Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland — Danville’s Sister City — has so much more appeal than dark beer or green clovers. The second artist exchange program through the Sister Cities Commission of Danville has opened, accepting applications from artists of all genres.

“Anytime you can be exposed to something different — it’s stimulating. It gives you new ideas, you meet new kinds of people, hear different speech patterns … “ says Liz Orndorff. She is not only a member of the commission, but has experienced first-hand how the exchange can make a difference. She was the first artist to be chosen for the program.

Orndorff and friend, Nancy Martindale, took the trek to Carrickfergus in 2013. What she came back with is now a part of history.

“I wrote ‘The Search for Tinker Doyle’ when I returned,” Orndorff says, adding she had the idea for it before she visited Northern Ireland as a part of the artist exchange program. “I didn’t write it while I was over there. I soaked up the local flavor and as soon as I got home, I wrote the play. Then Pioneer Playhouse wanted to produce it.” The play was also produced by a theater in Cincinnati.

The deadline for applying is midnight Feb. 20, and applications may be picked up at Danville City Hall or online at danvilleky.org and communityartscenter.net. Applications must be returned by email to milton.reigelman@centre.edu or at the Community Arts Center.

The selection committee will send two or more names to the Carrickfergus committee, where the final selection will be made.

The winning artist will work with Carrickfergus to schedule a residency of two to three weeks’ duration. Carrickfergus will provide living quarters with cooking facilities. Danville will provide up to $1,100 toward airfare costs.

Artists will be expected to share their art with schoolchildren and community groups, both in Danville and Carrickfergus.

Danville City Manager Ron Scott also took advantage of experiencing Carrickfergus culture. He and his wife took the journey to build closer friendships — from a city government point of view, he says. The couple traveled at their own expense, he says, even though a stipend was available in the exchange program.

“We didn’t involve the city in reimbursements. We just chose not to file for the expense, and it was well worth it,” Scott says. “It brings cultures together … encourages a greater understanding of what binds us as sister cities.”

Georgia de Araujo, Boyle’s library director, also took advantage of the program. She says during her stay in Carrickfergus, she had two events, visits or programs on her schedule daily, but there was still so much left to do.

“It’s always an eye-opener to see how other places solve problems and make headway — you can’t help but be inspired and get ideas to bring home and try,” she says. She says the different exchange programs offered by Sister Cities allows cities and towns of all sizes to find kindred spirits in other parts of the world.

“Danville and Carrickfergus share so many connections: family names are the same, like Boyle and McDowell; we both celebrate rich heritage and histories; Irish settlers came here and felt at home because of the similar terrain; we feel at home there when we hear the music that sounds like it comes from our Kentucky mountains,” de Araujo says.

Orndorff says it was amazing to hear the language. “That beautiful Irish accent, which in Carrickfergus sounds a lot like Scottish since it’s only 20 miles away …”

Orndorff says the people of Carrickfergus like America, and Americans. “And that’s nice. They love American music, and particularly country music. Everywhere you go, they play it. In their pubs and shopping malls. We wanted to hear Irish music, but no, we hear country. We went to a trivia night at a pub, we came in last. Most of the questions had to do with American music, television and movies. And we came in last …”

Orndorff says aside from just plain cultural education, it’s nice to experience the similarities between the two countries. “It’s pure fun and pure joy. I would heartily recommend it to anyone.”

SO YOU KNOW

To apply for the second artist exchange through the Sister Cities Commission of Danville, pick up an application at Danville City Hall, 445 W. Main St., or online at  danvilleky.org and communityartscenter.net. Applications must be returned by midnight Feb. 20 to milton.reigelman@centre.edu, or mailed to the Community Arts Center, Artist Exchange, 401 W. Main St., Danville KY  40422. Nominations will be announced March 17.

The selection committee will send two or more names to the Carrickfergus committee, where the final selection will be made. Carrickfergus will announce the selected artist by June 15.

All applicants must be 21 years of age and live or work in Boyle County. They must currently be producing art.

In addition to the application form, two letters of recommendation, from an educator and an artist, will be required. Also, two essays must be completed.