Down Community Arts

04/09/2026

Down Arts Centre is inviting expressions of interest from vendors for our annual Christmas Craft Fair, taking place on

Friday 27 November — the same evening as the Christmas Light Switch On.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work to the local community during one of the busiest and most festive nights of the year.

Whether you create handmade gifts, artwork, jewellery, candles, textiles, ceramics, festive decorations, prints, skincare, baked treats, preserves, or something completely unique, we would love to hear from you.

We are keen to welcome a wide variety of local artists, craftspeople, makers, bakers and small creative businesses to help fill Down Arts Centre with festive cheer, beautiful products
and plenty of Christmas shopping inspiration.

And even better — vendor tables are free this year!
If you would like to be considered for a table, please get in touch and tell us a little bit about what you make or sell.
Spaces may be limited, so early expressions of interest are encouraged.

Get in touch today to register your interest and be part of this special festive evening at Down Arts Centre!

Email [email protected] to request an expression of interest form.

24/08/2026

An excellent opportunity for Visual Artists across Newry Mourne and Down. Check it out 👇🏻

🎨✨ Calling All Visual Artists✨🎨

📢 We are delighted to launch a new Artist Residency Opportunity based at Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, running from September 2026 to April 2027.

🖌️ This exciting residency offers a visual artist dedicated time and space to:
✅ Develop their creative practice
✅ Create a new body of work
✅ Explore fresh ideas and approaches
✅ Engage with communities and audiences across the district

🎭 The successful artist will also play a key role in the district’s vibrant arts scene through activities such as: Artist talks, Workshops, Demonstrations and Open studio sessions.

👉Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ysj2akpd

10/08/2026

What a great idea, definitely something for the whole family to enjoy

Up next we have a Brush With Technology! with Young at Art
During this drop-in workshop, participants will work with a trained visual artist to create digital masterpieces using the 'Brushes' iPad app.
Absolutely no experience or equipment is needed—just a willing imagination!

FREE for the whole family on the 22nd of August at Down County Museum

31/07/2026

Could you help us? We are looking for soemone that can help us one day a week with our admin. All details can be found on our website through the following link. 👇

Location: Downpatrick office and from home, pattern negotiable Contract Type: Part time, fixed…

30/07/2026

Lots to see and do at Down County Museum on August 22nd at this year's Down Time Summerfest 👇🏻

So we have a lot of fun planned at Down County Museum this Downtime. Check out all of the fun activities for all of the family on Saturday, the 22nd of August at our Arts and Heritage Day. 👇

NMD Museums
Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford

09/07/2026

And we are off! The first of our Person and Place projects is on the go! The ladies from the Saul Tea and Chat Group getting stuck into needle felting workshops with the always brilliant Cheryl Martin!

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

03/06/2026

It's all happening this June in Downpatrick for the County Down Fleadh.

Check it out 👇

🎶✨ Traditions & Tales Evening ✨🎶

Join us on Wednesday 17th June for a memorable evening celebrating the music, stories and heritage of Downpatrick and the Lecale Peninsula.

🎼 will captivate audiences with the beautiful sounds of the Irish Harp.
Playing since the age of seven, Maria is passionate about preserving the harp's ancient traditions and its enduring place in Irish culture.

🎵 Seamus McClean, a four-time All-Ireland Champion from Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will showcase his incredible talent on the Uilleann Pipes.
Having begun his musical journey on the tin whistle at just three years old, Seamus has fast become one of Ireland's most accomplished traditional musicians.

📖 ✨ Duane Fitzsimons aka will bring the legends, folklore and fascinating history of the Lecale Peninsula to life through his engaging storytelling. Discover the tales, characters and heritage that have shaped this unique corner of County Down.

🌟 Enjoy an evening filled with music, storytelling, local history and cultural discovery as we celebrate the traditions that continue to inspire and connect our community.

📅 Wednesday 17th June 2026
📍
⏰ 7pm
FREE ENTRY

🎶📚

18/05/2026

We're so proud to be a part of a project that has the potential to be transformative for Downpatrick

12/05/2026

Don't forget to get down to The Saint Patrick Centre this Thursday evening and help DCA shape the future of the Grove Area in Downpatrick in partnership with the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

All ideas no matter how big, small or wacky are welcomed 😀

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Arts Council of Northern Ireland

29/04/2026

We are really looking forward to working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on this project.

Down Community Arts will be delivering community arts projects for this new initiative and we'd love to know what the people of Downpatrick want.