Two decades bringing the arts to the district

Two decades bringing the arts to the district

6 February 2013 - by BY JOANNE FLEMING

I DON’T really do arts. It’s a line Philip Campbell has heard many times from those teetering on the edge of a Down Community Arts project. But as this unique organisation celebrates 20 years of gently encouraging the people of Down to try something new, its project manager says most people have no regrets.

In fact, they often develop a new hobby with an enthusiasm and a confidence in their abilities which surprises both themselves and those around them.

Offering a high quality arts service to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities since 1992, visual arts, dance, music, crafts and storytelling workshops are all part of DCA’s tailor-made service to community groups and organisations across the area.

“To mark our 20th anniversary we wanted to showcase some of the projects that have taken place throughout the years,” said Philip, explaining that an exhibition of their work was being launched on Tuesday evening in Down Arts Centre. “A lot of people have worked with us in DCA in that time and we want them to come along.”

Paying tribute to the time and energy of founder members such as John Noble and Isabel Kelly, Philip said the exhibition would reflect how the organisation had made a meaningful impact on many lives.

“For instance we ran a mental health project with the filming of a DVD in Ballynahinch, Crossgar and Killyleagh,” he said. “Really the young people were the facilitators, carrying out research for youth services and gathering information on suicide prevention in Down District.

“This is not just art for art’s sake but addressing some serious issues.”

Working with bodies such as the South Eastern Trust and the Youth Justice Agency, young people with disabilities, young offenders, vulnerable adults and elderly members of society are among those who regularly benefit. Promoting social inclusion in isolated rural areas is also one of DCA’s major aims, as well as simply promoting an enjoyment of the arts.

“At Drumnaquoile before Christmas, for instance, we put on Sam Cree’s play Widow’s Paradise, and getting 500 people at St. John’s hall was quite an achievement,” said Philip.

“It’s those who say they don’t want to take part, or that they would be no good at art that gives you that sense of triumph several weeks down the line.

“One group in Newcastle in 2008 I remember particularly. It was a group called Women Who Help Other Women who were working with artist Sarah Kileff.

“They started very nervously. They were very nervous people but then they started to enjoy it. Eight, nine weeks later they wanted more. ‘Can we do some Indian Dance projects next?’ they asked.

“At a conference in the Island Arts Centre they even performed in front of group of delegates. One of its members also gave a speech when we were nominated for the Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place awards, about how she would not have had the confidence a year and a half ago to do this.”

A chance conversation led Philip, who is himself a painter, into volunteering with DCA back in 2003, subsequently becoming Project Officer in 2006 and Project Manager in 2011. Now working alongside Mark Revels in their Saint Patrick Centre office, Philips says he is aware their existence is never guaranteed.

“We are funded through the likes of Down Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the South Eastern Trust,” he explained.

“When I first started it was a case of sink or swim. I had to very much learn on the job and it was not without its challenges. The best ways of planning and funding applications were new languages to me.

“I still have to apply to the Arts Council every year, but they just recently announced a three year funding package, which is a bonus for us. We still struggle like anybody else. At the end of the day our approach in the current climate is to work in partnership with other similar organisations.”

What makes DCA unique can, however, pose necessary limitations.

“We are such a small organisation trying to cover all of Down District,” said Philip. “There is always a demand for us to be somewhere else. We can be in Crossgar for eight weeks, then Castlewellan eight weeks. It would be nice to be places longer, but it is part of what makes it challenging and rewarding.

“I would really like to take this opportunity to thank the board members, all the artists and professionals we have worked with throughout the years, and the people in the community taking the time to take part in the projects.”

And having been a part of so many of the projects on the ground himself, one of personal challenges for this quietly dedicated former De La Salle student is dealing with all the requests for artistic help.

“You always hear ‘Hello Philip, hello Philip’ when you’re walking down the street,” he said.

“I end up painting stages in schools, and I was building sets there recently three weekends in a row. I did ask myself at one stage, ‘Hang on what am I doing?’ but I find it hard to say no.

“In Downpatrick it is somewhat inevitable, but you do feel that you are doing something in the community.”

Those wishing to attend DCA’s celebratory exhibition on Tuesday, February 12 are welcome to turn up at 7pm at Down Arts Centre, but invited to get in touch with the office and confirm attendance on 028 4461 5703.