Check out what is on in the Solstice Arts Centre below:
Coláiste na Mí present: Back to the 80s
Wed 20 Mar - Fri 22 Mar | €12 - €15
A pop culture trip down memory lane, Back to the 80’s tells the story of Corey Palmer and his senior year of high school: his best friends, the class bully, and the girl he loves.
In the present day, Corey takes us back to William Ocean High School, watching himself and his friends Kirk and Alf start their bid to be senior class president and vice-presidents, only to have the opportunity stolen by bully Michael Feldman. To make Corey’s life worse, Michael has also stolen away Tiffany Houston, Corey’s crush. But this isn’t the only relationship on the rocks: teachers Mr. Cocker and Ms. Brannigan are fighting in their not-so-secret romance, Michael is posing as new girl Eileen’s mysterious secret admirer, and Tiffany’s friend Cyndi doesn’t want to give admirer Billy the time of day.
Back to the 80’s is a non-stop collection of music for all ages.
Booking Link: Solstice Arts Centre | Coláiste na Mí present: Back to the 80s
someone decides, hawk or dove - St. Peter's Cork Opening Reception
Friday 22 March, 6:30pm | St. Peter's, North Main Street, Cork | Free admission, booking required | Limited spaces available
Featuring a live performance with Iarla Ó Lionáird, Ceara Conway, Matthew Nolan and Tonnta Ensemble.
someone decides, hawk or dove - Exhibition Details
Sat 23 - Wed 27 March (excl. Sunday), 10am - 5pm | St. Peter's, North Main Street, Cork | Free admission, no booking required.
someone decides, hawk or dove is a commissioned body of work by artist Niamh McCann as part of the programme for ART:2023, a Decade Of Centenaries supported by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Curated by Belinda Quirke, someone decides, hawk or dove is a Solstice Arts Centre project commission.
The iteration of someone decides, hawk or dove at St. Peter’s, Cork is the final site of a series of engagements and exhibitions in 2023/24, that began within the Octagonal Gardens in the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge, Co. Meath, followed by exhibitions at STABLE Arts hosted by Solus Nua, Washington DC, and The MAC, Belfast.
The project features collaborations with composer and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird and architect Peter Carroll on songs and soundscape and sculpture/site Turn Again. St Peter's, Cork is the venue for a live recorded performance with Iarla Ó Lionáird, Ceara Conway and members of the Tonnta Ensemble.
Booking Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/someone-decides-hawk-or-dove-st-peters-cork
Harinie Jeevitha: Live in Ireland
Sat 23 Mar | 6.00 p.m | €18 - €60
Sree Shiva Academy welcomes renowned dancer, Miss Harinie Jeevitha, to Ireland for the first time. Witness her first live performance in Ireland as she presents a repertoire of items, painting a vivid picture blending bhava, raga, tala. Come support the arts, and initiate future performers coming to Ireland.
Ticket Prices:
Single Booking: €18
Group Booking (4 people): €60
Booking Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/harinie-jeevitha-live-in-ireland
Silver Swans Ballet Classes for the over 55's (Sept/Oct 2023)
Ballet classes for over 55's!
Specially designed for older learners, Silver Swans Over 55's ballet classes will help improve your mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels.
Royal Academy of Dance licensed teacher Michelle Kehoe A.I.S.T.D. who has been teaching ballet for over 25 years, leads two 5-week courses at Solstice one at 10am and one at 11am.
€10 per class, to book your place please visit our Box Office here at Solstice or phone 046 9092300.
Booking Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/silver-swans-ballet-classes-for-the-over-55s-septoct-2023
Fallen Leaves (Film)
Wed 27 Mar | 7.30 p.m. | €7.50
Finnish with English subtitles | Finland, Germany | 81 mins | 2022 | Cert: 15A | Dir: Aki Kaurismäki
Individual Screenings: €7.50 each
Season Bundle Jan – Apr: Book 4 or more films for €6 each
Season Pass Jan – Apr: Book all 7 films for €5 each
*For bundle & pass bookings, add the desired films into your cart and the discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles - from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.
Aki Kaurismäki (Le Havre, The Other Side of Hope) makes a masterful return in this hopeful and satisfying love story, typically melancholic, wryly humorous while also being life affirming and wonderful fun. Shot through Kaurismäki’s idiosyncratic lens, this tragicomedy is a reminder of the potency of movie-going with homages to some of cinemas all-time greats including one of the directors long-time pals; Jim Jarmusch.
"★★★★ It’s romantic and sweet-natured, in a deadpan style that in no way undermines or ironises the emotions involved and with some sharp things to say about contemporary politics." - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
"★★★★★ …the crowd-pleaser of the season.” - Tara Brady, The Irish Times
Booking Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/fallen-leaves
Aideen Broccardo & Irena Smith - More information here
VISUAL ARTS
Sat 20 Jan – Sat 16 Mar | Café Wall
Aideen Broccardo and Irena Smith are recent graduates of Fine Art from TU Dublin’s School of Art and Design. Exploring how language impacts the perceived animacy of nature, Broccardo works primarily with sculptural and lens-based methods. Smith explores the tension between hand-made and machine-made objects, using specific mould making and image transference techniques.
Gallery Tours using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
Tours continue throughout visual art exhibitions | Free, booking required
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is an inquiry-based method of visual processing - looking, describing, and discussing what we see in a work of art. It is about listening to others, responding, and expanding thoughts and new possibilities revealed within group engagement. VTS improves oral and visual literacy, problem solving and collaborative interactions among peers.
Guided by Deirdre, our learning & engagement co-ordinator. For queries and bookings please email: deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie
Group Gallery Tours
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11am (60 mins) | groups of 5 or more
Bring your group to our gallery and explore the artworks in our current exhibition. Use VTS to discuss and build a deeper understanding of the artwork. This is an opportunity to focus and reflect on multiple perspectives, enhancing engagement and enjoyment of learning through art.
Primary School Gallery Tours
Tuesdays – Fridays | Various times available (60 mins)
Look, listen, and respond to artworks in our current exhibition. Encouraging peer-to-peer discussion, this is an opportunity for children and teachers to learn about the artists and their work, inspiring you to create artworks back in the classroom!
Secondary School Gallery Tours
Tuesdays – Fridays | Various times available (90 mins)
Broaden creative thinking through oral and visual literacy by exploring works in our current exhibition. Using cross-curricular links and learning through art, these sessions support the Junior and Senior Cycle, placing students at the centre of the learning process. Senior Cycle students will receive specific information that embraces the three strands – Research, Create and Respond (visual and written responses), with particular focus on Content Area 3: Today’s World of the New Appreciating Art Visual Studies for Leaving Certificate curriculum.
Sensory Connections Wed 24 Jan – 7 Feb, 21 Feb – 13 Mar, 17 Apr – 24 Apr & 1 May – 5 June | 10am (60 mins) | €5 | Children & adult groups with additional needs
This relaxed gallery tour and short workshop is designed for small groups with additional needs. It will follow a slow pace of engagement, tailored to individual needs. Exploring the artworks in the gallery, participants can engage in a multi-disciplinary, sensory activity that connects to the exhibition in the gallery. Guidance from teachers and carers may be sought prior to the session and the gallery will be closed to the public for the duration of your visit.
For more information or to book please contact Deirdre at deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie
8. Meath Move: Open Practice -Book Now
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
Wed 24 Jan, 21 Feb, 27 Mar & Mon 29 Apr | 11am – 2pm | Free, booking required
Dance artist Selma Daniel invites artists of all disciplines who are interested in movement. Open Practice is a series of improvised movement sessions, followed by instant composition play, designed to bring a sense of inspiration to artists across all art forms, as well as growing greater connections and networks among Meath based artists and beyond.
The sessions, co-facilitated by Selma Daniel and a guest Dance Artist, are 3 hours long and are designed to provide a space for exploration and creativity, where artists can develop their skills, connect with others, and share their reflections.
Selma Daniel is a choreographer and dance facilitator. She is an associate artist with Solstice Arts Centre and a participant in Branar Meitheal 2022/2023. She holds an MA in Contemporary Dance Performance from the University of Limerick.
Selma's creative practice is focused on investigating dance for young audiences and creating socially engaging dance for screen, stage, and public spaces. She uses the body, visual imagery, and props to create thought-provoking and visually stimulating dance experiences.
Recent works by Selma include AdoleTA! (national tour, Ireland, 2023; presentation at Shanghai International Children’s Festival, China, 2021); Paper Plane about family diversity and OutWall, a dance for public spaces. Selma is currently working on a new production Befriending my Monster in partnership with First Fortnight Festival.
In partnership with Solstice Arts Centre Selma created a program called Meath Move, an initiative to bring the community together through a series of opportunities for everyone from pre-school children to professional artists. Meath Move has 3 components: Cub Club, ‘moving words’ and Open Practice.
To know more about Selma’s work visit https://selmadaniel.com
Booking Link: https://solsticeartscentre.ie/event/meath-move-open-practice
9. Dance First – Film - Book Now
Film Season Bundle: Book 4 or more films for €6 each
Film Season Pass: Book all 7 films for €5 each
FILM
Wed 24 Jan | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English, French with English Subtitles | UK, Hungary, Belgium | 100 mins | 2023 | Cert: 12A | Dir: James Marsh
Literary genius Samuel Beckett lived a life of many parts: Parisian bon vivant, WWII Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband, recluse. But despite all the adulation that came his way, he was a man acutely aware of his own failings.
Titled after Beckett's famous ethos ‘Dance first, think later’, James Marsh’s film - featuring two stellar performances from Gabriel Byrne and Aidan Gillen - is a sweeping account of the life of this 20th-century icon.
10. Creative Corner - More Information here
FAMILIES
Saturdays 27 Jan – 9 Mar & 13 Apr – 8 Jun | 11am – 1pm | Free, no booking required | For families
Explore our Creative Corner in the gallery. Children and their adults are encouraged to create and engage in fun, interactive activities that respond to the exhibition. This is a free, drop in and out service - parents/guardians must stay with children at all times.
UNGUARDED by Anthony Kinahan
THEATRE
Thu 1 Feb | 8pm | €18/€16
When a father’s world falls apart, he must battle through obstacles to ensure a future for him & his son.
Love; Laughter; Loss & Families left behind: UNGUARDED is a touching, & often comedic, new drama - developed by Louth actor/theatre-maker Anthony Kinahan – that uses imaginative physicality, vocal versatility & song, to highlight the vulnerable position many LGBTQ+ & non-LGBTQ+ families find themselves in due to the lack of regulation of surrogacy in Ireland.
Directed by Anna Simpson (Quintessence Theatre) & developed under the Droichead Arts Centre Artist in Association in 2021 (with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland), this production is in association with Droichead and An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk.
An Evening with Tom Dunne, Fiachna O’Braonáin & Alan Connor: On The Road Again
MUSIC
Sat 3 Feb | 8pm | €30
Despite having shared stages across the world over several decades, Tom Dunne of Something Happens & Newstalk, and Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers & Radio 1, had never actually performed together until they were invited to do so on RTE Radio 1’s Ray D’Arcy show, where they performed Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again”. Ray loved it, and Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Tom Dunne decided they should do it again!
Tom and Fiachna have always been united by a love of performance and songwriting, and were very taken with what those different schools of thought could bring to the table. Multi-instrumentalist Alan Connor (a member of The Late Late Show house band and a regular performer with Sharon Shannon) was then drafted in to add some piano, guitar and percussion to the dynamic duo.
Loreto St. Michaels’ present: The Little Mermaid
MUSICAL
Wed 7 – Fri 9 Feb | 7:30pm | €20/€17
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."
This performance is brought to you by the Transition Year students of Loreto St. Michael’s Secondary School, featuring guest stars from St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan.
Simply Marvellous!
SCHOOLS
Thu 8 Feb | 9:30am & 11:30am (90 mins) | Free, booking required | For: Primary 1st – 6th class
Looking and responding to Mark Garry’s artworks in the gallery, use simple materials and song to create the marvellous! With artist Anne Cradden, question how Mark uses thread and paper. Explore how he stretches, wraps, and folds materials small enough to hold and large enough to span from room to room.
This workshop contains cross-curricular links to colour, construction, maths and science, while developing children’s communication, fine and gross motor skills.
Artistic Explorers mid-term camp: CONNECTED
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
Mon 12 Feb – Fri 16 Feb | 10:30am – 12:30pm daily | €60 | For: ages 8-12
Immersed in the subtle artworks by Mark Garry that connect and flow through the gallery spaces, over three days we will explore a range of natural and craft materials and processes. Using the theme CONNECTED, combining physical, visual and sensory exercises to inspire, we will bend and fold, cut and balance materials into new artistic creations.
Please make sure your child has a drink and small packed lunch each day.
Under Paris Skies with Far Flung Trio (with Cheese and wine)
MUSIC
Wed 14 Feb | 8pm | €25
This Valentine’s Day, Solstice Arts Centre hosts a very special evening infused with Parisian charm. In characteristic fashion, the Trio’s repertoire will be drawn from many idioms including Romantic Opera, the Moulin Rouge and Hot Club Jazz, with music by Bizet, Satie and Michel Legrand among many others.
Celebrating their 10th anniversary with a national tour in 2024, the Far Flung Trio promises you a musical saunter to touch the heart and lift the spirits.
The Far Flung Trio are Katherine Hunka (violin), Dermot Dunne (accordion) and Malachy Robinson (double-bass): the name reflects their sense of fun and the eclecticism in their programming and performances. All leading Irish players, this trio is fuelled by the sheer joy generated in playing together. This evident rapport is one of the elements that particularly delights audiences; their aim has always been to deliver the highest calibre of musicianship, with lots of flair, in a way that is appealing and accessible to all.
Belfast Girls
THEATRE
Sat 17 Feb | 8pm | €20/€18
Escaping the Famine in 1850 five fierce young women board the Inchinnan in Belfast in hope of a new, better life in Australia. But confined in the belly of the ship on a tumultuous sea journey sailing away from their homeland, secrets are revealed, enemies made, and it becomes clear that there is no escaping the dark pasts they carry with them…
In the Irish premiere of this new drama by award-winning Dundalk playwright Jaki McCarrick, An Táin Arts Centre and Quintessence Theatre bring their unique physical ensemble style to McCarrick’s gripping story, exploring urgent, current questions around classism, patriarchy, and the ripple effects of colonialism through a powerful historical play based on true stories.
Belfast Girls is produced by An Táin Arts Centre as part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations and presented by Quintessence Theatre in Association with The Lyric Theatre, Belfast and The North East Network (An Táin Arts Centre, Droichead Arts Centre, and Solstice Arts Centre, Navan).
Impulse Gymnastics 10th Anniversary: FitKids Showcase
DANCE
Sun 18 & 25 Feb | 4pm | €16/€55 (family of 4)
Come celebrate Impulse Gymnastics' and Fit Kid Ireland's 10-year anniversary with us. You can see amazing performances from the beginner recreational level to the World Champions level. We promise you will enjoy the showcase, and the kids will amaze you.
May December
FILM
Wed 21 Feb | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English | USA | 113 mins | 2023 | Cert: 16 | Dir: Todd Haynes
Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton) now lead a seemingly perfect suburban life. Their domestic bliss is disrupted when actress Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a film about their past. As Elizabeth ingratiates herself into the everyday lives of the couple, uncomfortable facts of the scandal unfurl, causing long-dormant emotions to resurface.
exTEND
SCHOOLS
Thu 22 Feb | 9:30am & 11:30am (90 mins) | Free, booking required | For: Secondary 1st – 6th year
This creative workshop will provide students with an opportunity to explore the themes, creative processes, and thinking behind Mark Garry's exhibition To hold or to be held. Facilitated by lace artist Fiona Harrington, students are invited to develop a verbal and sculptural response using materials that connect to the tactile nature of Garry’s artworks. Encouraged to work collaboratively, this workshop links to the Visual Studies and written component in Section 3 - Today’s World, Art and the Environment.
Jason Byrne: The Ironic Bionic Man
COMEDY
Thu 22 Feb | 8pm | €26
Jason Byrne: half man, half natural disaster. Over the course of his accident-prone life, Jason has been rebuilt from the ground up. Bits removed, new knee, an eye that’s been treated, all culminating last year with heart surgery, twice! Join him as he invites you to laugh at his misfortune. If he tried to say Schadenfreude, he’d probably dislocate his tongue.
Greatest 80s Show
MUSIC
Fri 23 Feb | 8pm | €27.50
This high-energy show features your favourite hits from the decade of neon and big hair, including songs from iconic artists like Duran Duran, a-ha and Spandau Ballet – to name a few. With a set that is both electrifying and heartfelt, the show is a celebration of the music, fashion and culture of the 80s. Don't miss your chance to relive the decade that defined a generation!
Holding Space
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
Wed 28 Feb | 7pm (150 mins) | €15 | For: adults
Responding to the title of the exhibition ‘To hold or to be held’ by artist Mark Garry, this workshop will explore meditative movement, connecting body and breath. Following a short exhibition tour of Garry’s artworks that question societal and materialistic relationships, the workshop will focus on using the body as a verbal and visual tool to explore the gallery spaces. Guided by dance artist Selma Daniel, and singer/conductor Cibele Sabioni, no movement or dance experience is necessary to participate in this relaxed, explorative session.
Anatomy of a Fall
FILM
Wed 28 Feb | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
French with English subtitles, English | France | 151 mins | 2023 | Cert: 15A | Dir: Justine Triet
When her husband Samuel is mysteriously found dead in the snow below their secluded chalet, Sandra becomes the main suspect when the police begin to question whether he fell or was pushed.
The trial soon becomes not just an investigation, but a gripping psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel's complicated marriage. With conflicting evidence and inconsistent testimony, words are wielded like weapons and shocking truths come to light in this thrilling Palme d’Or winner.
Solstice Arts Centre,
Railway Street,
Navan,
Co.Meath
C15KWP1