the relationship between the dancers, their own powerchairs and each other.

5.15pm Communication

‘Communication’ is an innovative dance piece choreographed by Andy Paton, Julie Anna Richmond and Talia McDowell. All three are members of Luminous Soul and have travelled to Cork over the last year to participate in Ireland’s first accredited inclusive dance training programme – Inclusive Dance Cork – a partnership between University College Cork and others. Talia has been supported by University of Atypical through an iDA grant award.

This piece explores the theme of how we all communicate differently and the barriers which may be encountered. The choreography challenges the audience to be mindful of and to embrace diversity.

September 2023
Lets Dance!

Six teenagers are sitting with their backs to the camera in a semi-circle watching four of their peers in the middle dancing in pairs. Two of the teenagers are wheelchair dancers.
Picture of 6 teenagers from Mae Murray, three of which are wheelchair users are taking part in an intensive dance workshop. There are three wheelchair users and three non wheelchair users. All have their arms in the air and are moving animately.

We were delighted to kick off our Movement & Mentoring project in August, which is supported by ACNI Young People & Wellbeing Arts Programme and BT Telecommunity Fund distributed by Community Foundation NI. Twelve members from Mae Murray’s Teen Hub took part in a week-long dance summer scheme facilitated by Helen Hall & Linda Fearon with visits from members of our Luminous Soul dance company.

It was an amazing week where the young people worked with professional dancers, learnt different dance techniques and most importantly, had a ball! They also had the chance to learn from dancers from Luminous Soul, who are developing their own artistic practice: Talia McDowell, Julie Anna Richmond, Andy Paton and Marylou McCord.

Talia, Julie and Andy introduced the work they had created during Ireland’s first accredited inclusive dance training programme – Inclusive Dance Cork – a partnership between University College Cork and others. They also led a workshop for the young people, sharing ideas on movement and improvisation techniques.

Marylou McCord, who is a dancer, choreographer and composer also led one of the sessions. She discussed her choreography and composition work, which she is developing with a grant from University if Atypical, and shared her experience as a powerchair dancer and musician with the young people.

As part of the project the participants will also work toward achieving Arts Awards. Arts Award takes young people on a creative journey, exploring the arts world, discovering their potential as artists, developing leadership skills – and gaining a recognised accreditation from Trinity College, London.

The young dancers will continue to rehearse together in the coming weeks, working towards a final performance that will be showcased during Creative Conversations: The Big Open Arts Takeover at Crescent Arts, part of Bounce Festival on Sunday 8th October 2023 (more information on this coming soon).

August 2023
Theatre Delivery... At home!

A picture of Stephen Beggs and Paul Taylor, actors in our Take Away Theatre performances. They are both wearing bright yellow baseball caps and high vis vests over royal blue overalls.

Summer is in full swing, and our Take Away Theatre performers have travelled all over Northern Ireland to deliver free interactive, fun home performances for disabled people and their families! There is still time to book yours!

Stephen Beggs (AKA Barry!), one of our amazing Take Away Theatre performers tells us more about the project.

“What is great about Take Away Theatre is that each session is different. Using our ‘menu’ the family can choose a starter, which is a dance or a movement piece, and then there is the main course, the performance, which can be anything at all, a mystery, a love story an adventure that’s created there and then by the family, with our support, using all the props that we bring with us. So, it’s lovely because, you go in with a structure, but then essentially you do whatever the participants want to do… the story goes where they want to take it and it’s brilliant!”

Stephen’s favourite things about Take Away Theatre are working with a different artist at every session, the improvisation involved with the creation of the performance, and seeing first hand the positive impact that it has on the participants.

“It is genuinely a beautiful experience, a way for the family to create lovely memories. It is brilliant to hear from the families that their child, who usually finds it hard to engage with things, loves the performance, something just clicks and they are having great fun engaging with us and the story in their own unique way.”

When asked about what he would say to someone thinking about booking a session Stephen said:

“Worry not about whether this would be suitable for your child/friend/family member because the structure is such that it works for everyone regardless of disability, communication needs or mobility. A day or two before the visit we would have a chat to find out the likes and dislikes and individual needs of the main ‘protagonist’ of the session. No drama experience is needed because the facilitators are there to help. You don’t need a big space, we’ve crammed performances into tiny little rooms, it can be done in large rooms, in the garden, etc. We will work around you.”

To book a free place or for more information about Take Away Theatre please email info@openartsni.org or visit www.openartsni.org/projects-take-away-theatre.

This project is funded by Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts.

June 2023
Pieces of Us Exhibition

29th of June – 28th of August

Monday – Saturday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

Arts for All (CitySide Retail Park) Belfast

16th February 2023
"Chasing the buzz, the fun, the magic"

Don’t miss our Open Arts Community Choir Taster Nights on Monday 20th & 27th February

Do you like singing and meeting new people? We are looking for new singers to join the Open Arts Community Choir!

We will be holding auditions on the evening of Monday 6th March, if you are interested in auditioning we invite you to attend one or both of our taster nights on:

Monday 20th & 27th February, 7-9pm  

Divis Community Centre, Ardmoulin St, Belfast BT12 4RT

We are particularly keen for disabled people to join and you can read about our commitment to your access.

No musical knowledge is required and it will be the perfect opportunity to meet the choir and get a taste of our repertoire!

 

Not convinced yet? 

We asked choir member, Jolene Flynn to tell us about her experience with the choir and how it positively impacted her life.   

Jolene says:

I discovered the Open Arts Community Choir while attending an event at my local library in Antrim and I know that was the right one for me.

What I enjoy the most about the choir is the company and how it gives me the opportunity to get out and meet people. I also love performing and learning all the music. 

Being part of the choir has made me more confident, helped me to believe in myself, and have the confidence to do things that I wouldn’t have done previously like doing a ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ charity event as Kate Bush or writing a poem about the choir that was published in Open Arts’ anthology, ‘Words out.’

I also loved performing as one of the princesses in ‘The Spellbound Boy’ an Open Arts adaptation of Ravel’s opera, ‘L’enfant et les sortilege.’

Performing in an opera was an absolute dream of mine! I never in a million years thought I would sing in one, wearing an amazing costume! It was a great experience, all thanks to Open Arts.

If you’re looking for a place where you can just be you, somewhere where you’re not just a mum or an employee, something just for you to enjoy and feel a sense of pride and really fulfilled, something exciting with beautiful, fun music then Open Arts Community Choir is the right place for you!

To register for one or both taster nights and for more information please contact Bev McGeown, Musical Director, bev@openartsni.org

You did it!

by Jolene Flynn 

 

A darkened room.

A blinding spotlight.

No faces, only figures.

You step out onto the stage

Taking a breath to calm your heartbeat.

Again you take another breath, this time to calm.

 

In the silence before the music begins:

You know this, you can do this, you have practised.

It’s muscle memory now.

You take another breath and begin.

In through your nose out through your mouth.

 

You feel the energy in the room.

The electric energy, the rush,

The pull that makes this moment so special.

The draw that makes you keep bringing yourself

Back to this medium.

 

You did it and you will do it again.

Chasing the buzz, the fun, the magic,

The excitement, the adrenaline, the atmosphere.

In this moment you are free.

In this moment you can shine.

You did it and it feels amazing.

 

from Words Out (2022)

An anthology of work from Open Arts’ participants, a very limited number of copies available from Crescent Arts Centre.

Picture of Open Arts community choir member Jolene Flynn. She has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing a black top and purple scarf. She has sparkly gold eyeshadow.

14th February 2023
Our new Blog is live!

A monthly space where we will showcase our participants’ work but  talk about arts and disability, disability equality,  representation, disability rights, ableism, and much more.

Check out our first post where powerchair dancer and Luminous Soul member Cinzia Savonitti shares her thoughts on the ableist backlash to the news that Strictly Come Dancing intends to cast a wheelchair user celebrity for this year’s series.

Strictly speaking, every body can dance!