Portraits Past & Present programme

Take part in an exclusive programme featuring award-winning artists Colin Davidson and Peter Strain and learn to create your own portrait.

Portraits Past and Present is a new online programme that will look at art as a form of storytelling and archiving history.

Featuring sessions with acclaimed artists, this programme has been developed as part of our 'Troubles Art' exhibition which is currently on an eighteen-month tour.

The exhibition, which was drawn from the art collection at National Museums NI, showcases pieces that explore themes of conflict and violence, suffering and loss and the meaning and power of symbols by a range of Northern Ireland artists and beyond.

How will the programme work?

- Kim Mawhinney, Senior Curator of Art at NMNI will discuss the Troubles Art Exhibition and its significance in capturing history

- Internationally acclaimed artist Colin Davidson will lead a discussion about his work, including Silent Testimony, and how he portrays emotion

- Award-winning Illustrator Peter Strain will lead workshops offering technical skills and support to help you create your own portrait

- You will receive a package in the post with materials to create your own portrait

- Sessions will be delivered online via Zoom and Slack - all with the support of the Making the Future team.

The programme will take place on the following dates

Thursday 4th February 10-11.30am

Monday 7th February-10-11.30am

Thursday 11th February-10-11.30am

Monday 15th February-10-11.30am

Thursday 18th February-10-11.00am

Thursday 4th March-10-11.00am

This programme is FREE and open to anyone based in Northern Ireland or border counties only. Numbers are limited. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.

For more details, or to discuss any disability access requirements, please contact Shauna McGowan: shauna.mcgowan@nmni.com

Check out the work below by previous participants on the programme