BBC programme to showcase County Derry artists

Two County Derry artists are to feature in a BBC show, which will be presented by Draperstown musician and presenter Gemma Bradley.

Gemma returns to her rural roots in Mid-Ulster and explores her creativity with three arts practitioners who live and work in the area.

In this programme for BBC Northern Ireland, Gemma meets Conor Larkin, a former butcher and self-taught artist, who quit his job to become a full time painter.

From the cleaver to the canvas, the local artist 'living the dream'

Conor Larkin tells us about his journey to full-time painting.

Under Conor’s guidance, Gemma tries her hand at creating a watercolour work and later in the programme learns how to throw a clay pot with ceramic artist Stephen McGuigan.

Gemma also visits the Bardic theatre in Donaghmore, County Tyrone where actor Brian McMahon takes her through a performance workshop.

Inspired by these very different local artists, Gemma returns to the site of her own first public performance and reflects on the importance of supporting talent and making space for creative people in rural communities across Northern Ireland.

The documentary was developed and created by Glasgowbury and funded by Arts Council Northern Ireland/ Department for Communities, as part of their Stability and Renewal Programme.

Paddy Glasgow, Creative Director of Glasgowbury, said they were 'delighted' with the programme.

“The documentary brought together a group of young creatives and professionals in the film industry, mainly from Mid Ulster, who over Covid were challenged with the task of making a documentary, a project that would develop their skills and enhance their careers," he said.

"We are delighted that the BBC have accepted the programme as an acquisition and look forward to sharing it with everyone”

To keep up to date with programmes and events at Glasgowbury and all things Small But Massive, check out the website www.glasgowbury.com and all the socials.

Pots, Paints and Plays with Gemma Bradley airs on Thursday February 3 at 10.00pm on BBC Two Northern Ireland and is also available on BBC iPlayer.

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