Great choice of events for Bealtaine 2024
Ireland's First Lady and Mayo native Sabina Higgins recently launched the Bealtaine Festival 2024. Pictured are Rose Henderson, actress; Karen Horgan, CEO, Age and Opportunity; Dr Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager and Bealtaine Festival Artistic; Liz McManus, Bealtaine Festival Ambassador; Alan Amsby, Drag Artist; Sabina Higgins; Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council and Mike Hanrahan, Bealtaine Festival Ambassador.
Bealtaine celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. Mayo County Council's Arts Service has a Bealtaine programme this year that includes performances, workshops and tours - and all events are free of charge. Here are some of this year’s highlights.
Learn the skill of papermaking and book-binding and make your very own book from scratch. Guided by artist Susie, you will learn the craft of transforming pulp into paper and binding it into your own book.
This workshop will take place over three consecutive Wednesdays in Custom House Studio and Gallery, Westport on May 8th, 15th and 22nd from 10am to 12pm.
Learn willow weaving techniques with Derek McLoughlin. Participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at weaving their own willow swallow.
Derek will provide guidance and support as participants select their materials and begin crafting their own creations. This workshop takes place in Mayo Artsquad Workshop, Golden Mile Industrial Estate in Castlebar on May 13th from 10am to 1pm.
The IMMA Talking Art series explores a range of 10 artworks from the gallery collection. Guided by visual artist Norah Brennan, you will learn how to ‘read’ art. Norah will provide prompts on colour, themes and structure and will help you to describe the work.
Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or an eager novice, this talk series caters to all. Join Norah for this journey into the world of art interpretation. No ‘art talk’ experience necessary!
Join visual artist Nuala Clarke for a slow-looking tour of selected works of the Ballinglen Arts Foundation collection on Thursday, May 16th, from 1 to 2pm. You will then visit the archive room to view a selection of works and learn about the process of receiving and logging the artwork.
Join in engaging discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives with fellow participants. This is an informal tour and is designed to be interactive, encouraging dialogue and fostering a deeper connection with the artworks.
Hardeep Singh Sahota and Tim Smith have been working on an art commission in Lough Boora Sculpture Park in Offaly and Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail in North Mayo since September 2023.
As part of the commission, Tim produced a film that explores people’s working lives and discusses how the film has adapted and evolved through collaborating with different people and in different places. The film will be screened in the Oweninny Visitor Centre, Bellacorick on May 30th at 6pm.
There’s a thriving social and arts scene in Mayo to be enjoyed. Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions, or other events if we had a companion to go with. That’s where Cultural Companions comes in. Contact Mayo Arts Service to find out more and sign up to the network.
Songlines engages those living with dementia and cognitive impairment through poetry and song. Participants discuss, read, and sing together favourite poems and songs from childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Songlines culminates in a special event performed in front of the facilitators, clients, and staff, drawing in the audience through active participation via songs and poems discussed in the workshops and some requests along the way too.
Isabela Basombrío Hoban and John Hoban are generously facilitating the workshops at Áras Deirbhle, Belmullet Community Hospital and the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar. Performances take place on May 19th in both venues. Please contact the venues directly for further details.
Join Mayo County Council Arts Service in celebrating arts and creativity as we age throughout the month of May. If you would like further information, to book for an event or to receive a hard copy or a link to Mayo County Council's Arts Service Bealtaine brochure, please get in touch on mayoarts@mayococo.ie or 094-9064666.
Bealtaine is an initiative of Age and Opportunity and in Mayo and the event is strategically funded by Mayo County Council and the Arts Council.
