Greater Shantallow Community Arts would like to take this opportunity to offer since thanks & indeed congratulations to all those many community groups & individuals who braved the cold & rain to bring a wonderful array of colour, music & costume onto the streets of our city for this years St Patrick’s Day, Community Carnival Parade which was held on Saturday as part of Derry City Councils St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival programme.

Speaking after the event, Patricia Kivlehan Cultural Diversity officer with GSCA said:

“We where truly delighted with the wonderful turnout of so many groups on what was a very cold and damp day, the wonderful effort put in by so many individuals and local community groups ensured that the fun carnival spirit of St Patrick’s Day would not be dampened by the wet conditions, I would like to thank all those individuals who worked with us to ensure that the growth and development of a local St Patrick’s day Carnival for our city will continue to go from strength to strength".

This year we had over 500 people take part in our community carnival parade, with groups representing all areas of our city, including The Jack & Jill Community Play Group from the Waterside who lead the way with some of our youngest citizens showing us how the Pixies and the Elves have fun despite the weather, with Theresa and all the team from Hazelbank Residents Association putting on a wonderful display of colour and costume, other community groups included the ever vibrant Galliagh Women’s Groups who together with Aelaigh Women’s Groups showed once again how the women of our community lead the way in making things happen. This year we were also delighted to welcome an International aspect to the community parade with the introduction of some of our cities newest citizens from the Foyle Language School who came out to celebrate our patron saints day in the traditional costumes of their home countries which added to the splendid cultural diversity and colour of our parade accompanied by the infectious sound of Strathfoyle Samba Band and the cultural richness of young students from St Patrick’s PS, St Paul’s PS and St Therese’s PS playing traditional air’s on the tin whistle all added a real sense of occasion and with Greater Shantallow Community Arts Carnival Band bringing St Patrick along the banks of the Foyle to the sound of Celtic beats this years parade was a true credit to our whole city!

 ST PATRICKS DAY CELEBRATIONS

OPEN INVITATION 

Want to Kick Start your St Patrick’s Day?   Once again Greater Shantallow Community Arts are calling on people from across the city to join with us as we celebrate in true carnival style our Patron Saints day by extending a warm and welcoming open invitation to, community organisations; youth clubs, local businesses, families and individuals whom wish to come along and join in the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations on Saturday 17^th March 2007 – as a great family day out is guaranteed. 

Want to take part in the fun and join in the parade?  We will supply:

·         Free Costumes

·         Free Face painting

·         Free Kids Party pack

·         Free Transport for all parade participants to and from the city centre

Speaking prior to the commencement of the St Patrick’s Spring Carnival Community Parade, Mr Gerald Mc Colgan from Derry City Council stated,

"This is a magnificent opportunity for the people of our city both young and old to come along and celebrate together in this fantastic fun packed day of festivities.  This year’s programme offers to all the people of the city a wonderful opportunity to get involved in Derry City Councils Spring Carnival Celebrations."

Also speaking in advance of the celebrations, Patricia Kivlehan, Cultural Diversity Officer at Greater Shantallow Community Arts stated,

 “We at Greater Shantallow Community Arts will provide costumes, face painters, kid’s party packs and transport to and from the city centre venue for all those wishing to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style.  This is a free event open to the entire city and everyone is welcome to come along and join in the craic.”

*All children must be accompanied by an adult. *

To take part or for more information, contact: Patricia on: 

71357443 or email:  gsca@derrycityconnect.org

GREATER SHANTALLOW COMMUNITY ARTS

Facilitators of DERRY CITY COUNCIL’S Arts and Regeneration Project

Presents in association with

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland

‘Future vision’

 a book created as a result of Greater Shantallow Community Arts

Empty Spaces Beautiful Places Competition,

Friday 1st December saw the launch of a thought-provoking book, which was created by taking on the widest consultation process ever to take place in the Greater Shantallow area.  In excess of 2000 people took part in the formulation of this book from school children to adults to architects, clergy, community and government representatives to mention but a few. The book was the result of a community arts project undertaken by Greater Shantallow Community Arts in partnership with Derry City Council’s Arts and Regeneration project and the arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Participants were asked the questions; can art create change in our area?  What change would you like to see in our area in the next 4 years?  What role can the arts play in helping to create regeneration in the Greater Shantallow Area?  Would you like to see public art installations on our wide green areas?  The participants were then invited to submit their ideas in a wide range of formats such as, written, sketched, painted, digital visualisations, and architectural drawings.

The winning ideas were then fashioned into a publication named “Future Vision”. What started out as an arts project quickly blossomed into a much wider public consultation.  Mothers and grandmothers asked for parks and public gardens were their kids could play and where they could meet and chat to their neighbours and friends. Fathers and grandfathers asked for playing fields and football pitches for the youth of the area and young people themselves, who are well aware that there is little to do and nowhere to go, asked for youth facilities.

The ideas ranged from the practical to way-out and wonderful. The kids from local primary schools, St. Paul’s and Greenhaw provided colourful and expressive artwork with ideas ranging from a statue of Spongebob Squarepants to giant lizards on roundabouts and windmills and clock towers. The book also contains the plans and aspirations of a number of local community groups. These are the first out workings of ambitious plans for the area and include proposals for community centres, play areas and a flagship arts centre.

Above all “Future Vision could be described as a “conversation piece”, a conversation with a community on their hopes and aspirations for the future of the outer North Area of Derry.

This August saw the 7th annual Golden Link Festival and we at the Festival office wish to send out a BIG THANK YOU to all the young people who participated in the Golden Link Festival Red Shirt Programme.  This exciting programme saw over 50 young people from Derry getting involved in numerous training fields such as: an introduction to leadership skills, Event management and event planning culminating in their actual participation in the Golden Link Festival.  Above all this programme offered an enormous opportunity for fun and enjoyment this summer for our local teenagers as they joined in the celebration of community life and aspired to play a full and active role in making their community a better place for all to enjoy this summer.

Numerous location in Derry, Inch Island in Donegal and The American Ulster Folk Park, have been transported back in time to tell the story of 'Agnes' (Jones) who was one of the original Florence Nightingale nurses will be told in a film of the same name.

With screenplay scripted by former BBC journalist Felicity Mc Call and massive involvement from local Derry people under the Greater Shantallow Community Arts banner.

The film starring Derrys very own Bronagh Gallagher who portrays Agnes tells the life story of a nurse whose work with the sick has influence many of todays modern medical practices. 

Mr Oliver Green, Managing Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts speaking on location stated, we were absolutely delighted with the quality and standard in every aspect of the production.  In one scene we had 70 children in full costume in a cellular and the minute the director shouted silence there wasnt a peep!  They were all so professional.

The completed film will be screened at a civc launch in early November and also as part of the Foyle Film Festival.

This years Golden Link Festival - Festival For All was one of the best to date!

With a jam packed programme with an international theme running throughout...

The man behind the Festival, Olly Green said we wanted to encourage people from all the communities of the city to come along and enjoy themselves, hence the theme, 'Festival for All'.

A fun filled mayhem is a fitting description for the International Its a Knockout Challenge, held at Ballyarnet Country Park.  Visitors from as far afield as, Brazil, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy took on teams from Derry in an event full of foam filled pools, sponges, welly boots and numerous inflatable games!

Also held at Ballyarnet Country Park was the 7th Annual Teddy Bears Picnic and Country Fair.  This proved a very popular event with the collassal amount or visitors!  One of the many features was the 'World of Owls' exhibition with a special guest appearance from HARLEY the Eurasian Eagle Owl!   

Other events offered during the Golden Link Festival included, the Carnival King & Queen competition, free family bus run, art exhibitions, drama productions, debates, the ever popular interpark football tournament, kids club, senior citizens teaparty, fishing tournament, treasure hunt on bikes, and much much more!!!

The Carnival Day Spectacular brought an excellent end to an excellent festival!  The local community were invited to take pride in their area by uniting together and working as a team in the designing, creating and building of floats!  Hundreds participated in the float procession which saw many weird and wonderful exhibits of the hard work and dedication of this community!  From aliens, cinderellas ugly sisters, flower power hippies, majorettes and marching bands!

WHAT TIME IS IT?  Both Emmerdales Cain Dingle and X Factors Chico added that something special for the festival goers!  Jeff Hordley better known as Cain Dingle compered on stage answering many of the crowds questions!  While Chico entertained the crowds with a number of songs and crazy dance routines!!

GOLDEN LINK FESTIVAL 2006

“FESTIVAL FOR ALL”

An Invitation to join in the fun!

To the residents and visitors of

DERRY

On behalf of the Golden Link Festival we would like to invite you & your family to come along & join in the celebrations of the 7^th annual Golden Link Festival.

This year we promise you even bigger and better events with numerous new additions such as our International it’s a Knockout Competition.  This year we are encouraging people from all sections of all communities to come along & get involved in the many different & varied events that go into making the Golden Link Festival the huge success that it is!

Why not take part in the Golden Link Festival Carnival Day Parade?  You are invited to take pride in your area by uniting together and working as a team in the designing, creating and building of a float which best symbolises your area under the theme of Festival for All. Why not take part in our Float Building Workshops, where a tutor will guide you in float designs and direct you in the creation of your float.

We can guarantee something for everyone so why not come along and get involved?

Interested?  Want more information?  Check out our website at:  www.derrycityconnect.org/gsca, or contact the Golden Link Festival Office at 65 Galliagh Park, 71 357443 or email us at, gsca@derrycityconnect.org

  

GOLDEN LINK FESTIVAL 2006   “FESTIVAL FOR ALL”   An Invitation to join in the fun! To the residents of   GALLIAGH   On behalf of the Golden Link Festival we would like to invite you & your family to come along & join in the celebrations of the 7th annual Golden Link Festival.   This year we promise you even bigger and better events with numerous new additions such as our International it’s a Knockout Competition.  This year we are encouraging people from all sections of all communities to come along & get involved in the many different & varied events that go into making the Golden Link Festival the huge success that it is!   Why not take part in the Golden Link Festival Carnival Day Parade?  You are invited to take pride in your area by uniting together and working as a team in the designing, creating and building of a float which best symbolises your area under the theme of Festival for All. Why not take part in our Float Building Workshops, where a tutor will guide you in float designs and direct you in the creation of your float.   We can guarantee something for everyone so why not come along and get involved? Interested?  Want more information?  Check out our website at:  www.derrycityconnect.org/gsca, or contact the Golden Link Festival Office at 65 Galliagh Park, 71 357443 or email us at, gsca@derrycityconnect.org

Youth Intervention Programme Co-ordinator

Based at:          65 Galliagh Park, Galliagh, Derry, BT48 8DE

Rate Of Pay:     £18,475.60 (per annum)

PURPOSE:  To co-ordinate and animate the implementation of the Greater Shantallow Community Arts Youth Intervention Programme.  To encourage and facilitate the inclusion of young people in the Youth Intervention Programme. 

 Key Responsibilities:

1.      Day to day co-ordination of the Youth Intervention projects and activities.

2.      To create and maintain good working relations with local schools, community and statutory agencies

3.      Actively promote the Youth Intervention programme, its projects and activities through media and press in conjunction with the Board of the Greater Shantallow Community Arts.

4.      To animate and facilitate the implementation of agreed integrated local youth programmes and projects in the Outer North area of Derry City Council area.

5.      Work to develop and implement projects to develop greater opportunities for the young people from the identified area.

6.      To facilitate the sourcing of the various forms of support required to meet identified needs.

7.      To prepare full written monthly reports for circulation prior to agreed scheduled meetings of the Board of the Greater Shantallow Community Arts and to attend such meetings as required.

8.      To attend seminars, workshops or conferences, in the interests of the Youth Intervention Programme

Experience of working with young people

On behalf of Greater Shantallow Community Arts we would like to extend a very warm open invitation to community organisations, art organisations, youth clubs, local businesses and individuals whom wish to come along to be our guest at the official launch of,

The Golden Link Festival 2006 Review

 on

Friday 12^th May 2006  @ 1.00pm

in

St Josephs Parish Centre, Galliagh,

Derry

This launch will review the progress of the Golden Link Festival over the past 6 years and will highlight the immense impact the generous contribution our community has had on the development and continued success of the Golden Link Festival.

We would be delighted if you would join with us and our distinguished guests as we preview the outstanding work produced since the very first ever Golden Link Festival and discuss this years 7^th Golden Link Festival.

Speaking in advance of the review, Oliver Green Managing Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts, stated: 'This is a remarkable occasion, offering a wonderful engaging opportunity for not only the people of the Greater Shantallow area but also further a field to come along and offer their vital input as we at the Golden Link Festival strive to gain recognition as the biggest carnival in the North West and also to achieve recognition as an international event.'

GREATER SHANTALLOW COMMUNITY ARTS

Presents in association with

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland,

A course of 10 workshops in

VISUAL ARTS

As part of Greater Shantallow Community Arts ongoing Arts in the Community programme, we are delighted to offer a unique opportunity for budding artists. 

The 10 week course will offer the opportunity for local people the chance to take part in a series of workshops detailing the essentials of drawing through group activities, and demonstrations.

Speaking in advance of the course, Joe Campbell course tutor stated, ‘This exciting and unique project offers the chance for art students of all ages and abilities to really improve their drawing skills.  Good drawing skills are the best foundation for any artist or art student.  This course uses special exercises that allow the artist to “see” using the acclaimed “Betty Edwards” teaching system.  The course aims to provide real learning noticeable improvement from the total novice to the more experienced student or professional artist.  The course will consist of a series of workshops under the tuition of renowned local artist Joe Campbell.  Fresh from the success of a series of recent exhibitions, here and abroad, Joe will bring his own unique experience and insight to this exciting programme.  A great opportunity for aspiring artists.’

The first workshop takes place at Greater Shantallow Community Arts, 65 Galliagh Park, Derry, Monday 8^th May 2006 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Limited places so if interested do not hesitate to book your place!

For more information contact, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, at 65 Galliagh Park, Derry or telephone, 028 71 357443.

GREATER SHANTALLOW COMMUNITY ARTS

Presents in association with

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, a

5 week course in Stage/Set Design

As part of Greater Shantallow Community Arts ongoing Arts in the Community programme, we are delighted to offer a unique opportunity for theatrical practitioners with a particular interest in set design. 

This 5 week long programme will offer for the first time the opportunity for local people from Derry the chance to take part in a series of production workshops highlighting, the nuts and bolts of set design.

Speaking in advance of the course, Oliver Green managing director of Greater Shantallow stated, ‘This is an remarkable prospect for those interested in set design, participants will have the opportunity of expanding their knowledge, while bridging inspiration and craft under the expert tuition of renowned producer and director Jonathan Burgess. 

Whatever level you are in your set design development this course will enhance your ability, whilst translating your visualisation and story into refined set arrangements’

This course takes place at 6.00pm – 10.00pm on Thursday 27^th April 2006 and run for 5 weeks at Greater Shantallow Community Arts.  There is a small fee of £10.00 and refreshments will be provided.

Limited places so if interested do not hesitate to book your place!

For more information contact, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, at 65 Galliagh Park, Derry or telephone, 028 71 357443.

Murphy's Law a play directed by Carmel Mc Cafferty and starring some of our very own very best home grown talent!

A side splitting, uproarious comedy about the trials and tribulations of an ordinary family who's world is turned upside down when their very own family pet dog bites a British soldier!!!

A great family night out is guaranteed!  A night NOT to be missed!

Venue:  The Playhouse, Artillery Street, Derry

When?  Wednesday 19th April & Thursday 20th April

Admission:  Adults 3.00 / Children £1.50

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Thursday 6^th April 2006

@ St Josephs Parish Centre, Galliagh

@ 8.00pm

GREATER SHANTALLOW COMMUNITY ARTS

presents in conjunction with

The Playhouse Players

“ARDNAGLASS ON THE AIR”

Admission £5.00

A play written by Jimmy Kerr, directed by Carmel Mc Cafferty and produced by Pauline Ross, Starring Kevin Mc Callion, Pat Lynch, Christine Miller and Gerry Doherty.

A riotous new comedy that lifts the lid on the world of local broadcasting. The audience is invited to tune into a live broadcast from Ireland's premiere community rural radio station located in Mickey Madden's mother's garage bringing you the news as it happens, when it happens, wherever it happens, if anything happens at all. Meet lovelorn pig farmer Hugh Francis O'Connell, feisty barmaid Margaret Mary-Rose O'Boyle, Patsy McCloskey On The Prowl on the CB and wandering Argentinean BBC Intern Fabian Martinez as they go On Air together for the very first time.

Speaking in advance of the performance, Mr Oliver Green, Managing Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts stated:

As a dedicated promoter of ensuring the arts is accessible to all, I am delighted the people of the city have this opportunity to appreciate such superb local talent.  I would also like to take this occasion to say how pleased I am to welcome “Ardnaglass on the Air” as we seek to enhance the prospect for local people to view top class theatre and drama made accessible in the heart of their own community.

Taking place at St Josephs Parish Centre, Galliagh on Thursday 6^th April at 8.00pm.  Entry is £5.00. 

For more information contact Greater Shantallow Community Arts, 65 Galliagh Park,

Telephone:  028 71 357443

ST PATRICKS DAY CELEBRATIONS

With

GREATER SHANTALLOW COMMUNITY ARTS,

In conjunction with

Derry City Councils

Outer North Youth Pathways to Employment Developing Individuals for the Labour Market

This uniquely piloted project developed by Greater Shantallow Community Arts & in conjunction with the Local Strategy Partnership, encouraged teenagers from the local area, through the media industry to focus on their future by offering them training in a subject matter that is not only interesting but which may also increase their training/opportunities for the future.  Studies have recently shown that the 'Creative Industries' is now one of the fastest growing sectors in Northern Ireland and so by creating this opportunity for the young people of the area.

This project ran for 28 weeks throughout 2004/2005 with students gaining a fully accredited multi media course (City and Guilds Level III).  Working in conjunction with the nerve centre this course detailed four main elements:

1.  An introduction to the Media Industry

2.  The technical side

3.  Pre - Production

4.  Programme Production

With the added benefit of all training being provided for free!

Whats it all about?

The course dealt primarily with three issues:  Self Harm, Drugs & Alcohol and Lack of Facilities for young people.

For each of these issues the participants made both a documentary and a drama.  With each of the participants under taking a specific role either as, producer, director, camera person, sund recordist ...

Speaking on the course, Mr Oliver Green, Managing Director at Greater Shantallow Community Arts, stated, "This programme offers a wonderful learning & job skills opportunity for young people of from the Greater Shantallow area, it is directly targeted at those who for what ever reason have slipped through the academic achievement loop abd gives them a great opportunity to gain experience and skills that could lead to future employment within the 'Creative Industries'.

We are delighted the participants in this programme have had the chance to work alongside top class tutors in the field of multimedia, studies provided by the Nerve Centre and offer our sincere thanks to our Local Strategy Partnership for providing funding for this programme through the EU Programme Developing Individuals for the Labour Market.

Greater Shantallow Community Arts are delighted to introduce you to DUBHDARA, as part of our ongoing Arts In The Community Programme. 

Dubhdara is a 12ft sculpture carved especially from the oak tree, by renowned local artist/sculpture Kieran O'Doherty.

Kieran was invited by Greater Shantallow Community Arts to facilitate a programme that would illustrate to all paricipants how the primordial art of wood sculpting is as relevant today as it has always been. 

Dubhdara is located on a site of immense historical and mythological importance, it is said when the druids roamed this part of Ireland that the locals sought their wisdom and that the magical powers they possessed came from the earth.  Folklore has it that if you ask Dubhdara one true question, you will know the answer is truth as you will feel it in your heart!

Dubhdara is located at the entrance to the Play Trail at Foyle View School, Race Course Road, Derry.

The director of The Golden Link Festival 2005, Mr Oliver Green, has praised this year’s Golden Link Festival as "being a triumph of all that is best in the community."

He says "it proved once again the enduring popularity of cross generational, family based events and also introduced a number of new elements which demonstrated to a wide audience that arts and culture are not only alive but thriving in the Greater Shantallow area of Derry."

Mr Green says he’s particularly proud of the fact  that upwards of fifteen thousand people were involved in Sunday’s festival parade and open air  concert - and the day passed off without a single incident or episode of anti social behaviour marring the enjoyment of at least three generations of local citizens.

Mr Green says he‘s also heartened by the very public accolades from the Fire Service who commended the Golden Link Festival for being to the forefront of the campaign to replace the 15^th August bonfires with more environmentally friendly street parties. “It’s time to create new traditions, “Mr Green says, “and the young in particular are very supportive of our efforts to replace negative customs which have a detrimental environmental impact with celebrations which are more in line with 21^st century awareness. More than twenty streets held parties on August 15^th, and we were delighted to help and support this community effort as we visited street parties across the whole area bringing entertainment and street performers.  It takes a generation- that’s 30 years- to establish a tradition at the heart of a community, but already these parties are central to young people’s expectations at festival time and are as eagerly anticipated as the bonfires were by their parents. I look forward to even more parties being held next year as they become firmly rooted in the Golden Link Festival tradition as the new environmentally acceptable way to celebrate the fifteenth of August safely.”

While no Golden Link Festival would be complete without events like the Senior Citizens tea Party, Oliver Green is proud of a way in which the Festival is providing a unique opportunity for the area’s young people - by offering, for the first time, a certified training course for the teenage helpers without whom nothing would happen - the Red Shirts Youth Citizenship Programme. Actively participated in everything from organising the children’s sports and entertainment sessions to ensuring the smooth running of the Carnival Day parade, this team of young people have, he says, taken an important step in career development and acquiring social, organisational and managerial skills and are an inspiration to those who are uncomplimentary about  today’s youth, and thanking the young people involved, Mr Green said these very special young people are the future community leaders of this area and the real inspiration to all who come in contact with them, their enthusiasm and commitment to work on behalf of this community offers a real sense of hope for the future.

A final and heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped in any way, especially to those community based organisations, local businesses and all who contributed in any way to making the 2005 Golden Link Festival the success it was.  The Golden Link Festival is about showcasing all that is most positive, constructive and caring about the people of the Greater Shantallow area and once again the people of this community have done themselves proud by their active and enthusiastic participation in the many events contained in this years Golden Link Festival, their continued commitment and support is the essential factor that makes the Golden Link Festival truly the peoples festival.

In conclusion Mr Green said, that as we put this years Golden Link Festival to bed and thank everyone for their generosity of spirit we would like to extend an open invitation to all the people of this community to continue their active participation as we launch Greater Shantallow Community Arts 2005/6 Arts in the Community Programme this coming September.

Greater Shantallow Community Arts are delighted to launch our 2005 Arts in the Community programme of courses, classes and projects individually designed to encourage opportunities for the maximum participation for people of all ages in a wide variety of Arts Mediums.

Weather your ambition is to trod the boards, paint a master piece , make a movie or simply enjoy the sound of your own music this years programme offers a huge range of activities to suit all tastes and talents.

This seasons programme will see a wide range of new courses.

For more information contact GSCA at 65 Galliagh Park, Derry:

71 357443

Greater Shantallow Community Arts would like to both congratulate and offer their most heartfelt thanks to Handful Productions and the cast of “Do You Take Sugar”, for their breathtaking performance on Thursday 30th June at the Community Arts Rooms, Galliagh.  

Speaking shortly after the performance of, “Do You Take Sugar” Mr Oliver Green, Managing Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts stated:

I am thrilled the local people have had this incredible occasion to observe such outstanding local talent, Helen Mc Laughlin, Felicity Mc Caul and James Lecky’s characterisations in this true to life thought provoking performance detailed in a humorous yet touching manner the life of Maggie a woman suffering from cancer.

"The days of community centres with ping pong and table tennis are long gone." Mr Oliver Green Managing Director GSCA

At Greater Shantallow Community Arts we offer a positive alternative for young people by providing a wide range of workshops on every aspect of the arts and by encouraging young people to think seriously about a career in the arts.

Greater Shantallow Community Arts in conjunction with The Western Drugs and Alcohol Corodination Team are currently in rehearsals for a play detailing the concerns of Teenage Binge Drinking.

Debate as One, play was a cross community production and helped to challenge the perceptions of Catholics and Protestants.  The play has now been developed into a DVD and distributed to over 200 schools across Northern Ireland proving to be an excellent learning/teaching aid.

Education is a major emphasis of Greater Shantallow Community Arts.  In conjunction with the Nerve Centre Greater Shantallow Community Arts offer a NVQ Level III in Multimedia.  "

This year there were twelve people on the Multimedia course, with three having already found employment, these are people who fell through the education net therefore this course enables them look positively at a career in the arts."

Greater Shantallow Community Arts, helps to teach people, through the arts the necessary pratical skills that can help them to gain employment.  An example of this is, the drama workshops, were role plays of mock interviews are recorded in an attempt to build confidence.

URBAN DANCE CLASSES

As part of the on-going programme of arts development, Greater Shantallow Community Arts is pleased to announce a 10 week urban dance workshop for young people interested in learning hip hop and urban dance routines.

Whether for public performance or personal enjoyment this opportunity will allow for the students to choreograph dances of their own.

Taking place over 10 weeks, for 2 hours a week, starting Thursday 10^th February, from 7.00pm – 9pm. The workshop will be based at Shantallow Controlled Youth Centre. 

For further information and to apply, contact Tara Powell, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, at 65 Galliagh Park, Derry. 

Tel 028 71 357443.

WRITING A DRAMATIC SCENE

As part of the on-going programme of arts development Greater Shantallow Community Arts is pleased to announce a two day writing workshop for adults interested in writing dramas.

Whether you want to write for the stage, the screen or radio, the basis of all dramatic writing is the scene and this workshop will look at successful scenes, ask what makes them work, begin to draft new scenes and test them

for dramatic success. This workshop will be of interest to writers, actors and directors who want to explore their work further, teachers and students of English and Theatre studies, and people who want to investigate writing

drama, whether comedy or tragedy.

Taking place over two Saturdays, 12th and 26th February 2005, starting 10.00am, the workshop will enable participants to write scenes between the two days and then rewrite them on the basis of the experience of the workshop.

As part of the continuing programme of events run by Greater Shantallow Community Arts, there is the possibility of some of the scenes being 'stood up' at a later stage in an acting and directing workshop.

The workshop will be based at Greater Shantallow Community Arts office at 65 Galliagh Park.  The tutor is by Dave Duggan, co-artistic director of Sole Purpose Productions. His new play for the company, AH 6905, will tour the city in the autumn.  Other stage plays have been seen across the city, throughout Ireland, in New York and at The Edinburgh Fringe. His latest film, Tumbleturns, will be screened by UTV this spring and he is currently developing a new radio play for BBC Radio 4, called Painting the Loft.

There is a small fee to participate in this course of £10; there are also a limited number of bursaries available. Lunch will be provided. For further information and to apply, contact Mr. Oliver Green, Manager, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, at 65 Galliagh Park, Derry.  Tel 028 71 357443.

Speaking in advance of the workshops, Dave said 'It is always a pleasure to work with GSCA, who are renowned for their successful summer festival and their year round arts programme. I look forward to these workshops and meeting people from far and wide with an interest in dramatic writing.'

If you are an active member of a community group or association, do you think your commitment and efforts –often unpaid- get the recognition and results they deserve?

Is the public perception  of your  neighbourhood very different from  the reality?

If so, an innovative, six week course run by Greater Shantallow Community Arts could enable you to put the record straight and project a positive, dynamic and honest image of your local area to the wider community- as well as giving you valuable skills and experience in public relations, media studies and journalism.

“Communities in Focus”, which begins on Tuesday, January 25^th and runs with twice weekly sessions until Thursday, March 3^rd, will effectively train participants as fully-skilled public relations and press officers. The course includes sessions in creating and projecting a positive identity; handling potentially negative issues; researching, writing and distributing news releases; liasing with the print and broadcast media; maximising publicity; critical appraisal and personal development as a communicator.

Some aspects of the course will appeal particularly to those with an interest in journalism or creative writing. It’s expected that all participants will be actively involved in the community sector and should ideally have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word with internet access either at home or through their group or association.

The course will be taught in 12, twice weekly, 2 hour sessions, on Tuesday and Thursdays, from 2-4pm, with occasion al homework. It’s based at Greater Shantallow Community Arts offices at 65, Galliagh Park. The tutor is Felicity McCall, B.A.Hons., who is BBC trained and has spent 25 years in journalism .She is now working freelance in areas including journalism, creative writing, PR, drama, and lecturing.

It is intended to submit the course for accreditation.

The course is free and places are limited to a maximum of 12. For further information and to apply, contact Oliver Green, Manager, GSCA, at 65, Galliagh Park, Derry. Tel 02871 357443.