UNIVERSITY IS not solely about academic work, it is also about opening the mind to new possibilities and experiences, and with Arts In Action, NUI, Galway wants students to engage with the arts and explore their own creativity.
NUI Galway recently launched its new and extended Arts In Action Programme, which is directed by the acclaimed Irish folk-singer and producer Mary McPartlan.
“The programme provides the best possible opportunity for students to experience the creative arts in an academic setting,” she tells me. “The programme is part of NUI, Galway’s commitment to providing its students with access to new opportunities and positive life-enhancing experiences beyond the classroom.”
Arts In Action will feature Lane Production’s staging of Marie Jones’ much loved comedy Stones In His Pockets in the Town Hall Theatre on September 24; a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Goldrush in the Huston School of Film on October 8; and a classical music concert by Norway’s Mari and Hakon Samuelson in the Aula Maxima on November 12.
The highlight of the programme may well be the Tower Of Song project with singer-songwriter David Kitt. In Tower Block One of the main concourse, Kittser (as he is affectionately known by friends and fans ) will give three short solo performances and performance and songwriter workshops on Thursday November 26.
“I want Tower Block One to be transformed into a place for lyrics and music,” says Ms McPartlan. “I want students to have the chance to learn from a young, successful singer-songwriter like David Kitt and to encourage the possibility of songwriting among students.
“There will also be a Tower Of Song lyrics board in Tower Block One where students can post their own song lyrics and we will present bursaries to a couple of students for the best lyrics at the end of the programme.”
Other events which take place in the New Year include an information seminar on the creative industries, a science lecture, an exhibition by Benjamin De Burca; jazz from Portico; and trad from Frankie Gavin and Mairtín O’Connor.
Students must register for the program. It is €10 per event or €40 for the full program.
