Exhibitions
THROUGH THE EYE OF a lens: scenes of the strand by danny meegan
Opening 26th March 6pm – 7.30pm until 17th May
Danny is never out of reach of his camera, enabling him to respond to one-off, serendipitous moments in the world around him.
Working at the Strand Arts Centre since 2021, he has been able to capture fleeting moments within the iconic venue, be it a beautiful sunset, a packed screening, a ray of light pouring through a window.
His position at the Strand also gives him unusual insight and access into the venue, allowing him to take photographs of a unique candour and honesty. This honesty extends to Danny’s production of his images: in this age of ‘photoshop’ and image modification, he consciously does not utilise filters or tools of post-production.
Rather, he values the tools of the camera itself, experimenting with lenses, shutter speeds and aperture, resulting in the creation of a wide variety of images. However, throughout all of his photographs is a characteristic sense of playfulness.
The Strand is delighted to exhibit a range of these photographs together, for the first time. Taken in the final months of the Strand in its present form – prior to closure and refurbishment – the images in this exhibition take on particular significance. They are a fascinating document of the Strand in a specific point in its long history.
This will be a family friendly event, with refreshments and themed activities for kids.
The exhibition will continue until Sunday 7 April, drop in viewings
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm (for other times call 02890655830 to arrange)
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm (for other times call 02890655830 to arrange)
Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
*Unfortunately there is no step free access to the first floor gallery space.
Neon : Illuminating 'the Pictures'
Sunday 19 May – one day only
Free
(booking not required)
Exhibition open: 2pm – 5.30pm
Discussion: 3pm
First floor gallery
Please note, unfortunately there is no step free access
[followed at 5.45pm by a screening of Casblanca – featuring iconic neon signage
at ‘Rick’s Café Américain’ – for a special price of £5]
The Strand Arts Centre is delighted to invite you to a special celebration of Neon which became closely intertwined with the development of cinema architecture from the 1930s.
The exhibition will feature rarely seen archival photographs, footage from NI Screen’s Digital Film Archive and, of course, bespoke neon lighting, alongside contemporary artworks utilising the unique lightform.
At 3pm join us for refreshments and a discussion on the past, present and future of Neon. Speakers will include the Strand’s Heritage Officer Rosie Hickey, visual artist Johanna Leech, and representatives from ‘AM Light’ Neon Manufacturers including ‘master glass-bender’ Adrian McNevison and ‘apprentice’ Chris McNevison.
Made possible by:
The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive with support from the Department for Communities. The UTV Archive in this exhibition is courtesy of the partnership project (ITV, Northern Ireland Screen and PRONI)
Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive with support from the Department for Communities. The UTV Archive in this exhibition is courtesy of the partnership project (ITV, Northern Ireland Screen and PRONI)
Thanks to:
Johanna Leech and Stuart Calvin, of ongoing neon project ‘Bending Glass’
AM Light
Colman Rooney
Kevin Killen
Rosie Hickey