Radio Relay
Extraordinary arts experiences connecting people with the First World War
The history of modern telecommunications is intimately connected to the events of one hundred years ago. By 1916, eighteen years after Gugliermo Marconi transmitted signals between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle, radio was forging a new, modern world of global connectivity. During the Easter Rising, Irish rebels seized a wireless station to make the first ever pirate radio broadcast, announcing Ireland’s independence to the world. A few short months later, cutting edge radio technology allowed instant communication between commanders on the front line at the Battle of the Somme.
Now Radio Relay will share the magic of radio with new audiences from Northern Ireland and beyond. Graham Fagen and a team of contemporary artists, selected by Golden Thread Gallery, will explore these historic moments and their links to the development of radio. A nationwide arts and participatory programme featuring artists including Paddy Bloomer, Colm Clarke, Gareth Moore, Sara Morrison, Mhairi Sutherland and Philip Hession will teach you such skills as how to build your own lo-fi radio transmitter, connecting your “ghost voice” with voices from the past. Then, on an action-packed midsummer weekend connecting sites such as Grey Point Fort, Giant’s Ring and the Black Mountain, a flock of silver kites will recreate early experiments in radio antennae, while a swarm of battery operated radios will create an amazing artwork made of sound.
The invention of radio made it possible to share news across boundaries, to learn of far-flung places and to hear the voices of distant people. Radio brings us together, allowing us to receive dispatches from the past and send messages to the future. Radio Relay gives that power to the public.
The main showcase events will take place at various sites between 18th and 20th June 2016 (with a programme of audience engagement activities in the prior months).
| WHEN? | WHATS ON? | WHERE? |
| Saturday 11th June
12 noon. |
MAKEY MAKEY PIRATE RADIO. Under 5’s Art Workshop
FREE. Booking Essential. |
Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast |
| Friday 17th June
6pm |
RADIO RELAY LAUNCH PARTY | Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
11am & 2pm |
DIVIS & BLACK MOUNTAIN TOURS | National Trust Visitor Centre, Divis & Black Mountain, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
12 noon |
THE HERD OF NOISY BENCHES – Paddy Bloomer | Divis & Black Mountain, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
12 noon |
HOME AGAIN – Colm Clarke | National Trust Visitor Centre, Divis & Black Mountain, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
12 noon |
FOXHOLE RADIOS – Gareth Moore | National Trust Visitor Centre, Divis & Black Mountain, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
12 – 2pm |
MAKEY MAKEY PIRATE RADIO. Under 5’s Art Workshop
FREE. Booking Essential. |
Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
1pm |
RADIO PRESENTER WORKSHOP – with Paul Kane from 89FM. Suitable for 13 to 18 years.
FREE. Booking Essential. |
Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast |
| Saturday 18th June
2pm |
THE GARDEN – Graham Fagen
World Premier – audio installation continues during summer opening hours until 30th July. |
Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay |
| Saturday 18th June
3pm Live Performance |
PRONTO – Mhairi Sutherland
Premier of PRONTO: Live Performance. PRONTO film installation runs from 1st to 30th July 2016. FREE |
Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay |
| Saturday 18th June
8pm |
ODE TO THE SUN – Sara Morrison
FREE. Booking Essential |
The Caretaker’s House, Templemore Bathhouse, Belfast |
| Sunday 19th June
1pm |
TRENCH SONGS – Philip Hession
FREE |
The Mona, Lagan Weir, Belfast |
| Sunday 19th June
4pm |
HOMAGE TO MARCONI – Gareth Moore with support from Paddy Bloomer.
FREE |
Giant’s Ring, Ballynahatty, near Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast |
| Sunday 19th June
4pm, 5pm, 6pm & 7pm |
ODE TO THE SUN – Sara Morrison
FREE. Booking Essential |
The Caretaker’s House, Templemore Bathhouse, Belfast |
Radio Relay is co-commissioned by Golden Thread Gallery and 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and by the Department for Culture Media and Sport
Golden Thread Gallery is offering schools a FREE opportunity to make their own foxhole radios with artists Gareth Moore and Deirdre Mc Kenna. A limited number of sessions will be available from 3rd May until 10th June 2016! On 18th June, Radio Relay will hit the airwaves and participants will be able to tune in and connect with all the Radio Projects. They will also be invited to participate in a range of Radio Relay events in sites in and around Belfast.
Image: courtesy of Graham Fagen
