Hi Cultural Companions,
You're reading this newsletter because you're part of the Art Link community. Over the past 33 years many people have passed through our doors and given their time, ideas, skills and friendship. That spirit of community means a lot to us, and we thought you'd like to know what we're up to now. We're also hoping you might contribute. Share stuff with the rest of us. You know, everyday things. Might be a project or event you're part of; an upcoming workshop, public meeting, show, gig or exhibition; a film or TV show recommendation; a delicious recipe; a book you enjoyed; a podcast you love; music you dance too. You get the idea. We might even learn something from each other, about each other. So, if you'd like to help us build a community news network, we'd love to hear from you.
This month at glance
Cork Midsummer Parade
You were all fantastic! All the community groups, volunteers who came to our workshops, performers, stewards, water carriers, drivers and people who did everything and anything at the drop of a hat. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. Without your energy, goodwill and community spirit Cork Community Art Link would not exist.
monthly film screening
We're screening the classic film, 'Blow Up' on Saturday 25th July at the Blackpool Community Centre. This 1960s flick has everything you'd expect from swinging London: a cool fashion photographer, a mysterious model, a murder caught on camera and a wonderful soundtrack by the young Herbie Hancock. Doors open at 6pm and admission is free. You can book a free seat, or just turn up on the night. Best of all we have the tea and biscuits covered.
GIFT OF THE MONTH
Every month we'll be highlighting the free skills, materials, furniture, transport and equipment listed on Art Link Share, our online sharing platform for community building and mutual support. This month's featured gift comes from a member based in Cork City who is offering production management advice and support. With more than 30 years of experience producing and managing festivals and events, they're available to advise fellow members on community projects and events of all sizes. For free.
The Dragon of Shandon
This year we're planning a special 20th Anniversary celebration for the Dragon of Shandon and will keep you updated as the months roll through Summer into Autumn. In the meantime, here's what we know for sure:
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: workshops will begin in early September. If you'd like to participate, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website. If you've previously been involved in an Art Link project, we'll be sending you info over the coming months
COMMUNITY HUBS: Alongside workshops at the Lido, our 6 week community outreach programme will expand to The Glen, Ballyvolane and Gurranabraher. More information will be available in July
DRAGON TRIBE TOOLKIT: Our toolkit includes downloadable guides on how to create your own vampire, werewolf, zombie or gargoyle costume. Whether you're working with family, friends, neighbours or around the kitchen table on your own, the toolkit is designed to get you involved in the Dragon of Shandon Parade
COUCH SURFING: we're exploring the creation of a community couchsurfing network for visiting participants so, if you're interested in helping out we'd love to hear from you
Behind the Scenes
After the Cork Midsummer Parade, some of the Art Link crew headed to Southwest France to work alongside our comrades from La Bergerie, organisers of the annual 'Rock the Sheep Festival'. The team will be creating tape-art installations by day, and finalising designs for the Dragon of Shandon by night. In October, La Bergerie will travel to Cork to help us build the floats. Back in Cork, the rest of the crew are booking acts and talking to festival suppliers for The Blackpool Block Party, working on the pre-production phase of the Dragon of Shandon, and signing off on the next comic book workshops.
community profile
This month we're giving a big hug to the Aisling Community Access Programme (CAP). They've been working with us for over 10 years and bring so much joy and energy to our arts projects. The group is currently collaborating with us on a creative garden project in The Foyer Gardens, Blackpool, which you'll all get to see when you come to the Blackpool Block Party on Sunday 23rd August. They made a short documentary about our collaboration which you can see on our YouTube channel.
monthly pickings
READ: Many-Headed Hydra: The Hidden History of the Revolutionary Atlantic by Peter Linebaugh and Marcus Rediker. Long before the American Revolution, a motely crew of sailors, slaves, pirates, labourers, market women and indentured servants had ideas about freedom and equality that would for ever change history
WATCH: The Lowdown. Created by Reservation Dogs showrunner Sterlin Harjo, the series follows Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), a broke, chronically unpolished used bookstore owner who sidelines as an investigative journalist
LISTEN: Past, Present, Future. A bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology
EAT: Hot Lemon & Bay Pudding. A simple summer pudding that transforms in the oven, into a light lemon sponge on top and a rich lemon custard beneath
If you'd like to contribute to our monthly pickings, or promote an event or project you're involved in, then drop Moray a line with a link and short description. If you have any suggestions to make this newsletter better, please let us know.
