The Ark - A Cultural Centre for Children / Lárionad Cultúir na Leanaí

Workshop with composer Karen Power Karen Power loves colours. She also loves to create music and sounds using unexpected everyday objects. Filmmakers also use these kinds of ‘found sounds’ to enhance film soundtracks. In this workshop Karen will help you to listen and discover the musical potential hidden in all kinds of objects. Then, using the colour in films as a source of inspiration, you’ll get to create your own original music soundscapes for film! No previous musical experience necessary Tickets €11/€8* *Concessions for unwaged, those parenting alone, ... (click to read more)

Workshop with illustrator Sheena Dempsey The Powers is an exciting multimedia book project about a family of (not-so-super) superheroes. This 45-minute workshop will give readers an opportunity to meet the creators of these characters and help the author and illustrator come up with new stories involving the Powers (and their dastardly enemies) which participants will then illustrate with cool and imaginative "how to draw" sheets.Tickets €5 (click to read more)

Andy Briggs is out and about again with his latest book in the re-imagined Tarzan series: The New Adventures of Tarzan: The Savage Lands. As a film, comic, games and fiction writer, there isn’t much he can’t do, and he’s just back from working with real life gorillas in Cameroon, so he will have lots of new footage and stories to share. Come along if you want to hear about Tarzan’s latest adventures, as well as the plight of real life apes – there’ll be lots of fun packed in too!  Suitable for children aged 8 and over. Tickets €5 (click to read more)

Small Sounds: Early years workshops Join our team of outstanding musicians for a series of music workshops for children aged 2-4. Tip-toe into gentle and interactive music inspired by colours, pictures, lights and nature, especially created to let the very small discover the joy of music.  Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Workshops last around 45 minutes.   Workshop Schedule With pianist Elaine Loebenstein Thu 2 May @ 10am (ages 2-4) Tue 7 May @ 10.15am (ages 2-4) Wed 7 May @ 10.15am (ages 2-4) Thu 9 May @ 10am (ages 2-4) With composer Karen Power Sat ... (click to read more)

Workshop with composer Brian Irvine Join composer Brian Irvine for a workshop packed with musical experimentation, exploration and creation. Brian has written music for Film Four, Sesame Street, and RTÉ, and in these workshops he will use film to inspire you to create your own outrageous and imaginative improvised musical ideas. By the end of the workshops you’ll be able to perform your brand new film scores in time to the film. No previous musical experience necessary. However, children who are learning to play instruments are welcome to bring them along. Tickets ... (click to read more)

Workshop with Nick Roth (saxophonist and composer) and Judith Ring (sound artist) Have fun inventing musical soundtracks using everything from gamelan gongs to out-of-this-world electronic sounds, for rare comedy and science fiction movies. Nick has collaborated with many leading musicians including Bobby McFerrin and Iarla Ó Lionáird, and Judith specializes in composing music using electronics. Guaranteed to be out of this world! No previous musical experience necessary. However, children who are learning to play instruments are welcome to bring them along. Tickets ... (click to read more)

Circus Sights (Thursdays 4 & 11 Jul, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug)Discover the spectacular vivid colours, shapes and textures of the circus with artist Orla Kelly. Circus Sounds (18 & 25 Jul, 1 Aug)Explore the sensational sounds of the circus in these movement and music workshops with musician Thomas Johnston. Tickets €11/€8* concessions for children of unwaged, students, those parenting alone and OAPs Tickets for this programme went on sale to The Ark’s Family Members and Ark Angels on 19 March and will go on general sale on 26 March. Not a member? Join ... (click to read more)

Join Johnny Phelan, one of Ireland’s best jugglers for a fun introduction to circus skills including juggling balls, plate spinning, stilt walking, balancing feathers, spinning poi, diabolo, and unicycling. Tickets: €11/€8* (*concessions for children of unwaged, students, those parenting alone and OAPs)   Tickets for this programme went on sale to The Ark’s Family Members and Ark Angels on 19 March and will go on general sale on 26 March. Not a member? Join today and receive 20% discount on your tickets, priority booking and other benefits! (click to read more)

Taking inspiration from the great international traditions of circus poster design, work with artist Jole Bortoli to design a poster using paint, block print and collage. Tickets: €11/€8* (*concessions for children of unwaged, students, those parenting alone and OAPs) Tickets for this programme went on sale to The Ark’s Family Members and Ark Angels on 19 March and will go on general sale on 26 March. Not a member? Join today and receive 20% discount on your tickets, priority booking and other benefits! (click to read more)

Did you know that clowns register their individual make-up patterns by decorating eggshells to “eggs-actly” match their own costume? Join Niamh Lawlor to try-out different clown features before designing and decorating your own unique clown egg, a photo of which will be added to The Ark’s online Egg Gallery. Tickets: €11/€8* (*concessions for children of unwaged, students, those parenting alone and OAPs) Tickets for this programme went on sale to The Ark’s Family Members and Ark Angels on 19 March and will go on general sale on 26 March. Not a ... (click to read more)