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Welcome to the BuyArtNI Christmas Gift Guide!
We are delighted to bring you a diverse range of gift ideas this Christmas, direct from Northern Ireland's talented artists and creators.
You are invited to browse their products below, and be proud in the knowledge that when you buy from a local artist you are helping support Northern Ireland's economy and art sector! #buylocal #buyartni
Select the gift category you'd like to explore from the options below...
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Give An Unforgettable Experience...
Events at The Black Box
The Black Box is a home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual art, science, circus, cabaret and all points in between. They have a wide range of events to gift tickets for this Christmas, including comedy, music, theatre and walking tours.
15th Annual Out to Lunch Festival
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival are running a wide range of online and in-person music and comedy shows throughout 2021 that you can buy tickets for now, including their Out To Lunch festival from 8th–30th January 2021.
Colin Murphy - Colinization
Alley Theatre
The star of the award winning BBC series The Blame Game is back on tour with a new stand-up show for 2020, Colinization. Since his last tour he has had a DNA test, become an artist, been to a funeral and built a shed, so the question is; who the hell do you think you are? Date:15 October 2021 Tickets: £20
Events at The Portico of Ards
Portico hosts cultural, educational and heritage events and activities including film shows, concerts, exhibitions, literary events, talks and much more. They have a wide range of music, comedy and theatre events for 2021 available to book now. Portico also offers the opportunity to buy gift cards.
Psychic Sally – 10 Years and Counting
Alley Theatre
Following her gripping appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, the nation’s favourite Psychic back on tour with her all new show “10 Years and Counting”. Wowing audiences young and old across the country for over 10 years, Sally’s show will have you on the edge of your seat, as she brings mediumship into the 21st century. Date: 29th January 2021 Tickets: £22.50
Mrs Jones’s Diary
Bardic Theatre
Join the marvellous Mrs Jones in this uninhibited, unruly and outrageous story of her colourful life! Recently widowed, Mrs Jones is a woman who smokes too much, drinks too much and has a tendency to say whatever comes into her mind. Hash tag no filter! Starring Rozlyn Sheridan . Directed by Dan Gordon. Date: 15th May 2021 Tickets: £16
Experience Gift Vouchers
We know a lot of venues have paused their programming, so why not support them by purchasing a gift card to enjoy experiences with them in 2021 and beyond?
The MAC
Can't decide what show your friend or family would like best? The MAC gift voucher is the perfect present. Vouchers can be redeemed against MAC shows and events. You can use your gift voucher code online, in person or via the phone. You can choose the day when you want the gift voucher to arrive (e.g. as a Birthday treat.) Or you can just select today's date to have it sent out straight away.
Waterfront Hall
Let that special someone know you are thinking about them in these times by giving the gift of entertainment. A gig is the closest they will ever be to their favourite artist as they perform in an intimate setting. That spine-tingling feeling that live entertainment creates. Their very own #IWasThereWhen moment is just a few clicks away.
Queen's Film Theatre (QFT)
Give the gift of cinema with a QFT e-Gift Card. E-Gift cards can be used online or in the venue and expire 12 months after the date of issue. If you're looking for a physical gift card, please come into QFT to purchase one from the Box Office.
The Lyric Theatre
The perfect gift for Theatre lovers, Lyric Gift Vouchers are available to buy from their Box Office and can be exchanged for tickets & workshops from their Creative Learning department.
Millennium Forum Theatre & Conference Centre
Give the gift of the theatre this Christmas with a Millennium Forum gift voucher which can be used to purchase tickets for all major shows coming to the North West’s premier theatre in 2021 and beyond. The perfect gift for your nearest and dearest this festive season. From £20
The Duncairn
The Duncairn have gift vouchers available for their events, workshops, and local artist shop. Get in touch with them on their website to buy a gift voucher.
The Alley Theatre
Treat your loved one with an Alley Theatre Gift Voucher redeemable for any show this Christmas, presented in a gift wallet and available from £10 upwards.
Belvoir Player Amateur Dramatic Society
Do you know someone who loves the theatre? Why not buy them a gift voucher and let them enjoy some of the fabulous shows performed at Belvoir Players Studio Theatre?
Strand Arts Centre
The Strand presents a diverse mix of new release and classic screenings, comedy, theatre, music and other live events that would not otherwise be staged in East Belfast. Purchase a gift card this Christmas.
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Learn Something New...
Circus Classes, Workshops, Performances & Merchandise
Belfast Community Circus School
Bring The Greatest Showman to your door! Why not invite a professional performer to your front door or buy an introduction to circus workshop for your whole family? Or maybe you're looking for something smaller? Then you're bound to love their brightly coloured hoodies, t-shirts and facemasks, available on their online shop.
Music Lessons
Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School
Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School offer a wide range of instrument classes, from the bango to the fiddle. All their classes are running online at the moment, and would make a wonderful gift for a budding musician. You could even sign up yourself as a New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill!
Printmaking Workshops
Belfast Print Workshop
Belfast Print Workshop run a fantastic year-round programme of technical print courses and workshops, for all experience levels, resulting in beautiful original artwork for your wall. They also offer bespoke classes for groups and 1-to-1 tuition.
Children's Dance Classes
DU Dance NI
DU Dance (NI)’s artistic and management team has over thirty years' experience of working within communities all over the world - they are now offering a range of classes on Zoom for children and young people, usually based in Ballymoney, Belfast and Dungannon..
Introduction to Your Digital Camera Course
Belfast Exposed
This practical, hands-on introductory course takes place on 23rd and 30th January 2021, and is designed for beginners and those wishing to refresh previous knowledge.
You will get an introduction to your camera’s manual controls, and will also be taught how to apply a practical and theoretical knowledge to help you use a digital camera effectively and creatively.
Belfast Exposed have a regular line-up of courses throughout the year, so be sure to take a look at the full schedule on their website.
Instrument, Singing & Dance Lessons
Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School
NIPDS offer a range of piping, drumming, singing, dancing and theory lessons for all ages. A totally original gift, connecting players with a rich cultural history of piping and drumming.
Printmaking Lessons
Seacourt Print Workshop
Seacourt Print Workshop offers a range of printmaking courses to everyone from beginners, intermediate and professional artists. They can also design a workshop to suit your needs, so whatever your celebration or project, they can build a creative session that you can enjoy together!
Pottery Making
Loaf
Loaf is a social enterprise supporting people with learning disabilities and autism get training and jobs in the catering industry. The Pottery is located on Main Street in Crawfordsburn on the site of the former Pinewood Pottery and is open seven days a week offering a variety of activities including arts classes and drop in Paint Me, Glaze Me workshops. They run an exciting programme of events throughout the year and the Pottery is available for private hire for meetings, parties and other events.
Belfast Street Art Walking Tour
Seedhead Arts
If you spend any time in Belfast you’ll know that it’s walls are covered in art. Often this art has been used to mark territory for one side or the other but recently, alongside this, something transformative has been bubbling. Street artists from across the globe have joined a new breed of Belfast based street artists to leave their mark on the city, and in particular in the Cathedral Quarter where the annual festival Hit the North takes place.
As curators of this festival Seedhead Arts know the artists, the stories, and perhaps most importantly the need to forge a new narrative for Belfast. Our Street Art Walking Tour forms part of that narrative. This art speaks of love, of laughter, of anger, of beauty and of defiance but most of all it speaks of Belfast and the place that it’s becoming.
Although many courses are currently unavailable because of Covid-19 restrictions, keep an eye on the below sites which offer a fabulous range of activities covering painting, print making, silversmithing, wicker working, life drawing, photography, guitar lessons, creative writing, sculpture, dancing, song-writing and more. Give an IOU now and book a class when restrictions are lifted.
The Crescent: crescentarts.org/courses
Ards Arts Centre: andculture.org.uk/classes
Flowerfield Arts Centre: flowerfield.org/our-workshops
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Give Something Totally Unique...
The Duncairn Shop
The Duncairn shop have a range of textiles, fashion, ceramics, woods and jewellery, all made by local artists available in their shop. Purchases made don’t just benefit these NI artists, as 30% of all proceeds go directly to supporting the Duncairn’s arts programme. Get in touch with them on their website to buy a gift.
Arcadia Art Design
Based in Greenisland, Gemma produces beautiful wood burn etchings and resin serving boards. Have a look at her online shop below.
Boom Studios Shop
Support Bangor’s creative hub by purchasing one of their special t-shirts or mugs this Christmas as a gift.
Vault Artist Studios Shop
Vault Artist Studios is a group of artists working across many disciplines including visual artists, musicians, puppeteers, photographers, film-makers, bee-keepers and writers. Buy local apparel from them this Christmas.
Sarah Elizabeth Jewellery
This talented local designer uses gemstones to make contemporary luxury jewellery from her studio.
Penman's Lens Photography
Lauren is a Belfast based freelance photographer who loves to shoot landscapes, sunsets and dogs; her shots are far from typical, as she creatively seeks unexplored angles and reflections. The result? Vivid, compelling work you'll want to hang on your wall.
Bespoke Jewellery
Thomas Goldsmiths
Have you ever wanted a bespoke piece made just for you? Call into Thomas Goldsmith's store in Derry/Londonderry and have them design you something truly special! They are happy to work within a set budget of any size, so you can keep control of every aspect of the commission. Ask to see the New Grange-style ring created with recycled gold and diamonds supplied by the client. You can also shop unusual pieces by Irish designers in store or online.
Needlework Kits & Creativity Packs
Emma Whitehead Art
Discover vintage and new haberdashery to use and love, transformed into gorgeous needlework kits to inspire your creative journey. Kits and creativity packs are suitable for both complete beginners and experienced stitchers, priced between £12 - £35.
Where to Buy Guide
Craft NI
Craft NI have curated a comprehensive list of Northern Ireland craft retailers by county, as well as links to local craft makers who are selling online. Many craft retailers have invested in online shops too so you can still do your Christmas shopping there while shops are closed. If you are buying online direct from a local craftsperson, make sure you check delivery deadlines too!
Copper Wire Trees
The Stone Art Gallery
This gallery produces copper wire trees which are completely handmade by twisting single strands of antiqued coloured copper wire to create the roots, trunk and branches. All pieces are unique and individual and priced from £115.
Fused Glass Snowflakes
Alice Burns
These beautiful pieces are the ideal festive gift for yourself or another this Christmas. Perfect for hanging on the tree, to treasure through the years, the snowflakes come in two styles: icy and frosty. There are many colours to choose from including blues, greens, red, white, clear all priced at just £15 each.
Hand-turned Wooden Nativity
Ballynagran Crafts
Each of Ballynagran Craft's nativity scenes have been hand-turned from locally sourced wood, ensuring a totally unique piece, as no two pieces of wood are identical. These are pieces to be handed down through the family for years to come, and are priced at £75.
Naturally North Coast and Glens Market
Naturally North Coast and Glens Market is an award-winning roaming market that provides you with the opportunity to experience a unique artisan market in and around the North Coast and Glens region. You can also buy locally made art and crafts through their online shop, ranging from handmade soaps to jewellery and glassware, turned wood, candles, prints and a wide range of artisan food and drinks are all available now.
2021 Scene of Derry Calendar
Martina McLaughlin Photography
Prepare for next year with this 2021 calendar from Martina McLaughlin, featuring 12 stunning full colour photos capturing Derry in all its glory. This is a great gift for friends and family living away from home.
Decorative Gifts
HandmadeGifts4U
Choose from a range of handmade gifts including: Russian dolls hand painted with Russian classic design; carved candles handmade from high quality cosmetic paraffin, environmental friendly colourants and harmless water-based varnish; decorative fans made from plastic forks; decorative satin ribbon ball Christmas tree decorations; jewellery handmade using high quality beads; souvenir soaps; fairy in a jar glow night light. All gifts are reasonably priced between £5-£30
Bob Johnston Baskets
Bob Johnston creates traditional and contemporary willow baskets and sculptures at his workshop in Bangor, Co Down. His willow sculptures, made to order, include a wide range of animals, including incredibly lifelike stag, moose and highland cattle trophy heads. You will instantly recognise his willow dragons which hang in the atrium at Ulster Museum. Prices on request.
Local Artists Hub
Golden Thread Gallery
The Golden Thread Gallery is championing local artists, and have created a hub on their website to showcase the creators, allowing the public to easily access and purchase their work.
Craft NI Online Shop
Craft NI has recently launched its own online shop, which they are adding new work to every day. Produced by talented local craftmakers, their offering includes cards, textiles, ceramics and more.
The Designerie at Bushmills
The Designerie at Bushmills is a delight, with its beautiful displays of high quality handmade crafts and a range of artists’ workshops where you can meet the makers themselves. From Christmas decorations to ceramics, leather, textiles, candles, jewellery and paintings, there is something for every taste and budget.
Golden Thread Gallery Online Shop
Golden Thread Gallery is a medium-scale, publicly funded, contemporary art gallery based in Belfast; the gallery's online shop stocks a large range of artbooks, original artworks, limited editions and gifts. All profits support their gallery and outreach programmes.
Vault is a collective of individual artists. The Vault Christmas Market 2020 edition will be taking place on the 12th & 13th of December at the wonderful Vault Artist Studios, Tower Street. Get ready to peruse their brilliant stalls, including food, drinks, and wonderful wares for sale! Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, the safety of patrons and stallholders alike is of utmost importance. They will be implementing one way systems and 2 metre social distancing, and will be closing between 2pm and 2:30 pm each day to clean. In line with the current regulations, the market will have a limited capacity, book your ticket now to avoid disappointment (kids under 12 go for free).
Pinned at Craft NI
Craft NI is delighted to host the first group exhibition from the Association for Contemporary Jewellers and Silversmiths NI (ACJNI). Pinned presents the work of 23 local jewellers and silversmiths who have each responded to the exhibition’s theme to produce one-of-a-kind pieces beyond the scope of their usual commission or production work. The exhibition features over 50 variations on the idea of a brooch, with versions in both precious and non-precious materials. Perfectly timed ahead of an extraordinary Christmas season, all the works are for sale. With prices starting under £70, the show offers a wonderful opportunity to select a unique piece and support a local business.
Elfagram
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."
Who better to deliver this than one of our elves? Book a singing Elfagram as a unique gift to show someone you are thinking of them over this festive period, priced at £50.
Browse, Bid, Buy
Right to Work:Right to Welfare (R2W), PPR and The MAC Belfast have teamed up with artists for a Christmas campaign with a difference: to highlight poverty and distribute money, food and heat directly to people who need it by fundraising for Whiterock Children’s Centre (west Belfast), The Larder (east Belfast) and the Marrowbone Community Hub (north Belfast).
Please donate what you can, buy a piece of artwork or share online using #HEART
Lyric Theatre Merch
Treat yourself or a loved one to theatre inspired gifts at the Lyric’s brand new merchandise online shop. From elegant Christmas cards designed by Lyric Theatre Costume Supervisor, Gillian Lennox, to kids t-shirts and tote bags, CDs featuring the music from their magical Christmas shows and books, there’s something to suit all.
The Creatives Market
Be inspired with amazing products from a range of talented NI creators, makers and soul shakers! From ceramics to textile art, jewellers to illustrations, you can choose work from the best and brightest working locally.
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For the Music Fans...
Ulster Orchestra 2021 Performances
Ulster Orchestra
Ulster Orchestra is at the forefront of musical life in Northern Ireland and the Orchestra’s full-time musicians form the region’s only professional symphony orchestra. Book now for the orchestra’s 2021 shows.
Chamber Babies
Belfast Music Society
Chamber Babies features a range of different instrumental combinations, duos and solos with a variety of styles and moods, designed to be enjoyed by the very youngest of audiences (and their mums and dads!). Some tracks are lively and some more gentle and soothing featuring household names including: Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Dvóřak, as well as less familiar composers such as Chaminade, Boccherini and Tárrega.
Tales From Home Album (CD & Digital)
Brian Hassan Music
Enjoy Brian's first album of original music, with an easy listening folk orientated vibe. This album received great reviews in The Sunday Times culture section and in Folkword, and is available for purchase via the link below.
Music Direct From The Studio
Vault Artist Studios
Vault Artist Studios is a group of artists working across many disciplines. They comprise of visual artists, musicians, puppeteers, photographers, film-makers, bee-keepers and writers- you can buy local music from them this Christmas via the link below.
Buy a new musical instrument
Own that musical instrument of your dreams with Take It Away. Similar to Own Art, the Take It Away scheme, supported by the Arts Council, offers the opportunity to purchase a musical instrument, equipment or software, with an interest free loan repaid over 10 months.
Chrysalism
Ryan Vail & Ruth McGinley
Electronic musician, Ryan Vail and classical contemporary pianist, Ruth McGinley have released a new track, Chrysalism. The track was written and recorded remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown in their homes and is supported by Moving on Music and National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Through this one-off collaboration, Vail and McGinley offer a blend of contemporary and classical composition with the track moving smoothly between minimalist expression and Ryan Vail's trademark sweeping, vibrant electronica.
Available to buy now on Spotify and iTunes.
NI Music Prize Contenders
The NI Music Prize, organised by the Oh Yeah Centre, was held in November and was a chance to celebrate and highlight the huge amount of musical talent that released new music in 2020. The overall winner of Best Album of 2020 went to artist, Kitt Philippa, for the album, ‘Human’. Other contenders for this prestigious prize included Malojian, Ciaran Lavery, The Darklin Air, Arvo Party, Arborist, Careerist, Junk Drawer, Joel Harkin, Our Krypton Son, Phil Kieran and The Lost Brothers. To find out more and purchase albums visit the link below.
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For Visual Art Aficionados...
James Ashe
Enjoy Jame's handdrawn illustrations of some of Northern Ireland's best loved architecture and iconography. One notable work is 'Hello & Welcome From Belfast', which depicts the Harland & Wolff cranes; these 1 ink colour screenprints are A3 in size, and are signed and numbered edition of 30. Priced at only £30.
Limited Edition Prints
Belfast Print Workshop
Belfast Print Workshop has a huge range of works for sale, spanning the entire spectrum of printmaking. As well as work from current studio members they have an extensive archive and legacy from former members, residents and guest artists.
Laura Callaghan Illustration
Laura is an Irish illustrator based in Belfast and is best known for her colourful images, packed with detail and characters. Her work celebrates body positivity, and bursts with quiet humour.
Centre for Contemporary Art Derry/Londonderry
CCA Derry/Londonderry creates opportunities for audiences to experience ambitious, experimental and engaging art, and for emerging artists to develop successful careers. CCA also has a range of prints and art publications by local artists for sale on their online shop.
Nathalie Caleyron
Nathalie is a Belfast based artist, with a specialism in hand pulled prints. Expect Picasso-esque treatments of modern life!
Stephen Maurice Graham
Stephen Maurice Graham is an illustrator living just outside of Belfast. He has worked with prestigious local and international businesses and agencies. His work is known for it's bold linework, attention grabbing colours and humorist slant.
Artworks and Art Books
Golden Thread Gallery
Golden Thread Gallery’s shop stocks a large range of artbooks, original artworks, limited editions and gifts. All profits support their gallery and outreach programmes.
R-Space
R Space is a visual arts and crafts space, presenting and commissioning a programme of exhibitions and arts activity based in The Linen Rooms in the heart of the City of Lisburn. Buy local art from their online shop this Christmas.
Thomas Bannon
Belfast artist Thomas captures local landmarks in a dreamy, atmospheric style with his signature pastel colourways. Browse his online works for sale below.
Paddy Conn
This Bangor born artists captures Northern Ireland nostalgia in his unique illustrative style. The perfect gift for those who are proud to be NI born and bred!
Limited Edition Prints
Seacourt Print Workshop
Seacourt is a print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor. You can purchase a diverse range of local prints at a variety of price points, created using a variety of mediums through their online shop.
Kerrie Hanna
Kerrie is an illustrator based in Belfast - her original artworks use strong colours and bold linework. She is also available for bespoke commission pieces.
NineGlens
Check out the beautiful work from this local watercolour artists and printmaker. Expect to see some of our most notable landmarks rendered with striking detail.
139th Annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition
Royal Ulster Academy
A wide range of artworks are available to purchase at the 139th annual Royal Ulster Academy exhibition. RUA are part of the Own Art scheme allowing you to purchase art through 10 monthly payments. The 2020 exhibition can be browsed using the cutting edge virtual tour on their website, if you can't make it to the Ulster Museum to see it in person.
Own Art: Why buying art may be more affordable than you thought...
Starting or growing your very own art collection, or giving a special gift, has never been easier thanks to ‘Own Art’, an interest-free loan scheme supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This scheme aims to make buying art more accessible. Own Art makes interest free loans possible for people over the age of 18 in Northern Ireland, who want to buy artwork by a living artist from galleries that are signed up to the scheme. It works by letting you spread the cost of the artwork over 10 months, making it more affordable to buy the artwork of your dreams. Own Art customers are able to borrow anything from £100 to £2,500, and the loan can also be used as a part-payment on higher value items, helping to support more ambitious buying for higher value items. A deposit isn’t necessary.
Own Art is available at the following galleries in Northern Ireland:
Gormley’s Fine Art, 471 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7EZ www.gormleys.ie
Gormley’s Fine Art, Unit F, Derry Road, Omagh, BT78 5DR www.gormleys.ie
Eakin Gallery, 237 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7EN www.eakingallery.co.uk
Gallery 1608, 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QD www.gallery1608.co.uk
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE www.artisann.org
Steensons, Bedford House, Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FD www.thesteensons.com
Steensons, Seaview Hall, Glenarm, Ballymena, BT44 0AA www.thesteensons.com
Royal Ulster Academy, 59 North Street, Belfast BT1 1NB www.royalulsteracademy.org
Belfast Print Workshop, 30-42 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2ED www.bpw.org.uk
The MAC Belfast, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ www.themaclive.com
PortstewART, 49 The Promenade, Portstewart, Derry-Londonderry, BT66 7AE www.irishartgroup.co.uk
Staff in the galleries will take you through the loan application process, which normally takes about 10 minutes. Once you’ve given all the information they need, you’ll get an instant decision. Art can also be purchased from hundreds of Own Art member galleries across the UK, many of which specialise in different types of work from prints and photography to ceramics and jewellery, with many offering availability online also. For more information and eligibility details or to sign up as a gallery member visit www.ownart.org.uk
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For Book Worms & Literature Lovers
Books Photography Lovers
Belfast Exposed
Belfast Exposed’s bookshop, situated in the ground floor gallery, is the only independent photography bookshop in Belfast. They sell self-published, limited edition and locally produced titles that cannot be found elsewhere, as well as classic photo books, photography magazines, journals and more.
Collective Histories of Northern Irish Art – 12 Book Box Set
Golden Thread Gallery
A unique and beautiful collector’s item, this signed limited-edition set of ‘Collective Histories of Northern Irish Art’ records twelve acclaimed exhibitions realised over ten years, each curated by a different leading figure in the Northern Irish and Irish art landscape. Each book includes full colour art reproductions and curator essays and is priced at £250.
Stunning Photography Magazine
Source
Source is a quarterly photography magazine published in Belfast. They publish emerging photographic work and engage with the latest in contemporary photography through news, thoughtful features and reviews of the latest exhibitions and books from Ireland and the UK. Gift a subscription of Source this Christmas, or purchase from their online shop.
Beautiful Exhibition Catalogues & More
Millennium Court Arts Centre
Publishing is an integral part of Millennium Court Arts Centre's artistic programme. Gift one of their books or publications this Christmas.
Local Art Publications & Poetry
Void
Void is a contemporary art gallery that commissions and produces a visual arts programme that aims to challenge the audience and promote the arts to new and existing audiences. You can buy local publications from their online shop below.
Buy From Independent Bookshops Online
If you can’t get to a bookshop in person, but still want to support local, try the new online site www.uk.bookshop.org
Described as a “revolutionary moment in the history of bookselling” and a socially conscious alternative to Amazon, the site allows readers to buy books online while supporting their local independent bookseller. Bookshop.org allows independent bookshops to create their own virtual shopfront on the site, with the stores receiving the full profit margin – 30% of the cover price – from each sale.
All customer service and shipping are handled by Bookshop and its distributor partners, with titles offered at a small discount and delivered within two to three days. Independent bookshops in Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry and Dromore are all represented here and more are due online soon.
Books by NI Authors
Underneath the Tree: Twelve Christmas Stories from Writers in Northern Ireland, (Sesheta Press £10), edited by Kelly Creighton and Claire Savage. Available on Amazon Kindle and paperback.
The Art of the Glimpse (Head of Zeus £7.99), edited by Sinéad Gleeson, a selection of 100 Irish stories from the past and present, across a whopping 800 pages, with a good representation of top writers from Northern Ireland. Available in all good book shops and online.
Finally, in honour of the great Sam McBratney, everyone – of any age, but particularly youngsters – should have Guess How Much I Love You (Walker Books, £6.99) by Sam McBratney in their Christmas stocking. Available in all good book shops and online.
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Become a Member...
There is no better way to demonstrate your commitment to an organisation and their work than becoming a member or 'friend'. Not only do you get the satisfaction of knowing you are helping them to thrive, but you also might get a few extra perks too!
Belfast Music Society
By becoming a BMS Friend, you will be supporting local musicians and composers, helping develop the skills of up-and-coming musicians, supporting specific projects, and enabling them to extend access to high-quality live music for young listeners and disadvantaged groups.
Belvoir Players
Belvoir Players Amateur Dramatic Society’s Friend initiative gives you access to free tickets to use on shows, a regular newsletter packed with the latest show announcements, and a range of exclusive events including meet the cast evenings and behind the scenes tours.
The Black Box
By becoming a member of the Black Box you’ll help them to continue to be cutting-edge, inclusive, accessible and weird. In return, you’ll get a heap of benefits plus an exclusive Black Box of treats.
Camerata Ireland
Interested in classical music? Love coming to Clandeboye? Passionate about supporting blossoming talent? Why not become a Friend of Camerata Ireland? Joining them as a friend will present you with a range of opportunities to get closer to Camerata Ireland, while helping them nurture the next generation of local talent.
John Hewitt Society
Friends of the John Hewitt Society will receive exclusive 10% discount from their bookshop partner No Alibis, Belfast’s leading Independent Bookstore, personal invitations to two Friends Receptions during the year, and 3 day priority booking period for Friends only, before opening to the public.
NI Opera
By joining NI Opera’s Friends programme, your support will help develop local talent through the NI Opera Studio and Festival of Voice and introduce opera to new audiences through their evolving programmes and initiatives.
Queen's Film Theatre QFT
Buy someone a membership at Queen’s Film Theatre and they’ll access free tickets, discounts, loyalty points, priority booking, local restaurant/café discount, a monthly newsletter, 3 months of MUBI streaming service, and a birthday surprise!
Sestina
Sestina is an ensemble with an ever-growing reputation for excellence, both in its mentorship of young singers and in the quality of its performances, specialising in early music. You can support Sestina’s vital work in nurturing local talent and developing the next generation of Sestina singers and musicians, through their Friends programme.
Ulster Orchestra
Would you like to get behind-the-scenes access to the Ulster Orchestra, be involved with their work, performance and players? They create exciting opportunities for our Patrons to engage with all aspects of our work and performances, generating a unique insight into the organisation and building a connection with musicians and staff.
Void Gallery
Support VOID this Christmas by joining their membership scheme. There are a range of options to suit all ages and interests- for ages 12-21, Void Enthusiasts membership provides young people who are interested in art, with assistance to develop their portfolios or gain work experience. Void Supporters membership is perfect for those who are interested in the arts and would like to gain access to a range of programmed events such as talks and performances. Void also offer Benefactor and Gold Benefactor options for partnerships and benefactors of the arts.
Millennium Forum Priority Club
Become an Ambassador of Millenium Forum Theatre and play an important role in their future development. Receive up to one week priority booking in advance of shows going on sale to the general public (up to 4 tickets per member); receive 10% discount at theatre restaurant Arbutus at Encore; email alerts regarding occasional discount/special offers/invitation evenings; personalised membership card; monthly draw offering a pair of tickets to a selection of shows; discounted rate for the Pantomime; complimentary programme and a meet and greet opportunity on a selected date; complimentary Tea/Coffee at interval
If you are keen to support the local arts sector in a broader sense, many organisations are very grateful for donations. These allow them to help ensure that their running costs are met, and they can continue to deliver their wonderful work! Click here for a list of organisations you can donate to.
Key Supporters
This campaign is generously supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and U105.
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