We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone but there are still opportunities to enjoy the arts and creativity as we social distance and isolate. We at Age & Opportunity arts have been impressed by the many organisations around Ireland who have taken their work online and made it fully accessible at this time. So, to make it easier for anyone who wants to taste all of the amazing work out there no matter what age they are, we’ve decided to gather a list of online opportunities across a range of activities – from watching opera to dance classes – which you can take part in without having to leave the house. These are categorised by theme, so we hope there’s something for everyone.
We know that a lot of focus right now is on accessing the outside world through the online world, and that this isn’t possible or easy for everyone. Many of the arts and crafts activities can be printed out so if you know someone who would appreciate it, why not print some off to leave at their door step?
Below are new events that have been shared with us, but do look back over our previous lists here, here, here, here and here for lots more inspiration and things to do online.
People Making: Creativity at Home (including care homes)
As part of Luminate@Home, Ruaridh Lever-Hogg introduces a simple art session, showing how to make a self-portrait using a mirror and playing with colours. This film is made in British Sign Language with translation into English.
Check out Donegal Reading Room where you can get free access to some of Donegal’s Historic Books, from Allingham to Maghtochair and many more
Attending Online Events: Listings
Embrace Music are a social enterprise founded by two musicians and trained Arts in Health practitioners, currently running livestream sing-alongs via their Facebook page every Friday at 11am.
Sligo Midsummer Online Festival in association with Sligo Musicians Online Festival Community is available to watch free on YouTube featuring a wide range of musical acts
Oxford Professor of Poetry Alice Oswald presents her lecture ‘Interview with Water’ on YouTube
Fiona Quilligan’s project ‘Mid-Summer Solstice COVID Dances’ are available to watch on the Solstice Arts Centre website
“Music Therapy for Everyone” with Jessica Sinclair: Jessica introduces you to music therapy, who it is for, what’s involved, its effectiveness and benefits for the individual or a family
Irish Arts Center NYC premiered dancer/choreographer Mufutau Yusuf’s ‘Observations’, a commissioned dance film in which the artist explores notions of confinement as illustrated by current world events.
Tips and Tricks: Resources for artists and creativity leaders
Design & Crafts Council Ireland present a series of online webinars for designers and makers
Arts & Disability Ireland announce Access into Action, a webinar series developed to support Irish arts and culture professionals to create accessible content and experiences for audiences with disabilities.
Heart of Glass’s With For About conference, which asked contributors to respond to the additional challenges Covid-19 creates for marginalized artists, is available to re-watch on their YouTube channel
