Writing workshops feature prominently across local libraries during the month of May, as Bealtaine, the national celebration of arts and creativity in older age, will take place.
Workshops are available throughout next month in all Cork County libraries. These range from crafting, creative writing, crime writing and poetry to foraging, puppetry, photography and music, with Bealtaine a perfect time to learn a new skill. All workshops are free, all materials are supplied and no experience is required.
As Cork County Council launched its Bealtaine programme, it will feature writing workshops including Let’s Talk Crime in Mitchelstown and Charleville libraries with award winning crime novelist Casey King (Marie O’Halloran), who will offer guidance on writing a novel, developing ideas and submitting work to agents and editors. Stories Among Friends in Mallow and Fermoy Libraries support participants in discovering their writing voice, whether preserving memories, beginning a short story or writing poetry.
A Life Writing workshop with award-winning author and poet David McLoghlin takes place in Carrigaline Library, exploring memory, storytelling and personal history. In Newmarket Library, Laura O’Mahony will explore storytelling techniques, character development and bringing ideas to life on the page.
Wet felting workshops with visual artist Catherine Callanan in Midleton and Youghal Libraries will guide participants through creating a unique felted landscape piece, while a Drawing Workshop with Fiona Boniwell in Kanturk Library introduces practical warm-up techniques for drawing and relaxed contour drawing.
Music workshops will also take place across libraries with Kevin McNally and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
The Bealtaine Talks Programme focuses on creativity and aging, featuring writers and media personalities. Meet Ray Cuddihy with an inspiring guest in Mallow Library, authors Madeline D’Arcy and Kate Barry in Macroom Library, writers and podcasters Cónal Creedon and Mairéad Herne O’Driscoll from Two for the Road in Creedon’s Hotel, Inchigeela. More speakers will be announced.
Visual Arts and Craft workshops, ceramics workshop, a hands-on smartphone photography workshop also feature elsewhere across the county.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Launching the programme, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said, “Bealtaine is a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect with their creativity, try something new, or rediscover a skill in a welcoming and supportive setting. This year’s programme offers an impressive range of free workshops and events in libraries right across the county, highlighting the vital role our libraries continue to play as inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for people of all ages.”
Participants should contact their library by phone, email or in-person to book their place at any event. The programme is supported by the Arts Council, Age Friendly Programme and Creative Ireland.
