Local Creativity on Display at Moneydarragh Makers Showcase Event

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Peace IV Animation Fund is supporting a cross-community project allowing local people the opportunity to develop their creative skills in a series of art and craft workshops linked to our rural heritage and the landscape of the Mournes.  

The Moneydarragh Makers Project was hosted in Moneydarragh Hub during August Craft Month. A showcase of the finished work will now take place on 25 September at the Moneydarragh Hub before touring the district. This project has been supported by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and will continue into Autumn.

Claire Mooney, local artist, and lead facilitator of Moneydarragh Makers, along with Ceramicist Ciara Campbell and Kasia of Kasia’s Sewing Room, delivered a range of sessions to both adults and children, providing the unique opportunity to learn the art of printmaking, ceramics, sewing and metal working. The Moneydarragh Makers Showcase Event on Saturday 25 September, running from 1pm to 5pm, will display the finished pieces of metal, ceramic and textile artworks produced by those who took part in the project. There will also be the opportunity to hear from more local creatives, and explore dance, music and poetry while at the event.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, said, “Celebrating creativity and sharing new skills to build relationships, while promoting diversity and inclusion within the Mourne area is important as we reflect and build upon the richness of our culture. I am delighted to see the results of the Moneydarragh Makers PEACE IV project. It is important for us to share traditional and innovative skills within our community and to celebrate the richness of our cultural tapestry in Mourne.”

Claire Mooney was thrilled to encourage people to be creative again in a supportive environment which was once her primary school. Claire said, “Growing up in Mourne, I always loved being artistic and now I am delighted to be back delivering creative sessions while meeting likeminded people who may not otherwise have learned these crafts. People who have come to the Moneydarragh Makers sessions have created pieces which celebrate our landscape and culture. These will be included in our Showcase Event which will then be followed by a touring exhibition in the local area that I am excited to facilitate.”

To attend the Showcase at the Moneydarragh hub on the 25 September, register via Eventbrite by searching Moneydarragh Makers, or email Claire at MoneydarraghMakers@gmail.com for more information. (COVID-19 guidelines will be in place at the event).