Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are delighted to bring you what is now the 11th edition of our Newsletter. However, do not worry if you have missed any of our previous publications as they are all available on our website.

This week you have the opportunity to celebrate with the class of 2020 from Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art, by watching the graduates’ digital showcase. In addition, why not explore some of the treasures Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon have to offer, as well as a video series presented by The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Castle Espie Wetlands Centre, which helps support and nourish nature at home. Finally, a group of renowned Northern Ireland writers and actors have created a six part series entitled ‘Splendid Isolation - Lockdown Drama’. Find out more below.

We hope you enjoy this week’s selection from Northern Ireland. Stay safe, keep well and please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,
Lynsey Moore, Director.

Embracing Human Rights: Conflict Textiles Journey

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme, in collaboration with Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre and Conflict Textiles Curator Roberta Bacic, will host a virtual tour of the "Embracing Human Rights: Conflict Textiles Journey”. The tour will take place on Tuesday 30th June 2020 at 11am via Zoom and is open to all. To register please email by 4pm on Monday 29th June and you will be sent the link.

Visit Armagh & Down

Visit Armagh has brought together some of the visitor attraction highlights and known treasures in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Area. Videos include a tour of the gardens of Crannagael House, an opportunity to learn about Long Meadow Cider and a pottery class with Mount Ida Pottery. See what this gorgeous area has to offer and get ready to plan your trip for when we can travel freely once again.

Belfast School of Art Class of 2020

Join Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art as they celebrate the Class of 2020! The school will host a series of digital showcases with the work of this year’s graduating class. This Friday 26th June at 7pm, the school presents a live screening of all student animation work from the BDES class, live on YouTube. The BSOA’s website gives you the opportunity to meet this year’s graduates from across the school’s programmes and to view a sample of their fantastic work.

Splendid Isolation - Lockdown Drama

Some of Northern Ireland’s biggest names in writing and acting are coming together in a six-part series on BBC Two Northern Ireland. ‘Splendid Isolation - Lockdown Drama’ has been made possible by a collaboration of BBC Arts NI, the Lyric Theatre and is supported by the ACNI. These are high-quality pieces brought to you by the writers of famous local shows such as Derry Girls, Game of Thrones and more. The first episode aired on BBC2 last night, 25 June, which you can also catch on BBC iPlayer.

Start your Nature Project

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Castle Espie Wetlands Centre has created a video series to support and nourish nature at home. As experts on exotic and water birds, and being committed to preserving nature, the centre has produced engaging DIY videos for you to make your garden bird-friendly. Find tutorials on how to build and preserve a pond and more inspiration to get closer to nature.

Visit brusselsni.com