The Virtually There exhibition and event tour, showcasing artwork created by artists, children and teachers through online residencies, reaches its final stop when it opens at F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge, on 7 March 2015.

The Virtually There project, from which the artwork for the exhibition is drawn, originated at Ballydown Primary School, Banbridge, in 2007. Artist Ann Henderson wanted to continue her relationship with the school from her new studio in Rathlin Island and had the pioneering idea to connect studio and classroom using video conferencing technology. The Virtually There project is now in its eighth year and the exhibition features work from five schools across Northern Ireland in collaboration with artists Ann Donnelly, Julie Forrester, Ann Henderson, Sharon Kelly and Andrew Livingstone.

Virtually There at F.E. McWilliam Gallery includes a programme of events for children, teachers and artists:

Question,Think, Discover: A special event for teachers and artists 
Led by Artist Ann Donnelly, Sat. 7th March, 10.30am-2.30pm
*Free event* Places must be booked in advance: [email protected] or phone 028 4062 3322

Official Opening Lecture: How do we make space for children‘s creative thinking? 
Professor Declan Mc Gonagle, Thurs. 12th March, 7.00pm-9.00pm
*Free event* Places must be booked in advance: [email protected] or phone 028 4062 3322

Symposium: Creativity in Primary Education: How can we impact on children’s learning experiences through the arts? 
Thurs. 19th March, 1.00pm-5.00pm
Information on panel speakers and the agenda for the day can be viewed here.
*Free event* Book here for the symposium: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/symposium-creativity-in-primary-education-how-can-we-impact-on-childrens-learning-experiences-tickets-15516061959

The Virtually There exhibition continues at F.E. McWilliam Gallery until 11 April 2015.

The Virtually There exhibition and event tour (2014–15) is funded by the Arts Council’s Touring and Dissemination of Work Award – in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.