Latest news with #communityarts
BBC News
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Féile an Phobail: Carnival celebrates global culture
This year's Féile carnival parade saw the biggest ever "influx of groups", according to organisers. Hundreds of people took part on Saturday in one of the largest events in the Féile theme of this year's event was 'Our Children, Their Rights.' Féile an Phobail is billed as Ireland's biggest community arts festival and is in its 37th year. The festival pitches itself as a celebration of Irish culture, with a spectacle of music, art, and comedy events as well as political discussions. Biggest influx of groups taking part Joe Herald, a community engagement officer withFéile, said the carnival is the "highlight" of the annual event."The planning has been going on from last year. The theme this year is a community celebration of global culture. "One of the things Féile prides itself on is opening up west Belfast to the rest of the world."We've probably had out biggest influx of groups wanting to take part in the parade this year – over 100 – and that ranges from community, youth, sport and cultural groups." Rachel Davey is a ceramics artist and was working with groups from Lagmore and Springvale in the parade."Today we are following through with the theme environment and pollution. "The girls' costumes are representing Belfast Lough. "They are dressed in mussels, which is our last form of defence to protect against the pollution, as they are filter feeders. We wanted to show the issue that's at hand." 'Important for all cultures to be seen' Lauren Martin is a lead dancer and choreographer for South Asian Dance Academy and was one of the dancers in the carnival."Every year we come back to the Féile to celebrate all the cultures that are being represented. "It's very important that we get to express so many different cultures, for all cultures to be seen and be recognised and celebrated." Ice Ng also took part in the parade. "I'm originally from Malaysia and have lived here a long time - over 20 years. "We are taking part in the parade today to tell people to join together and have fun." 'It's all about coming together' Kevin Donnelly and his son Logan turned up to watch the carnival."I think it's great family day out - to see all the different cultures and watch the floats. "It's great for young people to see the different cultures." Marrisa McGuinness also attended with her family"We come every year, it gets bigger and better. "It's brilliant for the kids especially at this time of the year the weather is lovely. "It's brilliant to see the different cultures. That's what it's all about coming together."
CBS News
27-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Maryland Institute College of Art teams up with senior living center for art display
A unique partnership between the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and a senior living center is on display in Baltimore. MICA's community arts program agreed to lead art classes for the residents of the North Oaks Senior Living Community, with their artwork out for all visitors to admire at its Fred Lazarus Center. North Oaks is a multi-level retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. "When you have an opportunity to express yourself, you never know what's going to come out," said Susan Sidle, a North Oaks Senior Living Community resident. The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, August 3. Lorena Garcia, a MICA graduate student, taught the classes during her 2025 spring semester to more than 30 residents at North Oak. "Our goal was really not to just work one specific medium, such as just painting, but to explore collages, to explore clay, to explore jewelry making," Garcia said. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, creative activities like arts and crafts can promote healthy aging, even prolong someone's life. Research also shows that creating art can help improve small motor skills and boost self-confidence. "In the community arts program, we work with a variety of intergenerational populations throughout Baltimore city, providing art space and educational workshops for them and with them as well," said Unique Robinson, the director of community arts at MICA. "To make something that you're proud of, to discover a different aspect of yourself, I think is something is something at any age you can do," Garcia added. North Oaks Senior Living Community residents Jules and Susan Sidle aren't your typical artists or couple. For the Sidles and their friends, Gloria Greenspun and Nadine Goldman, art is timeless. As a matter of fact, they told WJZ most of them have never painted or had their work on display in an art exhibit before. "I had the best time and smiled and laughed and had a great time and learned something as well," Greenspun said. "I felt better about myself." The four residents who have known each other for decades decided the art class would be an enjoyable activity they could do together. "Everybody has a skill, you just have to use it," said Jules Sidle.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Historic Lennoxtown church building set to become community arts centre
A historic church building is set to begin a new chapter as a community arts centre. Campsie High Kirk, a 200-year-old building in Lennoxtown, will be formally handed over to the community in a ceremony on Wednesday, July 9, as part of a major restoration project. The church will be transformed into an arts hub under the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), launched last year by the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KLTR). (Image: James Fallan) The building will be formally handed over to East Dunbartonshire Provost Gillian Renwick during the ceremony. John Logue, the KLTR, said: "The Friends of Campsie High Kirk presented a really compelling case for not only rescuing this magnificent building from further decline but also providing a community arts hub with the potential to give a huge economic and cultural boost to the Lennoxtown area. Read more: Retired firefighter from Glasgow awarded British Empire Medal for 60 years of service "We are delighted to see the opportunities provided by the OPTS used in this way and look forward to watching the transformation." The Friends of Campsie High Kirk secured ownership for £1 plus transfer costs. (Image: James Fallan) Craig Brooks, chair of the group, said: "It's not just about saving a building. "It's about something much bigger. "It's about communities being empowered by those in a position to give them the tools to make it happen. "That applies from government right down to communities like ours." The OPTS allows community groups and local authorities to apply for ownerless properties if they can show public benefit and community support. Since its launch, the scheme has helped deliver green spaces, affordable housing, and a community hub. Campsie High Kirk was designed in the early 19th century by Glaswegian architect David Hamilton.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Brasstactics among performers to play Green Shack Shows this summer
The Brasstactics are seen performing in downtown Edmonton in this handout photo. (Supplied) This summer there will be a little extra noise buzzing from community Green Shacks. Performers will be singing, dancing and more five days a week at Green Shacks across the city. There will be family-friendly arts programming from a variety of artists including the Brasstactics, Theatre Prospero, Fairy Finding and Dr. Auntie Dote. Métis jigging and Caribbean dancing and games will also be featured at Green Shack Shows. Performances will run twice a day, the first at 11 a.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. An interactive tent by local artist Nancy Nickolson will also be available to explore during the shows. The Edmonton Arts Council and the city partnered for the initiative to support community-based artistic programming that engages youth through local arts and activities. You can find out when performances will be in your area at your local Green Shack or here. Green Shacks open city-wide on July 2.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Warwick arts and crafts day for residents and refugees
A community arts day is being held to bring residents and refugees together in programme of workshops, performances, storytelling, poetry, art and food is being held on Friday to mark World Refugee Day. Warwickshire County Council said the event, part of International Refugee Week, would shine "a spotlight on the powerful role of community in creating a welcoming and inclusive place for all".As part of the event, a "unity quilt" stitched by people who have recently arrived in the UK will be on display. People can also try out Brazilian and Ukrainian crafts. "Refugee dream boards", showcasing the hopes and aspirations of displaced people, will also be included in the exhibition and activities will include a language laboratory where visitors can try out greetings in multiple living in Warwickshire will lead crafts include Fuxico flower-making, which involves sewing fabric circles into puffs and making flower-like can also try Ukrainian Vinok wreath-making and workshops will look at the meaning behind the floral get under way at 10:00 BST at the Old Shire Hall and continue until 16:00 BST. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
