By Lisa Ramsden
A VIBRANT, community-led, arts initiative, that placed creativity at the heart of rural life, was celebrated at the weekend when residents came together to see the completion of the ‘Threads of Drumaness’ project.
Celebrating local heritage through the power of visual arts and drama, the project fostered artistic expression, cultural pride, and meaningful connection across the generations.
Including the word ‘threads’ in the title was a clear nod to the village’s former linen mill, which was a major employer in the area from 1850 onwards, and until its closure in 1968.
People of all ages and backgrounds have been involved as the project progressed. Central to the initiative was engaging with locals who are under-represented in traditional community activities.
It was built around three interwoven artistic strands, each designed to nurture creativity, deepen local engagement and make the arts a visible, valued, part of everyday life in Drumaness.
The first aspect, or ‘thread’, of the scheme saw locals diligently crafting a community heritage quilt.
Through what organiser Amy Dixon described as a “participatory textile art project,” residents were invited to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Drumaness through fabric and stitch.
Rooted in the village’s history of linen production, residents created a line or square that reflects their personal connection to the village today – through embroidery, fabric painting, applique or printmaking.
These individual expressions were then sewn together into a striking heritage quilt: a collaborative artwork and visual archive of collective identity.
The second aspect was bringing the past to life through performance. Younger members of the community explored Drumaness ’s social history through creative drama workshops.
Through working in tandem with Mourne Stars, this culminated in their production at the weekend of ‘Oliver! Jnr’, which tells the story of a young boy in Victorian London.
‘Thread three’ was a project that focussed on the creation of a community mural alongside eco-art workshops.
The visual arts element saw the transformation of a piece of public space which is now enhanced through this vibrant artwork.
Local artist Peter Surginor worked closely with residents to co-design a mural for the village play park, inspired by the natural and built heritage which is so unique to Drumaness.
Children and teenagers were heavily involved in making the vision become a reality. Amy said everyone who volunteered their time with ‘Threads of Drumaness’ fostered “pride and creative ownership” in what became a living history project.
“We started the project just after Christmas and local people really embraced it. “It all fell into place, through everyone’s hard work and dedication, and it’s brilliant when we take a step back and look at what has been achieved within these few short months,” she said.
Delighted with how her notion became a reality, Amy said she was proud of how different generations stepped up to the plate and embraced the project.
She also put on record thanks to funders The Arts Council NI, via the Department for Communities, as well as County Down Rural Community Network and the NI Housing Executive.
As for the weekend’s performances, Amy said the community production was “a huge success” and a clear reflection of the “hard work that went in to bringing it to life”.
She said the production was a further indicator of “the true community effort” and added that everyone who embraced ‘Threads of Drumaness’ “worked incredibly hard”.
“The idea for this project came from a desire to offer a creative arts opportunity while celebrating our village’s rich cultural heritage.
“Alongside ‘Oliver! Jnr’, the community put a lot of thought, time and effort into creating the heritage mural and the community quilt, bringing people of all ages together to celebrate the arts and contribute something lasting for Drumaness.”
Amy added that this musical was chosen to give the children a glimpse into what life might have been like for young people living in the 1800s.
She continued: “It’s been such a joy diving into the archives and listening to the amazing stories from our village.” Describing the mural, which is located next to the play park, as “a true reflection of the spirit of our community,” she added that it and the quilt feature many aspects of Drumaness life, both past and present.
“From the hardworking mill workers and the fierce sports teams to our beloved swans on the mill pond and unforgettable community celebrations, people’s creativity really has shone through.
“There are so many pieces of our shared history running through this, and I am so thrilled that this has all been achieved within a few short months.”
Amy, who is also a member of Drumaness and District Community Association, added that people from primary school age up to those well and truly immersed in retirement had been involved.
She concluded: “It’s been brilliant to be able to celebrate our heritage together.
“As a village we couldn’t be prouder!” The Housing Executive provided £1,090 towards ‘Oliver! Jnr’ through its Good Relations Programme.
Speaking after the weekend’s performances, Claire Crainey, NIHE Area Manager for South Down, said: “We’re delighted to support this production, which has given local children the opportunity to explore the arts and build long lasting friendships with each other and the wider community.
“Well done to everyone involved.”
