Seamus Heaney HomePlace Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Ten years after opening its doors in Bellaghy, HomePlace celebrates a decade of bringing Seamus Heaney’s life, work and legacy to audiences from near and far
Seamus Heaney HomePlace is celebrating its 10th anniversary this September, marking a decade since the award-winning cultural centre opened its doors in Bellaghy in 2016.
Founded with a vision to inspire minds, move hearts and engage new audiences with the work of one of Ireland’s greatest poets, HomePlace has grown into a vibrant cultural destination celebrating the life, literature and legacy of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, while providing a home for literature, performance, ideas and creativity.
Over the past ten years, HomePlace has welcomed audiences from across Ireland and beyond, inviting people of all ages to discover Heaney’s work and engage with the wider world of arts and culture. Its programme has brought an extraordinary array of artists, writers, musicians, performers and public figures to Bellaghy, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Presidents Michael D. Higgins and Mary Robinson, Van Morrison, Joan Baez, Michael Palin and Marian Keyes, among many others.
At the heart of HomePlace has always been a desire to connect people with Heaney’s writing, ideas, place and enduring legacy, while creating opportunities for discovery, creativity and shared experiences. This 10th anniversary is a celebration of that legacy and of the artists, audiences, staff, partners, volunteers and wider community whose contribution has helped shape HomePlace and its story over the past decade.
Cathy Brown, Venue Manager at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said: “In the ten years since we opened our doors, it’s been wonderful to see our vision for the Helicon realised and to think of all the writers, artists, performers and audiences who have helped make HomePlace what it is. Seamus Heaney wrote that we ‘rhyme to see ourselves, to set the darkness echoing’ – and I think we’ve certainly done that here. We’ve had ten years of extraordinary events that have inspired, challenged, entertained and brought people together, and I’m excited to see what the future will bring.”
The Education Programme and Creative Zone within the exhibition have also become an important part of HomePlace, welcoming thousands of young people through its doors and giving them the opportunity to explore Heaney’s life and work in an engaging and meaningful way.
Sarah Cullen, Education Officer at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said: “It is always wonderful to see pupils bringing Seamus Heaney’s words to life through our programmes and workshops and then making connections with his poetry as they explore the exhibition. As we celebrate ten years of HomePlace, we’re proud to continue creating opportunities for young people to discover Heaney, develop their own creativity and see the world around them in new ways.”
To mark the anniversary, a programme of special events and activities will take place throughout September, offering visitors a range of opportunities to celebrate a decade of HomePlace.
A free drop-in display, ‘Our Imaginative Estate’, will run throughout September in the HomePlace Library, offering visitors the opportunity to discover a special piece of Heaney’s literary history. Presented in partnership with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), the exhibition brings together copies of correspondence between Seamus Heaney and acclaimed Belfast poet and writer John Hewitt, dating from 1966 to 1972.
The letters offer a rare glimpse into the relationship between the two writers, charting the ‘rhythm and routine’ of family, work and writing, and revealing Hewitt’s important role as a mentor to the young Heaney. The correspondence also captures Heaney’s appreciation of Hewitt’s ‘parental’ mentorship and his role in “establishing one’s confidence.”
On Saturday 26th September, visitors can drop into the Helicon to see a special anniversary film created to mark ten years of HomePlace. Bringing together short video messages and memories from partners, staff, visitors and others who have played a part in HomePlace’s story over the past decade, the film offers a personal reflection on the people and moments that have shaped its story since 2016.
Families are also invited to join in, with free drop-in activities for children in the Helicon, including face painting, colouring and art activities throughout the day. The exhibition will also be open for visitors to explore, offering an opportunity to discover more about Seamus Heaney and his life and work.
The highlight of the anniversary celebrations will culminate that evening, with HomePlace: A Decade Celebration. This special event will bring together music, literature and performance, with live music from Neil Martin, Anthony Toner and Rod McVey, alongside readings from acclaimed writer Glenn Patterson, actor Seán McGinley and singer and actress Bronagh Gallagher. The evening will offer a fitting celebration of ten years of HomePlace and the vibrant programme of arts and culture that has taken place within its doors.
Visitors can also look forward to a number of special surprises when they visit throughout September, with plenty to discover as HomePlace marks this significant milestone and celebrates the people, creativity and community at the heart of its story.
Watch our special 10th anniversary video, featuring messages from the staff, partners, artists and friends who have been part of the HomePlace story.
