We understand 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.
Below are new events that have been shared with us, but do look back over our previous lists here, here, here, here, here, here and here for lots more inspiration and things to do online. Have a listing you’d like to share with us? Email arts@ageandopportunity.ie with details.
People Making: Creativity at Home (including care homes)
Digital Photography for Beginners by artist Louise Manifold is a 10 week online evening course for adults. The course is intended to provide a general introduction to photography and is suitable for both absolute beginners and people with a little basic photographic knowledge wishing to develop their potential as photographers. More information and booking via Galway Arts Centre here.
Join the London Drawing Group for a summer-term special exploring the history of women and botany. This class will be an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the work of artists such as Maria Sybilla Merian, Marianne North, Rachel Ruysch and others. Details here.
Ricefield Arts are running a relaxed, experimental drawing workshop to create a self-portrait with your eyes closed – letting just the sense of touch lead your hands. Details here.
Attending Online Events: Listings
This year Waterford Libraries will be running a series of online talks covering topics of Local History for Heritage Week 2020. The series will include talks on a variety of subjects of local interest. More information and full schedule here.
GRRL HAUS CINEMA is an ongoing program of short films and video art made by women, as well as non-binary, genderqueer, and trans people. Check out their online screenings here and details of submissions here.
The Summer of Heritage is back and starting on August 3rd and running until September 13th 2020. Dun Laoghaire County Council have also created 3D virtual tours of four of their buildings which you can view here.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has a range of free events available to watch for free on their website, ranging from interviews, panels, and Q&A sessions featuring world renowned writers. Full schedule here.
Listen back to Poetry Ireland’s episode of the Unlaunched podcast featuring guest poet Nidhi Zak / Aria Eipe introducing listeners to poets writing from more diverse backgrounds, including Evgeny Shtorn, Supriya Kaur Dhaliwal, and Oein DeBhairduin.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature, in partnership with Tramp Press and Kenny’s Bookshop, present a special online event celebrating the launch of A Ghost in the Throat, the latest book from multi-award winning writer, Doireann Ní Ghríofa. Details here.
Tips and Tricks: Resources for artists and creativity leaders
The Art + Science Reading Group is a virtual group where researchers, artists, thinkers, and revolutionaries come to share ideas. Organised by PhD candidates Autumn Brown (Science Gallery Dublin and School of Education) and Amelia McConville (School of English and Institute of Neuroscience) and supported by Science Gallery Dublin and the Trinity Long Room Hub, the series explores the ways art and science shape one another and society. Details and registration here.
Arts Council new Professional Development Award is now open. It is to support practicing artists and arts practitioners to upskill, receive once-off training or creative development support.
Deadline 19 November. Rolling Applications. See details here.
The Create Ireland 2020 Autumn School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice will take place virtually over four days this Oct to examine the concept of ‘cultural diversity’ in everyday life and work. Apply to take part by 5pm on 31 August here.
