F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio

16/10/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming lots of young artists to the gallery next week for some spook-tacular Halloween craft workshops!
Join us and get creative building your very own monster mask, then invent a unique Halloween creature complete with its own name, personality and special power. 🎨
📅 Friday 30 October
⏰ 10am–11am or 11.30am–12.30pm
💷 £6.00
Book here 👉 https://orlo.uk/WClYv
Image description: A graphic showing a person wearing a green handmade monster mask with cut-out eyes. Text promotes the Monster Masks workshop on Friday 30 October at 10am or 11.30am.

09/10/2026

Artist Spotlight: Shore Collective
Watch below as Kelly from Shore Collective Art Group shares the inspiration behind her four pieces illustrating various textures and details of the River Bann . Featured in Threads of Time: Industry, Ecology, and the River Bann.
Threads of Time is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary project exploring the story of the River Bann and its lasting impact on the towns, people and industries of Banbridge and Portadown.
The exhibition is currently on display at the gallery and will run untill the new year.

02/10/2026

Join us for next weeks Toddler Tuesday! 🎨
We're looking forward to welcoming lots of little artists to Toddler Tuesday next week, and there are still some spaces left!

Join artist Deborah Malcomson for a fun, creative workshop designed especially for children aged 2-5 years. Inspired by the F.E. McWilliam Collection and the current exhibition on display.

Little ones will enjoy experimenting with a variety of creative techniques, including drawing, collage, printing and painting, while developing confidence and self-expression in a relaxed and friendly environment.

✨ Suitable for ages 2-5 years
🎨 10am - 11am
📍 F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio
Book 👉 https://me-l.co/pnxtqf3p
Image Description: Colourful graphic with details of Toddler Tuesdays.

01/10/2026

Build-a-Monster Mask Workshop 👾
Join us as you create your very own Halloween monster mask! Design a creature with its own name, personality and special power, then bring it to life using colourful craft materials to create a wearable monster mask.
✨ All materials provided
🎨 Tutor: Rachel Fitzpatrick
🎃 Suitable for ages 6+
Book here 👉 https://shorturl.at/EaSRc
Image description: A graphic showing a person wearing a green handmade monster mask with cut-out eyes. Text promotes the Monster Masks workshop on Friday 30 October at 10am or 11.30am.

29/09/2026

The Market Place are on the lookout for a Creative Programme Development Manager to facilitate the development, planning and delivery of multi art form programming initiatives and arts projects. The role involves development and management of the Community Arts outreach programme, staff management, event development and facilitation of a range of services.

Full details, including job description and person specification can be found below.

📣 We are hiring! 📣

The Market Place are on the lookout for a Creative Programme Development Manager to facilitate the development, planning and delivery of multi art form programming initiatives and arts projects. The role involves development and management of the Community Arts outreach programme, staff management, event development and facilitation of a range of services.

37 hours per week
£42,123 - £45,529 per annum
Fixed term until 31 Aug 2027 (may be extended)
Deadline: Friday 9 October at 4pm

Full details, including job description and person specification can be found here: https://shorturl.at/bvOY6

29/09/2026

University of Atypical, in partnership with the Department for Communities, is inviting d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists based in Northern Ireland to apply for an opportunity to contribute to an International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2026 event in Belfast.

Find full details and application information on the University of Atypical website or via this link https://buff.ly/5JV7Gl7

28/09/2026

Haunted House Lantern Workshop 👻
Create your own spooky haunted house lantern using Halloween decorations, colourful paper and plenty of imagination! Add an LED tealight to give it a magical glow and take your creation home.
✨ All materials provided
🎨 Tutor: Rachel Fitzpatrick
🎃 Suitable for ages 6+
Book here 👉 https://shorturl.at/0BJTU
Image description: Three handmade haunted house lanterns created from black card, decorated with Halloween details. The graphic titled "Haunted House Lanterns" and details for sessions on Thursday 29 October at 10am or 11.30am.

23/09/2026

📚✨ New Stock from Local Authors & Illustrators ✨📚

We've added some wonderful new titles to our shelves, celebrating the incredible creativity and storytelling talent on our doorstep!

📖 The Lonely Beast by Chris Judge
📖 Brainy Bot: The South Belfast Squirrel by Lauren Graham & Dave Orchard
📖 An Alphabet of Stories by Oliver Jeffers
📖 Our Wee Place by Sophie Kirtley & Ellan Rankin
📖 Finn's Causeway Adventure by Lauren Graham & Dave Orchard

Perfect for young readers, families, and anyone who loves discovering local stories and illustrations.

Pop into the shop to browse these fantastic titles and support local authors and artists.

📍 Available in-store now while stocks last!

22/09/2026

Shore Collective, a local art group from Lurgan is currently showcasing their latest exhibition at our Gallery.
Threads of Time: Industry, Ecology and the River Bann explores the powerful relationship between the River Bann, industry, community and the natural environment, examining how these connections have shaped the landscape and people of the region over time.
Featuring a diverse range of artistic practices, this engaging exhibition offers visitors a unique perspective on the past, present and future of one of Northern Ireland's most significant waterways.

🕙 Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm
🎟️ Free admission

11/09/2026

We’re delighted with the interest in our Artist in Residency Programme 2026/2027.

We just wanted to clarify that artists that work in multiple disciplines are eligible to apply for either residency. The key requirement is that your application and proposed project are primarily focused on the artform supported by that residency.

For example, visual artists who incorporate sound or performance can apply for the FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio residency, while performers, musicians and writers who use visual elements as elements of their work can apply for The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre residency.

Further details and the application process can be found at https://funding.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/Grant?id=a06Tu00000ozALqIAM

Please note you must register in order to apply.

The deadline for applications is 12.00noon on Friday 18th September 2026

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council invites applications from professional artists, resident and working in the ABC Borough, for two ambitious six-month Artist in Residence programmes based in Banbridge and Armagh City.

These residencies, that run from October 2026 to March 2027, offer an opportunity for selected artists to deepen their practice while contributing meaningfully to the cultural life of one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs.

Gratefully co funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland ,this programme reflects ABC Council’s commitment to nurturing artistic excellence, expanding access to the arts and strengthening creative engagement across communities. The residency aims to embed two artists within the heart of the borough, its people, its stories, and its creative potential, while providing the time, space and support needed to develop new work.

The residencies will be based at F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge and The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh.

Further details and the application process can be found at https://funding.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/Grant...

Please note you must register in order to apply.

The deadline for applications is 12noon on Friday 18th September 2026