EXCEL 16, Mayo County Council’s annual exuberant celebration of young people’s creativity takes place this month. A feast of events, workshops, exhibitions and showcases await this year’s young audiences, and events are happening right across the county. The programme is designed for teenagers and young adults (13 – 21 ) to get involved in and enjoy! Full details of the programme and brochure are available from Mayo Arts Office by calling (094 ) 9024444 ext 7471 or 7558 or by email on [email protected]
Portfolio one-to-one information clinics
If you are planning on applying to art college next year, now is the time to start thinking about your portfolio! And to help you get started, visual artist Joanna Hopkins will facilitate a limited number of one-to-one portfolio clinics (40 minute sessions ) where she will offer advice and guidance on what to consider when you’re thinking about your portfolio. These sessions will take place at Charlestown Arts Centre on April 13 from 2pm to 6pm. Booking is essential and can be done by contacting Mayo Arts Office (094 ) 9047471 or (094 ) 9047558 or by emailing [email protected]
Art ‘snack’ series
Mayo County Council will this year work in partnership with Mayo Arts venues to provide an all-embracing menu of taster arts events for secondary school students to enjoy. The ‘snack’ events will include talks, tours, workshops and demos from artists and arts professionals living and working in Mayo and behind-the-scene glimpses at the workings of an arts venue. Participating venues include Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle, Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar, Custom House Studios in Westport, Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet and Ballina Arts Centre. These workshops are almost fully booked, please get in contact with Mayo Arts Office if you would like more information (094 ) 9047558 or email [email protected]
Artist talks
As part of this year’s programme two groups in Mayo will have talks by visiting artists. Westport College of Further Education Art students will host John Mayock, who will talk to them about portfolio preparation. Katie Moore will visit St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross to talk to students there about her Residency at the Jackie Clarke Collection .
Masterclasses
The Masterclass programme provides youth arts groups with the opportunity to engage and work with exceptional artists. This year the programme includes three masterclass sessions. Mayo Youth Theatre will be involved in a Stage Combat Workshop. Lorna Dooley will deliver a vocal masterclass to teenagers in Crimlin Community Arts Collective. Finally, Mayo Youth Orchestra will have a masterclass with renowned conductor James Cavanagh. As part of Mayo County Council’s 1916 Commemoration Programme, the Arts Office will be working with a variety of young people to prepare for events on May 1 in Castlebar.
For further information contact the Arts office on (094 ) 9024444 ext 7558/747, email [email protected] or find them on Twitter and Facebook.
