February's news and events

Hi everyone and welcome to our February newsletter. We are very excited to start again with a month full of events. There is something for everyone!

NEW MEMBERSHIP RULES

As some of you may know, new membership rules were approved at the AGM last November. Full details on how to become a member—or how to renew your membership—are available on our website: https://thencf.art/members

There are two types of membership: simple member and full member. Full members have the right to vote and to book the space.

THE NCF/BFF RESIDENCY OPEN CALL AND GENERAL NEWS

Artist in Residence

The NCF cultural co-operative, in partnership with Ballina Fringe Festival, invites applications from visual artists based in Ireland or Europe for an artist residency in Ballina, County Mayo. This residency is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and supports an LGBTQ+–related visual arts residency.

The residency offers an opportunity for a visual artist to spend time in Ballina developing new work or research that engages with LGBTQ+ themes, lived experience, histories, or futures. Artists are encouraged to approach this openly and critically, and proposals may be personal, political, social, or experimental in nature.

More info here

Open call BFF Contemporary Art Fair

Ballina Fringe Festival invites artists and makers to submit work for our annual Contemporary Art Fair, a key fundraiser supporting the delivery of the festival. The Contemporary Art Fair celebrates accessible, original work and offers artists the opportunity to sell directly to festival audiences.

All works sold are split 50/50 between the artist and the festival, supporting both creative practice and the sustainability of Ballina Fringe Festival. info@ballinafringefestival.ie

Creative Mayo Community Grant Scheme

This is a call for members who might need help funding  a project through our co-op. 

The aims to support and enable culture and creativity in County Mayo. At its core is the belief that everyone has the potential to be creative and that creativity plays a vital role in our communities' wellbeing, social cohesion, and economic development.

If you have any particular project in mind, send us a few lines at info@thencf.art

Deadline is on the 3rd of March.

EVENTS

Let some love - Art house animation screening

Saturday, February 14th — Start: 8PM

Age: 21+

A mind-blowing programme of international short films about love, lovemaking, romantic tensions and painful one-sided affections – all these with electrifying humour and sunny spells of honesty.

• Programme duration: 67 mins
• This show is BYOB (no glass please)
• Free entrance

Hosted by Dodgy Lady

Accidental music club

Tuesday, February 17th  — 7:30 to 10:30PM

This event is a test run for a new sound improvisation club. Guests are invited to bring along non-musical objects and explore sound-making together through listening, experimentation, and playful collaboration. No musical experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to try something different. 

Free event!

Hosted by Jonathan Crean

The Canvas Session — Late Night

Friday, February 20th — 11 PM to 3 AM

A late-night blend of House, Electro, Techno & EDM with DJLA and Mr. €p$ilon.

Wear white, write! Markers provided — be part of the canvas.

€10 entry | Bring a friend €5
B.Y.O.B

Hosted by Not Too Shabby Productions.

Open mic

Saturday February 21st  — from 9PM

Open mic night returns to the NCF! Whether it’s music, poetry, comedy, or storytelling, the stage is open for you. Sign-up begins at 9PM, and performances start at 10PM. Guitars (right- and left-handed) will be available. The evening will be hosted by Seán Gorman and Joe Clarke — come along for a relaxed night of creativity, fun, and community spirit.

Adrian Crowley

Saturday February 28th / Doors: 7.30pm / Start: 8pm

Adrian Crowley, is one of Ireland’s most revered songwriters and a former Choice Prize winner. He released his tenth album Measure of Joy in February 2025. The album, including the first single Tangled, was produced by long-time friend John Parish (PJ Harvey, This Is The Kit).

More info and tickets here

Support: Eamonn Crean

EVENTS OUTSIDE THE SPACE

Cine Club in Ballina Arts Centre