Welcome to the MCAC Summer Programme (May - September 2009) Millennium Court Arts Centre invites Artists from the South Ulster area to an Open Submission Competition for the “A Sense of Place” Group Exhibition, 3 – 27 June, 2009. For more information on submission please go to our 'Exhibitions' section and select 'Upcoming Events'.

Welcome to the MCAC Summer Programme (May – September 2009), a series of creative events and activities that will inspire, engage and challenge. At MCAC we aim to create a holistic approach in presenting creative experiences—combining the processes of the visual, verbal, multimedia and educational arts and taking inspiration from the current exhibitions on view.

In the case of this Season’s programming the ‘pods’ are about celebrating a broad range of exciting and innovative contemporary art practice. Pod One looks at two very exciting projects. In Gallery 1, MCAC will show new work by internationally known photographer Paul Seawright, presenting new work based on Northern Irish themes—a first for him in 12 years. In Gallery 2, MCAC presents a mini-retrospective of 25 years of work by the US-based international group of women artists The Guerrilla Girls. The show launches the MCAC-commissioned all-Ireland tour of Gigs and the creation of new work to be shown in Autumn 2009. Critically acclaimed London poet Cherry Smyth will speak at a special verbal arts reading in May.

Pod Two highlights the work of local emerging and amateur artists. In June MCAC hosts an Open Submission for artists in the South Ulster (SELB) area. All of those who work with MCAC are continually inspired by the creativity that is developing around us and this show will highlight that artistic excellence. We will also host an Open Mic Night to continue to support the development of local creative writing. In July we host an amazing solo show by our Artist-in-Residence printmaker Jill McKeown, who will present new work created during her time at MCAC. Also in July the Portadown Visual Arts Society will present their seventh annual show with MCAC.

In August, MCAC is pleased to work with two major art organisations in Ireland—the University of Ulster and the Basement Gallery, Dundalk. With UU, we host an exhibition of digital art, curated by Chris Murphy, and organised as part of the International Symposium for Electronic Art (ISEA) hosted by UU this Autumn. Finally, MCAC is thrilled to present a body of stunning new ceramic work by Dundalk-based Frances Lambe, which will be shown in Gallery 2 in August and September.

Our taglines ‘Altering Perceptions’ and ‘Developing Creativity’ are prevalent throughout this Season’s series of exhibitions, lectures, tours, classes and inspiring workshops. Children of all ages can join one of our many classes, one of MCAC’s Classics, or courses during our annual Summer’s Cool Art School! Reserve your space quickly as spots will fill up fast! If Family creative fun is what you’re after you may participate in the Free Open Art Days or join in our Festival Day celebrating the Summer in June!

However you choose to be creative, MCAC has something for everyone! Please join us in creative fun!

Megan Johnston/ MCAC Arts Director