Arts Week in Darndale is a big success

LORD Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh attended the launch of Darndale Arts Week and officially opened the Bell Centre Art Gallery, which has over 300 paintings on display. 

The exhibition comprised work by artists from Darndale, Belcamp, Coolock, Baldoyle, Santry and surrounding areas. 

In her speech the Lord Mayor highlighted the importance of people working together as a community and making a difference to the lives of young and old through experiencing the arts.

Nicko Murphy, Public Relations Officer for Darndale Belcamp Village Centre, said: “All of the work hanging on our walls is a wonderful mix of styles which compliment each other and create a colourful and vibrant atmosphere in the centre. 

“Our gallery grew organically, and what started as a small amount of art to decorate our very plain reception area, has now transformed into a prominent feature spanning throughout our entire building and it has become a real talking point for all visitors to the centre.”

Speaking about Darndale Community Arts Week, which ran from April 25-29, Mr Murphy said: “It has also grown over the last four years and has given us, as a community, the opportunity to pool our resources and engage with groups outside of our usual areas of work. 

“Arts Week has also given our community the opportunity to interact with each other in a different way through experiencing the arts together.”

Mr Murphy said Darndale Arts Week has become an important part of the community’s annual calendar.

“We are delighted to be able to work with our local schools, childcare centre, church and other community groups to deliver a fun filled week packed with an eclectic mix of workshops, story telling, musical performances and talks for everyone living in our community to enjoy,” he added.

For more information about the Bell Centre Art Gallery or how you can get involved in next year’s Arts Week, call 01-8771600, email info@villagecentre.ie, visit www.darndalebelcampvc.ie or find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/darndalebelcampvillagecentre