Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture culture + health strand a study of 32 projects in diverse healthcare settings

a study of 32 projects in diverse healthcare settings Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture culture + health STRAND a study of 32 projects in diverse healthcare settings contents

Text ann O’Connor - with thanks to Aoife Carlin, Annette Clancy Cork 2005 Foreword 4 Mike White, Tony Sheehan, Gretta Crowley and Project Partners Photography Ger McCarthy, GMC Photography charlotte Donovan Health Service Executive: Southern Area Foreword 6 page 26 Denis Minihane Cover image Fused Glasswork, Encounters Project, St. Finbarr’s Hospital. Introduction 7 Photo Charlotte Donovan Design stuart Coughlan, edit+ Essay; A Change of Seats 8 DVd cork Film Centre Mike White, Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine, University of Durham Print city Print Ltd Edition 2000 Published February 2006 Case Studies Published and distributed by Music in Healthcare / Mental Health 20 cork 2005: European Capital of Culture in partnership with the Health Service Executive Southern Area. Moment 26 copyright Cork 2005 © 2006 Encounters 30 additional copies available from: ann O’Connor Culture in Residence arts + Health Programme Co-Ordinator hse Southern Area • Artist Residencies 34 community Services Office, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork • Workshops / Events / Performances 56 t: 00353 21 4923136 e: [email protected] Useful Resources 76

Acknowledgements 79 There were two simple principles to the Culture and Health Strand ... The first was to bring the year to those who could not access it, and the second was to devise a series of residencies and projects that would engage deeply

with the complex sector that is our health service.

Cork 2005 Foreword here were two simple principles to the Culture were devised. These included bringing the existing called for complex project management. Cork and Health Strand of the programme for programme out to hospitals and day care centres, 2005’s Ann O’Connor brought her specialised TCork 2005: European Capital of Culture. adapted for the particular context or setting. We skills as well as her commitment to ensure that all The first was to bring the year to those who could also staged specially commissioned concerts and of the projects happened. not access it and the second was to devise a series of events and we provided access to the programme The Culture and Health Strand would not have residencies and projects that would engage deeply happening in theatres and venues around the city been possible without the support and commitment with the complex sector that is our health service. through ticket allocations. In this way we were of Health Service Executive staff, both on the We began discussions in May 2003 with a wide able to bring the Capital of Culture events to Working Group and those who assisted, helped, group of people working in the Health Service. people and people to events. encouraged, suggested and, above all, worked hard Proposals were submitted through the public call Alongside this we developed an ambitious to make the Strand happen. We would like to thank process and these demonstrated that we would series of residencies whereby artists worked the current Minister for Enterprise and Employment need a comprehensive programme in order to make alongside staff and users of the services, devising and former Minister for Health, Micheál Martin any kind of impact in such a large, spread out and projects that were specific to the particular service T.D. who supported the Strand and made funding complex area. Projects would need to happen in and to the people involved. These residencies and available so that it could happen. The legacy of hospitals, day care centres, health service community projects were designed to ensure a meaningful what was created, documented in the publication projects, services in the areas of disability, mental participation in the creation of culture. Some of the and DVD, will surely be the development of real health, elderly, young people, areas of disadvantage projects engaged with particularly complex areas and long lasting alliances between the creative within the city and county and so on. of the service and it is a testament to the artists that community and those who work for and use our A Working Group was established between such high quality work was created. The residencies health services. the Health Service Executive (HSE) Southern Area were challenging and the involvement of the staff, Tony Sheehan and Cork 2005 and, out of this, over 30 projects of volunteers and of the users of the service often Programme Team: Cork 2005

6 7 Health Service Executive Southern Area Introduction Foreword s part of the European Capital of Culture Centre for Arts and Health in Humanities and The year has also seen new relationships between arts Programme, Cork 2005 joined forces Medicine (CAHHM). In his essay, Mike gives an Awith the HSE Southern Area to develop a insight into the Cork 2005: Culture and Health organisations, artists and healthcare staff and settings culture and health dimension to its activities. The Strand and an analysis of the work undertaken in programme which resulted became known as the Cork with reference to arts and healthcare work which augurs well for future development. Cork 2005: Culture and Health Strand and aimed internationally. This is followed by a Case Study to make cultural events and projects accessible to Section which documents the 32 projects that n behalf of the Health Service Executive work to flourish. The year has also seen new patients, healthcare staff and visitors in hospitals, took place in 2005. The publication also includes (HSE) Southern Area I am delighted relationships between arts organisations, artists day care centres, residential units and community a Resource Section which we hope will provide O to welcome this publication and and healthcare staff and settings which augurs well healthcare settings in the Cork area. a useful point of reference for those who wish to accompanying DVD which documents the wide for future development. The Culture and Health Strand comprised explore or develop their work in the area of arts range of activities undertaken as part of the Cork This publication and DVD, as well as the of 32 projects which brought ceramics, music, and health further. 2005 Culture and Health Strand. conference, will let us share the experiences of the dance, drama, video, photography, storytelling, The DVD offers an overview of the Culture Our partnership with the Cork 2005 wide range of projects of the Culture and Health visual and sound art to an estimated 2,500 clients and Health Strand and in individual segments an in- organisation through the Culture and Health Strand programme, explore issues vis-à-vis good in 43 healthcare locations, who otherwise may depth look at the MOMENT, encounters, Music in Strand programme has been an extremely fruitful practice and contextualise the role of culture and not have had the opportunity to participate in Healthcare/Mental Health projects and the Culture collaboration. It has provided opportunities for arts initiatives in the wider health agenda. It will this special year. in Residence programme, which encompasses ten creative participation in the Cork 2005 experience also give us a basis to build on the year’s work and The purpose of this publication and DVD is artists residencies and nineteen smaller yet no less for people with whom we work - directly or in move forward in a co-ordinated and creative way to celebrate and record the wealth of vibrant and significant events, workshops and performances. collaboration with the NGO sector - in hospital, to the benefit of service users, staff, artists and arts innovative work that took place as part of the It is hoped that the publication and DVD will care and community settings and across the wide organisations. Culture and Health Strand in 2005. Yet, it is also contribute to the growing library of stimulating range of our programme areas. The commitment Finally, I wish to acknowledge the work of envisaged as a resource and networking tool for arts and health material now available in Ireland. throughout the year to a socially inclusive model the Cork 2005/HSE Culture and Health Strand those who wish to develop their work in the field I would like to take this opportunity to of work was a significant and important element of Working Group and especially the work of Ms. of arts and health. Each of the projects which took extend a personal note of thanks to all the arts the programme for the HSE, as was the involvement Ann O’Connor, Project Manager who worked so place has the potential to be adapted and transferred and healthcare staff, artists and adventurous HSE of staff in the process across many of the projects. effectively with HSE staff. to different healthcare and community settings. clients with whom it was my pleasure to work with The expertise and contributions of artists, staff Equally, many projects could retain the structures and throughout 2005. and users of our services coupled with the effective processes they find work effectively and introduce a synergies and respectful working relationships Gretta Crowley new artform or combination of artforms. developed within the individual projects created a Local Health Office Manager, South Lee, The publication opens with an essay from Ann O’Connor positive environment which allowed good quality Primary Community and Continuing Care Directorate Mike White, Director of Arts and Health in the Culture + Health Project Manager, Cork 2005

8 9 By Mike White A CHANGE OF SEATS Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine, University of Durham

Changing of seats from far to near. A melody, a harmony, Humming then awing, Soon there is music in every ear But that is not all that is happening here –

Excerpt from a poem by a participant in the Music in Healthcare / Mental Health project.

made two brief visits to Cork in the autumn of 2005 to try and absorb the impact of I the Culture and Health Strand within the varied facets of Cork’s health and social care infrastructure. In just those few days I was able to sample the dress rehearsal for a multi-media performance work in a sheltered housing unit, a puppet show by residents of a long-stay hospital and local students, an international poetry reading on hospital radio, a specially commissioned play in an elderly persons’ care home, a display of fabric art by children with dyspraxia, tree dressing in the grounds of a hospital chapel, and a folk concert in a

11 The Cork Assylum Staff Orchestra, conductor Michael Devlin, 1903 mental health unit. I also took in some mainstream Strand has been an ambitious initiative comprising ... Cork has done something that nowhere else has so far festival events that had lateral connections to the of three key projects, ten artist residencies and over exploration of health themes, such as the ‘Home’ twenty smaller, yet no less significant, performances, exhibition at the Crawford Gallery. And outside workshops and events. attempted – to articulate the relationship between arts and the Opera House I witnessed the cathartic extreme Despite the exponential growth internationally sport of fifty teenagers head-banging their way in arts in health practice in recent years, Cork health services throughout a city and its environs, and to through Beethoven’s Ode To Joy. has done something that nowhere else has so far In between these events I gave talks on attempted – to articulate the relationship between build the potential and vitality of such a relationship... the practice and research of arts in health to arts and health services throughout a city and its mixed audiences of arts, health and social care environs and to build the potential and vitality of professionals. This did feel; however, like bringing such a relationship on the involvement of those a clear example of how the arts can engage Using the arts to help develop that ‘supportive coals to Newcastle, or rather from Newcastle who might otherwise be marginalised due to their in the partnership approach advocated in the environment’ in the context of a city and region where I happen to live. Because culture and health health status. The brightest legacy that a Capital Government’s Quality and Fairness Health Strategy is a considerable challenge, and it has required a has been such an integral part of the Cork 2005: of Culture designation can offer is a renewed (2002). That report’s foreword written by the then diversity of work in both healthcare and social European Capital of Culture programme, Cork confidence and cohesion, notable not just in centres Health Minister Micheál Martin, T.D. for Cork settings. Some of the culture and health projects is now as ahead of the game on arts in health of cultural excellence but also in centres of necessity South, stressed the importance of addressing health in 2005 have focused on the intrinsic therapeutic practice as anywhere else I can think of. It is a – in hospitals, care homes and in social services inequalities caused by poverty and disadvantage benefits of the arts, some on environmental privilege to have been asked to reflect on what has settings, both formal and informal. The Cork 2005 and noted that “the strategy at all points envisages improvements to support health staff in delivering happened here and to provide some words for this office also did a relatively simple thing that must be cross-disciplinary collaboration to achieve new their care services, and others have looked at publication. acknowledged – it consistently facilitated access to its standards, protocols and methods.” The report producing more creative approaches to achieving My title for this essay derives from a poem mainstream events programme for people dependent elaborated on this later in declaring that “many patient-centred care. In addition, there has been by a participant (now training to become a on care. Other festivals could learn from this. other factors, and therefore many other individuals, community-based arts in health work tackling music facilitator) in the Music in Healthcare/ Worldwide there is a developing orientation of groups, institutions and public and private sector issues of social exclusion and focusing on a concept Mental Health project at St. Stephen’s Hospital in community arts, cultural education and outreach bodies have a part to play in the effort to improve of social capital where ‘unity is health’. These are Glanmire. The line “Changing of seats from far services to address health issues. The international health status and achieve the health potential of the arts projects that start from the point of using to near” seems to sum up both the context and conference on arts and health held in Dublin by the nation.” The Strategy acknowledged that cultural creativity to enhance social relationships, reflecting achievement of the Culture and Health Strand in Arts Council in June 2004 took stock of what was conditions can impact on the social determinants growing evidence that good relationships are a the Cork 2005 programme. It speaks of inclusion, happening in Ireland and elsewhere and set out an of health and recognised the “formal and informal major determinant of health. confluence, empowerment and an engagement with agenda for its future development. In alliance with roles of family and community in improving and For Cork 2005’s Culture and Health Project the arts that is personalised through the creation the Health Service Executive (HSE) Southern Area, sustaining well-being in society”. It concluded that Manager Ann O’Connor “the year has been one of a congenial space for its enjoyment. But as the Cork 2005 has advanced that agenda and shown “the quality of life aspect of health needs to be of nurtured and informed experimentation”, but author writes, “that is not all that is happening the relevance of local arts development to current highlighted. This will involve creating a supportive only now perhaps is it possible to reflect on what here” – the outcomes have been as wide-ranging health policy. environment to maximise social well-being for has really been achieved. There is recognition as the programme itself. The Culture and Health The Culture and Health Strand has provided vulnerable groups”. that the programme has been a learning process

12 A CHANGE OF SEATS A CHANGE OF SEATS 13 for all involved. As a member of the Cork 2005/ centre of the work, and through their participation This partnership gave the Project Co-ordinator, As the Head of Nursing observes, “this artwork is HSE Working Group for the Strand commented, in creative activities sought to celebrate their Charlotte Donovan the opportunity to evolve a health promoting, and it’s keeping the patients alive. “the strength of this programme is that there has relationships with staff, carers and the wider calendar of quality artist residencies, workshops, It is providing a vitality that is as crucial to health been a huge respect for the competencies and skills public. This was a bold move, for often with arts installations and events throughout 2005. Early as treatment.” The hospital has secured funds to and peculiarities of all our fields.” Such a sharing in health the safer recourse is simply to commission in the year Charlotte took the time to develop continue the programme in 2006, and to extend the of perspectives has infused the co-ordination as artworks and performances for healthcare settings. relationships with staff and patients as a precursor project’s activities out of the hospital into the city. well as the actual delivery of the projects. It has A combination of both approaches, signals a to any art activity, so that attention could be given Sustainability of course cannot be built established a confident base for cross-disciplinary momentum has been generated in all involved to not just to the artwork itself but to how it enhances on enthusiasm alone; it also requires reflective research, coupled with patient involvement, that I continue this work well beyond 2005. the daily life of the hospital. “I didn’t approach this assessment of the impact of arts interventions believe should be the way forward in the evaluation The appropriately titled ‘Encounters’ project as my residency”, she says, “but as something we in health and indicators of their benefits. Music of arts in health. is a unique partnership developed between two want to happen”. Network’s evaluation of its project Music in Firstly and rightly, the Culture and Health organisations from the arts and health sectors. An arts-led Open Day on the feast of St. Finbarr Healthcare/Mental Health was crucial to its aim Strand placed patients and HSE clients at the Triskel Arts Centre and St. Finbarr’s Hospital. in September gave thousands the opportunity to to establish a model of good practice for music experience the hospital not as an array of clinical in mental healthcare settings. This project was and rehabilitative units but as a living community. based in St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire and the It also overturned the hospital’s design limitations Carrigmore Centre, Shanakiel. The combination in identifying indoor and outdoor spaces that of direct observation, reflective practice by the could provide a patient-centred environment for musicians, and testimony gathered from staff and both personal and communal contemplation and patients at St. Stephen’s and Carrigmore, suggest enjoyment. It relieved the sadness that many felt that key benefits of the participatory music sessions about the place, partly due perhaps to its workhouse were a fostering of empathy and self-esteem among origins, and instead affirmed the best qualities of participants, and restoring “a sense of individuality an old-style, community-based hospital. But it is that is often lost or damaged when a person suffers not only the image of the hospital that is improved. from mental illness”. Improved self-esteem is

... the Culture and Health Strand placed patients and HSE clients at the centre of the work and through their participation in creative activities sought to celebrate their relationships with staff, carers and the wider public...

14 A CHANGE OF SEATS A CHANGE OF SEATS 15 a frequently cited benefit of arts participation For research to be meaningful; however, there contemporary art practice and person-centred care. that celebrated and astonished. The radiance of generally, and it is a prime determinant of health must be continuity of the activity to assess its This multi-media project with residents and staff at the performers made clear the whole process had as epidemiologist Sir Michael Marmot, the leading impact over time. The Culture and Health Strand O’Connell Court sheltered housing unit produced been great fun. ‘MOMENT’ had an artistic rigour authority on the impact of status on health, has has used its key projects as frames on which the what its Artistic Director Molly Sturges describes that at first may have mystified the participants observed: health services can weave connections with other as “an engaged ensemble”. Over three months the but in the end proved revelatory. As one member All societies have rankings because individuals arts groups, both professional and amateur. When carefully nurtured relationships between artists commented, “you want more of it – you don’t are unequal in a variety of ways; but not all societies I visited the Carrigmore Centre in December the and participants developed organically into a want it to stop”. It challenged and briefly changed have the same gradients in health. What matters Cork Singers Club’s session in the day room was performance piece that is part-reminiscence, part ingrained patterns of care management and is the degree to which inequalities in ranking lead concluding with a rousing Fairytale of New York ‘live’ art. As one staff member observes, “it came mundanity, leading one care manager to declare “it to inequalities in capabilities … the lower in the with staff and patients in fine voice. Such celebration alive, grew out of abstract things … and created elevated minds to things other than survival here”. hierarchy you are the less likely it is that you will is actually heir to a much older custom. a kind of family”. It drew the incidental details There were also identified health benefits for some have full control over life and opportunities for In the late nineteenth century Cork Asylum of participants’ everyday lives and recollections participants, such as less frequent visits to the full social participation. Autonomy and full social boasted a 20-strong band led by a professional into a creative exchange with artists working in doctor, less medication required, and more regular participation are so important for health that their bandmaster. A local newspaper report from 1876 different media to produce a shared experience sleep patterns. lack leads to deterioration in health. on the band’s Christmas concert noted that: “The Cultural involvement can help mitigate the ballroom is a spacious and lofty apartment, and has adverse effects of exclusion and low status. A recent recently been painted and decorated with artistic study commissioned by the UK’s Mental Health skill by the inmates. A splendid band is directed by Foundation showed that people who experienced an efficient bandmaster. Dancing, singing and other moderate to severe mental health problems amusements are indulged in, and this treatment identified the ability to make their own choices and has from long experience proved more effectual in take control as a major factor in the maintenance restoring the senses than the more stern procedure of mental health. The model that Music Network of close confinement.” So arts in health is by no developed in Cork allows patients to access their means a new venture for Cork. There are many own innate musical skills and exercise artistic similar examples too of health institutions in the choice within a context of collective creativity. To UK and US that have a long history of engagement help identify such impacts from the perspective of with the arts. The difference nowadays is that, both clients and staff, Music Network’s researcher whereas they once simply made good sense, public has concluded that a participatory approach to spending pressures and accountability now require evaluation with clarity of aims and objectives is that they prove their validity to the arts funding crucial. The challenge for future research into a system and clinical governance. project like this is whether that first step to choice ‘MOMENT’ was perhaps the best-realised can lead to greater autonomy and restored health example of a participatory arts in health project of mind. asserting its quality and relevance to both

16 A CHANGE OF SEATS A CHANGE OF SEATS activity around the city. The sheer diversity of facilitated by Sirius Arts Centre, trained a practice and context in these projects has brought women’s group to facilitate visual arts work in a arts in health practice into alignment with arts day care centre. It established clear health aims for older people, disability arts, arts for special within the district’s regeneration agenda. The needs groups, and arts in education. Having these lead artist Marie Brett helped develop skills in the connections at grassroots level should place the facilitators in project management and reflective arts in a strong position to address policy making practice, providing them with a strong grounding initiatives at Government level. in community-based arts in health. The artworks Several of the artist residencies had an integral emerged naturally out of the learning relationship training element, which sought to build connections forged between the apprentice artists, day centre between artists, health workers and community staff and older people. The five collage canvasses representatives, thereby redefining the ‘arts in that were produced map the journey of the project health practitioner’ as not being just the artist but and embody the revitalisation of the Cobh district rather a network of people keen to explore a health through the eyes and handiwork of its senior issue creatively. A focus on resource development residents. underpinned the delivery of the arts activity itself. ‘Cobh Regeneration’ appears to have been an Dance Facilitator, Jo Nichols’s ‘A Time To exemplary project and its documentation could Dance’ project, for example, took place in a number provide a useful template for future activity. It of settings where elderly people receive health or created a domestic familiarity around the art At the moment, ‘MOMENT’ may only live and social integration that can meet the needs and social service support. The project involved a making. My experience of arts in health projects on through its dissemination and the individual raised expectations of participants. team of dance tutors who were in most cases also elsewhere has taught me that this is the magic benefits it may have left residents and staff in O’ But the energy and resources that have gone healthcare staff and community workers. As the ingredient of good practice in this field. As a Connell Court. Ideally, it could have toured to other into Cork 2005’s Culture and Health Strand have project developed the team evaluated and analysed daughter of one of the Cobh participant’s comments, care homes in the district building the confidence delivered a palette of possibilities that goes beyond its work. A notable observation was the surprise “it has given my Mam dignity. I can feel the heart of its ensemble cast to continue beyond a one-off the albeit vast confines of a year-long international of many healthcare staff at the agility, enjoyment in the works.” Dignity may be an important trigger project. But in the process of making ‘MOMENT’ festival. The deep immersion of arts into healthcare and concentration of older people once they got to sustaining health. Richard Horton, editor of it was difficult to predict its outcome. Because settings has sparked a cross-sector dialogue that is involved. At the end of the project the lessons The Lancet, has noted that “injuries to individual community-based arts in health projects often are essential for continuation of the work, so the finale learned and the guidelines for good practice which and collective dignity may represent a hitherto characterised by ‘informed experimentation’ it is conference in February 2006 is actually a prologue. were developed were fed back to a wider peer unrecognised pathogenic force with a destructive common for them to only realise their potential In taking stock of what has been achieved in the group of 27 dance tutors. The project alerted dance capacity towards physical, mental and social well- and the research agenda that could inform them at year, it seems evident that the key projects, artist resources and care services in the region to what being at least equal to that of viruses and bacteria”. the close of the work. This further argues a need for residencies programme and the twenty or so can be offered to elderly residents – and it achieved This is why maintaining and enhancing a culture their sustainability so that they are not diversionary smaller initiatives which took place have laid the this on a modest budget. of person-centred care through the arts can be an entertainments but pathways to improved health groundwork for a vibrant network of arts in health Similarly the ‘Cobh Regeneration’ project, important adjunct to health services.

18 A CHANGE OF SEATS A CHANGE OF SEATS 19 Even an ephemeral experience of creative called ‘Finding A Voice’ is an example. This project, engagement, when it touches on the personal, can which is based in St. Laurence’s Cheshire Home, have a resounding impact. What most impressed a enabled and facilitated the residents to articulate staff worker on the puppetry project in St. Raphael’s health and social care issues that mattered to them. Centre in Youghal, for example, was “the gentleness Forum Theatre could also be seen as a metaphor Dignity may be an important trigger to sustaining health. Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, has noted that “injuries to individual and collective dignity may represent a hitherto unrecognised pathogenic force with a destructive capacity towards physical, mental and social well-being at least equal to that of viruses and bacteria” of it”. This project, ‘MOMENT’ and others in the for the cross-sector collaboration that has fuelled Co-Ordinator for the remainder of 2006 by the HSE strategies and the development of participatory programme built inter-generational links between the Culture and Health Strand. In Forum Theatre Southern Area is an indicator that there is confidence arts with the general public. They need not be seen care institutions and local schools, providing a you participate not only as an audience member, within the system to drive this work forward. There simply as specialist services for excluded minorities, mutual learning experience that fostered a positive but also as an actor or director, as you bring your is also recognition that the whole is greater than the but rather as core applications of the arts to regard between the young and the vulnerable. unique level of expertise to bear on the issues sum of parts. As a member of the Cork 2005/HSE encourage a healthy culture in a healthier nation. Dignity conferred through communal attainment identified by the group. Working Group commented to me, “we have to be in the arts has been a palpable social outcome. What I think has worked best in the Culture careful that a conference does not just become a The Culture and Health Strand merits critical and Health Strand is that it has not required the reflection on the projects, and that it is a reflection reflection by all who have been involved in it arts to demonstrate their worth to healthcare at on the structures and process as well”. because it has brought into the open patients and every turn; rather it has examined the value of the We are beginning to see that successful arts in clients’ views on services provided to them and the relationships built up through arts activity between health projects attempt to establish a continuum of very meaning of health, and indeed the meaning staff and the public. It has signposted the benefits support for people with health problems to improve of culture. The projects themselves have helped rather than the instruments, and so allowed the both their well-being and creative skills. Much of democratise this process, the development of a quality of the art produced to speak for itself. the practice and learning going on in this field Forum Theatre project with people with disabilities The creation of a position of Arts and Health can usefully contribute to wider health promotion

20 A CHANGE OF SEATS A CHANGE OF SEATS 21 CASE STUDIES Music in Healthcare / Mental Health MOMENT encounters Culture in Residence • Artist Residencies • Workshops / Events / Performances When you are living in residential care you can become MUSIC IN HEALTHCARE/ so removed from parts of yourself that are still alive on the inside: these sessions are like life being brought Mental Health into these centres. Aingeala De Búrca, Music Facilitator St. Stephen’s Hospital Carrigmore Centre DESCRIPTION Music Network Between spring 2000 and December 2004, Music rhythmic, melodic and harmonic work, using Cork 2005 Network and the Midland Health Board worked singing and voice-work combined with percussion together in partnership to research how to provide instruments provided by the IRMA Trust. meaningful access to music for older people in Although participants needed no prior residential and day care settings. Building on the musical training, many members of staff and experience of the Midlands project, Music Network clients displayed a high level of musical talent, received funding through the Cork 2005 Culture some of whom already played a range of musical and Health Strand to develop a new project, instruments, which they brought along to the focusing on clients and care staff in two mental workshops. This, combined with the skills of the health facilities in Cork. professional musicians, enhanced the quality of the Structured in two seven-week modules - one group’s musical output. in spring/summer 2005 and one in autumn 2005 – The length of the workshops differed in professional musicians, Aingeala De Búrca (violin) each centre according to the needs, concentration and Nico Brown (multi-instrumentalist) worked and energy levels of the clients. In Carrigmore, with groups of clients and staff in St. Stephen’s workshops lasted approximately an hour while in Hospital, Glanmire and Carrigmore Centre, St. Stephen’s Hospital they lasted for approximately Shanakiel. The weekly workshops (a total of 14 an hour and a half. per centre) involved a group of up to 20 people in Staff training sessions were factored into the each centre. project framework, which aimed to encourage The focus of the workshops was on enabling members of staff to continue the work between the the group members to work together creatively, to musicians’ visits and to extend the work beyond compose and perform their own music alongside the the timeframe of the project. professionals, using an approach which combined

24 MUSIC IN HEALTHCARE/Mental Health 25 Aims and Objectives Outcomes CATH’S POEM Overall, the aim of the Music in Healthcare project Staff within the two participating centres observed was to develop a model of good practice for using that the workshops had overwhelmingly positive Name saying, drum playing, foundation laying, music in mental health settings, which would impacts on the client group. They noticed that Slowly, softly dissipating fear. impact favourably on the healthcare environment, the clients greatly enjoyed the workshops; that Thumping, banging, clanging, primarily through enhancing quality of life and it encouraged social interaction between clients Which tune to follow is not always clear. promoting health and social gain. themselves and between clients and staff; that Pling-plonging, sing-songing, ding-donging On the ground, the objectives were to deliver it improved clients’ ability to concentrate; it Sounds surrounding both muffled and clear. an enjoyable, creative experience of collaborative improved self-esteem and it encouraged integration Stand-upping, sit-downing, clapping and music to clients and to transfer musical by bringing into the centres professional musicians clowning, understanding and skills to members of staff so from elsewhere. Changing of seats from far to near. they could facilitate musical activity in the periods This project tapped a huge appetite for A melody, a harmony, between musicians’ visits and after the programme participative music and arts projects in mental health Humming then awing, ended. In each centre, these objectives were settings among both staff and clients and indicated Soon there is music in every ear addressed by specific strategies that took account that such projects can have incredibly positive But that is not all that is happening here – of individual needs, interests and resources. impacts within this particular healthcare field. Local partners are now hoping to extend the work and are If you have the time, seeking funding and resources to this end. Give yourself the time to Stop, stoop, tilt your head to one side, Look, see, Contacts Aged faces with twinkling, dancing eyes, Listen, hear, Deidre McCrea Eamon Leonard No scorning, free spirits, spiralling, soaring Music Network Carrigmore Centre Silently, roaring, The Coach House Dublin Castle Dublin 2 Shanakiel, Cork ‘I can do this, I’m alive, I’m alive, +353 1 6719429 +353 87 2848915 I am alive! [email protected] [email protected] www.musicnetwork.ie

John Cronin St. Stephen’s Hospital Glanmire, Co. Cork +353 87 2964410 [email protected]

26 MUSIC IN HEALTHCARE/Mental Health MUSIC IN HEALTHCARE/Mental Health 27 It was an evolving organic creation ... it took a few months moment and it was something that came alive. From abstract beginnings it grew and brought things out in me I didn’t Artistic Director: Molly Sturges Producers: Margaret O’Sullivan, Mel Mercier know existed. project co-ordinator: michelle finnerty Micheál Burke, O’Connell Court Resident and Ensemble Member O’Connell Court Turners Cross Day Care Centre SHARE Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction and guidance of internationally residents from O’Connell Court developed recognised director Molly Sturges, the ‘MOMENT’ a unique creative ensemble which created Intergenerational Performance Project brought and performed two ‘tea-party’ inter-media together a group of artists working in a variety of performances for the public. media to collaborate with staff and older people Starting in July 2005, O’Connell Court in O’Connell Court and with young people and residents worked two to three times a week over adults from the local community. three months. Workshops also took place in Turners O’Connell Court is a non-profit Social Housing Cross and Share Day Care Centres through which Organisation providing sheltered accommodation the older people there were invited to be part of the with support services to 66 Senior Citizens and main activity at O’Connell Court. The participants Older Homeless Adults from the greater Cork area. worked in one-on-one creative sessions and in The Artistic Director, four contemporary groups with the artists and students, in developing artists (Chris Jonas - video, Danny McCarthy - creative expressions that then formed elements sound, Colette Lewis - photography and Maggie of the final ‘tea-party’ performances. Those who Harvey – dance/movement), students from Ashton chose not to perform live used video and sound Secondary School and University College Cork and recordings to contribute to the performances.

28 moment 29 In the Ensemble a sense of deep communication and commitment to one another and to the creative work we were doing actually did emerge and became quite magical. Molly Sturges, Artistic Director

Aims and Objectives Outcomes ‘MOMENT’ sought to elevate the expressions The project culminated with the ‘MOMENT’ of a group of under-represented people based Performance and Community Tea Parties, which took in O’Connell Court through a collaborative, place on Saturday 1 October and Sunday 2 October intergenerational performance project which at O’Connell Court, Windmill Lane, Cork. challenged conventional barriers between In addition to the two performances, an Open art production, community building and Discussion designed to let members of the public performance. meet the artists, students and participants and to Using a collaborative approach – i.e., each discuss the intersection of art-making and healthcare, participant is seen as a collaborator that is capable artist collaborations and intergenerational work, of creating meaningful and relevant expressions - took place at the end of August. This was followed this project was based upon the principles that all in September by an Open Workshop which invited people are creative and that art making needs to be the public to make a creative contribution to the accessible to everyone. ‘MOMENT’ Tea Party performances. The project was highly successful and all It was exciting but frightening as well. It really made a ‘MOMENT’ sought to facilitate participants wished the project could continue. • an increased understanding of the experiences of Including the performances, the project likely difference – you want more of it. You don’t want it to stop. affected over 200 people positively. Additionally, older people and their caregivers Nancy Clarke, O’Connell Court Resident and Ensemble Member • a clear sense of ownership of the project by the many people from O’Connell Court who did not participants participate in ‘MOMENT’ expressed interest in • a critical dialogue related to the connection participation once they saw the performances. between creative expression and healthcare • the development of an innovative new Contacts Katherine Cogan performance work Molly Sturges (Project Director) O’Connell Court • opportunities for the development of connections 223 N. Guadalupe, #427, Santa Fe, Summerhill South, Windmill Road, Cork between people that will last beyond this project New Mexico 87501, USA +353 87 8135237 • support for ongoing creative work with the +1 505 9891437 residents of O’Connell Court [email protected] www.mollysturges.com

30 moment moment 31 As an artist, I have the privilege of being able to work with ENCOUNTERS patients on an equal level. Sometimes patients become used to everyone around them having more power. Artist-in-Residence: Charlotte Donovan Triskel Charlotte Donovan, Artist-in-Residence St. Finbarr’s Hospital Pfizer Cork 2005 DESCRIPTION This collaboration between an arts centre [Triskel] participants to ensure that each of the departments and a hospital [St. Finbarr’s] was a unique on the site felt actively engaged. Many of the art initiative. The programme ran for the whole projects were a direct result of this consultation. year and aimed to encompass a wide variety of One of the main focuses was continued approaches and art forms. visual art workshops with long-term patients. St Finbarr’s Hospital is a huge site encompassing This enabled patients to discover and develop many different areas of patient care. As well as long- their own creativity. term care wards for elderly, physically disabled, A number of open-access, day long, drop-in psychiatric patients and rehabilitation wards, the workshops took place in the Social Centre enabling site hosts a multitude of outpatient clinics, social people from all backgrounds to work together services, Blood Transfusion Service, a maternity learning new creative skills. The results formed part unit and college of midwifery. The hospital has of a growing exhibition, which was shown in several great historical and social significance in the city, venues in the hospital and in Triskel during the year. housed as it is in the former workhouse. The artist also developed several specific The Artist-in-Residence, Charlotte Donovan, projects with wards and departments that led to has extensive experience in directing arts projects the creation of art works which are permanently in hospitals. Besides developing projects herself, installed in the dayrooms and corridors. Charlotte worked with local and international A series of projects and residencies involved 13 artists and arts organisations to develop and artists. These included Cork sculptor and filmmaker present work throughout the year. Margaret Fitzgibbon who spent six weeks working In developing the programme Charlotte with female patients. spent considerable time consulting with potential Scottish artist Kirsty Stansfield involved elderly

32 encounters 33 long stay patients in a sensory art project, whilst Outcomes Italian architect Antonio Scarponi began to develop Many of the projects were celebrated and exhibited a new mapping and signage project for the hospital. during the feast of St. Finbarr’s. Held on the 25 West Cork artist Marie Brett led a series of textile September, this giant open day attracted over 2,500 art workshops with over 60 children attending the members of the public. Several art projects and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder Unit and installations were created for the day and the grounds their parents. The resulting banners decorate the of the hospital were transformed with a farmers corridor of the Unit. market, craft stalls and a marquee with musical and The former Magdalene Laundry on the site dramatic entertainment and art activities. hosted two residencies. Art Trail ‘Soundworks’ Other outputs included the many artworks presented Swiss performance artist Charlotte Hug produced and exhibited both in the hospital and in while Dublin-based artists Patricia Hurl and Therry Triskel during the year, a site-specific sound installation Rudin spent time working with staff, patients and at the former Magdalene Laundry on the hospital site, students in the creation of a site-specific installation. the production of a music CD and the transformation Several performances took place. These of a dull courtyard with a giant mural. ranged from free lunchtime screenings of World The project was a tremendous success, Cinema to opera singers. Student placements due mainly to the incredible generosity of the included the development of a music project and management, staff, patients and visitors of St. production of a CD. Finbarr’s. They embraced the artist and the projects, I put a lot of work into it and made a lot of it. I’m keeping myself A giant mural was also painted, utterly lending support, encouragement and participation. transforming a dull courtyard. The project has had a very positive impact on occupied. The art makes me feel healthier and happier. residents who might have otherwise missed out on Tom O’Donovan, Long-term resident in St. Philomena’s Ward, St Finbarr’s Hospital Aims and Objectives cultural events and activities during Cork 2005. Encounters was a partnership between Triskel and Participants are brighter, feel positive and have St Finbarr’s Hospital that aimed to ensure that something to look forward to, with many obviously Contacts Charlotte Donovan patients, staff and visitors of St Finbarr’s would be happier and healthier since the introduction of the Triskel, Tobin Street, Cork active participants in the cultural life of their city. In hospital’s arts projects. Penny Rae +353 21 4272022 addition it aimed to demonstrate that access to and In November the project received a visit Triskel, Tobin Street, Cork [email protected] participation in the arts not only enriches the quality from President Mary McAleese, gaining valuable +353 21 4272022 www.triskelart.com of life for people in hospital, but also can actually recognition of the efforts of all those involved. [email protected] improve health and wellbeing and self-esteem. The Health Service Executive has pledged www.triskelart.com Cathleen Bowen commitment to continuing the relationship with St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork Triskel and both look forward to new and exciting +353 21 4923264 projects and collaborations in the future. [email protected]

34 ENCOUNTERS encounters 35 Culture in Residence Artist Residencies

Cobh Regeneration 36 Surface Tension 38 Puppetry residency ‘mr evil loses out’ 40 Dreamstore 42 Sugradh 44 Time to Dance 46 Sound (In)sight 48 Finding a Voice 50 Arc House 52 Older People for Beginners 54 also sought to establish models of good practice Contacts COBH REGENERATION not only in the planning and implementation but Peggy Sue Amison Artist: Marie Brett also the evaluation of such a project with a view Sirius Arts Centre to the women’s group involvement in facilitating Sirius Arts Centre The Old Yacht Club, Cobh, Co. Cork community-based art projects with Sirius Arts Park Road Day Care Centre +353 21 4813790 Centre in the future. [email protected] Cork 2005 www.iol.ie/~cobharts/ Outcomes The resulting artworks were viewed as a celebratory Sr. Eleanor Hennessy record of the journey taken in both exploring Park Road Day Care Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork DESCRIPTION materials and ideas whilst working collaboratively +353 21 4816054 Marie Brett from Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, led three explored perceptions surrounding their hometown as part of a social group. The five canvases were facilitation training workshops with Cobh Women’s of Cobh and associated ideas about revitalisation displayed at the Park Road Day Care Centre and Marie Brett Art Group members (Mairead Geary, Bernie and regeneration. A series of five large canvases, ‘unveiled’ by Cobh Mayor Stella Meade, with Sirius Arts Centre Galvin, Pepe O’Neill and Susanne O’Mahony). painted and collaged, were created by participants attending family and friends. The works were then Coomclogh, Kealkil, Bantry, Co.Cork The members explored issues to consider when working in four key groups. One trainee facilitator exhibited at Cobh’s Post Office before permanent +353 27 66408 planning and organising a community-based arts from the Cobh Women’s Art Group worked installation at the Park Road Day Care Centre. [email protected] project; looking at models of good practice as well consecutively with each small group. Two sessions were spent reviewing and as viewing examples of other projects in similar evaluating the project and a diary-like project file contexts. During this process the group met with Aims and Objectives was assembled. I never realised that elderly people both staff and guests attending the Park Road Day In line with one of Sirius Arts Centre’s objectives The artist remembers an ambiance of ‘fun could actually thrive so brilliantly in Care Centre and gained their input at the planning to celebrate Cobh through art, this project marked and laughter’ amidst the ‘serious intent’ as the an art project like this. It was a real stage. They then collectively went on to devise, the beginning of what the Centre hopes will be guests developed their creations. Art found further eye-opener for me to see what they resonance as the guests discovered areas of each plan and carry out a creative arts project, working a longer-term community arts initiative which could achieve. with older people attending the Day Care centre will celebrate the area. Using the theme of The other’s lives that had been unknown, opening up Sr. Eleanor Hennessy, in Cobh. Regeneration of Cobh/Health and Revitalisation, new avenues of conversation and interests. Nurse Administrator, Park Road Day Care Centre Six weeks were then spent working with, on the project aimed to collaboratively develop a body average, 24 older people attending the Day Care of work for exhibition. centre on Wednesday mornings. An average of Building on work previously undertaken by three members of centre staff were present and Sirius Arts Centre with a women’s art group, the This project has given my Mam dignity. I can feel the heart in the supportive during these sessions. project aimed to develop their skills and facilitate Visual media was used to explore a theme of the training necessary for them to deliver a visual works. Thank you for giving that to my Mam. health and revitalisation/regeneration. The group arts project in a healthcare setting. The project Daughter of participant attending the Park Road Day Care Centre

38 Culture in residence Culture in residence 39 SURFACE TENSION Co-Ordinator: Dee Hurley Artist: Tim Murphy Liberty Street House Meitheal Mara Cork 2005

Outcomes Contacts DESCRIPTION The group sprayed their tag pieces on boards, Dee Hurley Dee Hurley designed a series of five two-hour table for drawing and outdoor space for aerosol working together to create a cohesive piece that 3 Wellesley Terrace Wellington Road, Cork workshops to empower young people with the work. The Surface Tension urban art festival they displayed at Liberty Street at the Surface +353 87 6530814 skills and confidence to train in an artform they took place in White Street Car Park in Cork on Tension urban art event on 28 and 29 May. They [email protected] could relate to and to get involved in the Surface 28 and 29 May. Prior to the festival the young were involved both behind the scenes (the first there Tension urban art event, where they would be people exhibited their work during an Open Day on Saturday to help prime walls) and practising the Brigette Mintern exposed to established graffiti writers from all over at Liberty Street House. skills they had learned, doing various pieces, large Liberty Street House, Liberty Street, Cork Ireland and the world. and small, on the car park walls. +353 21 4921728 The first week, to gain a sense of appreciation, Aims and Objectives Emmet came to the opening night of artists [email protected] the participants (Emmet, Stumpy, Chuck, GG, Based on a similar project in Australia which, talks in the Caucus Centre; GG, who was getting Merc and Alan) looked at graffiti art on a local when reviewed after five years noted that some a portfolio together for art college, also did a and worldwide context - visiting the graffiti participants had been getting work designing workshop at Cork Printmakers; and Alan, who was walls in Cork and looking at books. The next and painting commercially, Surface Tension was doing video as part of his BTAC award, created and two workshops were devoted to sketch work, devised as an opportunity to give a group of young presented video documentation of the workshops, developing tag signatures and exploring different people from Cork a chance to develop ideas, learn showing that the project encouraged participants graffiti writing styles. The final two workshops skills and express themselves in a way that interests to seek out and take part in other artistic activity. them; and through guidance and practise, to acquire The week following the graffiti jam, Tim got concentrated on spray can technique. The workshops were daysent … the Workshops took place in Meitheal Mara, an understanding and respect for the medium of permission from Meitheal Mara for the group to facilitated by local graffiti artist Tim Murphy. The aerosol paint. paint the exterior wall there, a real triumph for this best thing ever!! space was ideal as there was a room with a large group of young artists. Emmet, Surface Tension participant

40 Culture in residence Culture in residence 41 PUPPETRY RESIDENCY: MR EVIL LOSES OUT Artist: Aaron Towers St. Raphael’s Centre South Abbey Primary School Colaiste Eoin Secondary School Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Twelve weekly creative workshops, bringing people of different ages and different abilities, and together students from South Abbey Primary School, to design and create various working puppets to Colaiste Eoin Secondary School and St. Raphael’s use in a production staged by the students. Centre for people with an intellectual disability, were held between September and December 2005. Outcomes Fifteen students participated in total, five from The first performance of ‘Mr. Evil Loses Out’ each school/centre, working to design and create was held in December alongside an exhibition of puppets for use in their own theatrical production. photographs. The second performance took place During these creative workshops the issues of in January 2006 in South Abbey Primary School. St. interaction and ageism were observed and recorded Raphael’s Centre intends to continue and develop as students views were challenged and changed by this project into the future. The most fun-filled inclusive project I have the experience of making art together. Photography was used to provide a record of Contacts ever been involved with. work experience and learning produced within the Ned Cotter John McHarg, Staff member/artist St Raphael’s Centre various workshops, as well as recording moments Bawnard Centre, St. Raphael Centre of integration between students. Youghal, Co.Cork +353 86 8131539 Aims and Objectives [email protected] The main aim of the project was to provide a model for working relationships between Centres Aaron Towers for Learning Disabilities that provide education to 1 Chapel Hill, Shandon, Cork differing types of students. The objectives of the +353 86 8134149 project were to explore the interaction between [email protected]

Culture in residence 42 43 DREAM STORE Artist: Jack Healy Park House Family Centre; Deerpark Family Centre, The School of the Divine Child; St. Luke’s Day Care Centre Bandon Day Care Centre; Mahon Active Retirement Group Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Outcomes This project, based on the idea of the sleeping dream No artwork as such was produced; however, the as a creative event, took place in six healthcare project promoted the idea that the process of venues – three involving younger people: Park dreaming constituted an arts activity in itself and, House Family Centre, Cobh; Deerpark Family as such, could bear fruit in the process of sharing. Centre, Bandon; The School of the Divine Child, Consequently the workshops were seen as creative Blackrock – and three involving older people: St. events in themselves. Luke’s Day Care Centre, Mahon; Bandon Day The project did achieve its original aims in that Care Centre, Bandon; and Mahon Retirement anyone who was involved came to see dreaming as a Group, Mahon. valuable resource with respect to creative wellbeing. Twenty eight workshops took place in all, under the guidance of artist Jack Healy. Approximately Contacts 80 people participated. The main medium used Jack Healy was the spoken word. With the younger groups, No.29, Alexandra Villas, St. Luke’s, Cork drawing was also part of the process. +353 86 0662705 At all venues staff also contributed to the dream [email protected] sharing workshops that were central to the project.

Aims and Objectives I see the dreams as being little plays of films that have a mysterious significance The aim of this intergenerational project was to With an experiment of that kind you in our lives and for that reason … the actual exchange of dreams almost had promote the idea of the sleeping dream as a creative always hope for some kind of magical a theatrical quality ... the older people really enjoyed the contact with the event and a source of “wholesome entertainment” exchange and that did happen… younger people and hearing what they had to offer. for the dreamer that had the capacity to enrich Jack Healy, Artist Jack Healy, Artist others in the process of sharing.

44 Culture in residence Culture in residence 45 SUGRADH Artists: Hugh Lorigan & Emer Toomey Mahon Family Resource Centre Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Aims and Objectives This project, which took place mainly during a three- The project sought to build on the existing plans month period in the autumn was a collaboration to devise a unique play area at the MFRC. The between Cork 2005, the Mahon Family Resource area is intended to encourage children to use Centre (MFRC) and Lorigan Ceramics. MFRC was their imagination and to provide a sensory space in the process of realising an outdoor play space in which they can play. The project responded for children to adjoin the existing. The two artists by exploring the possibilities of creating unique working with MFRC were Emer Toomey and Hugh ceramic panels, 3-dimensional pieces and plaques Lorigan. for location in the area. The project involved three different groups working on making ceramic pieces and plaques for Outcomes possible inclusion in this outdoor play space. The A significant volume of work was produced as a group discussed the concepts of and worked on the result of the workshops. All of the participants themes of 1. Light and Sound, 2. Sand and Water, donated the ceramic panels, plaques and 3- and 3. Home. All the clay work was made from dimensional pieces which they made for the new stoneware fired to 1280 degrees centigrade. play area at the MFRC. When the area is near The groups, whose age profile ranged from completion, the artist intends to advise MFRC on Contacts pre-teens to grandparents, included settled traveller how the pieces should be fitted. Hugh Lorigan Mary Malone children, women with children of school-going age The workshops facilitated great interaction Lorigan Ceramics Mahon Family Resource Centre and some of the community representatives active in between the participating groups. The participants Shandon Craft Centre, Old Butter Market, Lakeland Crescent, Mahon, Cork the area. The work produced reflects this disparity. learned the difficult technique of working with clay Shandon, Cork +353 21 4358866 The groups met one day a week between the end of and the kiln facilities based in the centre were put +353 86 2262185 [email protected] September and the start of December 2005. to use for the first time. [email protected]

46 Culture in residence Culture in residence 47 TIME TO DANCE Artist: Jo Nichols Knocknaheeny Day Care Centre; Charleville Semi-sheltered Centre Marymount hospice; Golden Meadows retirement village McAuley Day Care Centre; Cork 2005

“To be included in the events of the City of Culture is a rightful honour for all our patients as their contribution to the city over the past decades has been fundamental to the evolution of the City that we ‘younger folk’ enjoy today” Kathleen Harte, Marymount Hospice Outcomes Artist Feedback Each of the original aims were successfully met with To take part in this project has been a truly DESCRIPTION Aims and Objectives the older people, centre staff and dance facilitators wonderful experience. From start to finish there Based on the theme of positive aging, five centres The main aims and objectives were: each benefiting in many different ways: has been learning and joy in abundance. The in Cork received creative dance workshops • to devise and pilot a template workshop which • the older people enjoyed lots of laughter, broad combination of creative work, facilitation, in October and November 2005. The centres will include a collaborative mix of creative dance increased energy levels, much more chat and mentoring, observation and sharing of expertise spanned Cork City, North Cork and West Cork performance and audience/group participation had requests for more has been invaluable and I am sure will continue to and included an active retirement group, a day • to offer a short series of one-off dance workshops • the staff felt they experienced positive feed positive repercussions into our work and local care centre, a sheltered housing centre, a hospital to older people across Cork city/county, bonding and a chance for fun time with communities for a long time to come. and a nursing home. providing enjoyment and motivation to join in their residents / patients, as well as having their Some of the groups were familiar with creative • to consolidate dance tutors existing dance expectations challenged of what the older dance, while for others, it was a completely new teaching / facilitation skills and experience, people can achive within a different creative experience! while offering opportunity for observation, context Following the creation of the workshop evaluation and mentoring skills to be addressed • the dance tutors benefitted from skills Contacts template, 67 older people, four dance tutors (Joy • to disseminate information and conclusions sharing, confidence building and motivation to Jo Nichols Cantwell, Maureen Collins, Hossanah Diver drawn from the pilot workshops to a broader try new approaches, as well as the opportunity 77 Clonlea, Mount Oval Village, and Betty Smith) and five members of healthcare selection of dance tutors for observation and mentoring, and practical Rochestown, Cork staff took part in the workshops. The workshops tips for the planning and delivery of workshops +353 87 7787320 combined seated creative dance with music, song, leading to increased motivation to continue in [email protected] brainteasers, icebreakers and lots of colourful good practice props. An additional 27 dance tutors took part in the following practical dissemination of information gleaned from the experience of the project.

48 Culture in residence Culture in residence 49 SOUND (IN)SIGHT Artist: Danny McCarthy Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Aims and Objectives The core of this sound art project centred around Initiated by an approach by Cork 2005 to sound field recordings which Danny McCarthy made in artist Danny McCarthy and further to meetings the surroundings of the Irish Guide Dogs for the with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the artist Blind headquarters. Various titles were discussed, proposed to work as an artist-in-residence in the such as ‘Taking My Human For A Walk’ and ‘Long organisation’s headquarters for November and Cane Talking’ but whilst working on the project December 2005 and to create a sound installation Danny McCarthy came up with the title ‘Sound from the residency. (In)sight’ which he felt was the most appropriate. The artist used binaural microphones: special Outcomes microphones that fit onto your ears like headphones The final installation took the form of a darkened Artist Feedback Contacts and record sound as your ears hear it. When played room in which ten speakers were installed and For me it has been an amazing and fulfilling Danny McCarthy back it gives the effect of hearing the sound inside two audio systems: one playing a CD consisting experience and to have made good quality work Soundworks Unlimited your head. of the names of the dogs and a colour reading from it is all the better and I still have a lot of Inis Oirr, 2 Chestnut Drive, Midleton Danny recorded various sounds from around machine whilst the other CD contained 20 of the recordings left to be heard. +353 87 2403940 the centre, on Long Cane training walks around the tracks made from processing and editing the field I found all the staff to be extremely helpful [email protected] city and suburbs with instructors and clients of the recordings. These two CDs were then set playing and considerate especially when one realises that centre and on walks with the dog instructors and on random, so the sound would never be the same they had probably very little experience of Sound Padraig Mallon ‘pupils’. Recordings were also made by putting the at any one time in the installation. Art before and were asked to let a stranger record Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind binaural microphones on guide dog Murphy during Reactions to the project were extremely them at their daily work. National Headquarters and Training Centre, a training walk and of the dogs in the kennels - at positive. Both staff and clients were interested in Model Farm Road, Cork play, eating, resting, washing, panting – with the the work at all times and were prepared to go to +353 86 8115045 input and assistance of the organisation’s staff at any trouble to assist. The artist hopes to present [email protected] all times. the installation in a gallery in the future, as well as www.guidedogs.ie considering releasing a CD of the work.

Culture in residence Culture in residence 50 51 FINDING A VOICE Artist: Peter Kearns St. Laurence’s Cheshire Home St. Philomena’s Ward, St. Finbarr’s Hospital Chomhairle; National Disability Authority Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Aims and Objectives Forum Theatre was developed in Latin America in The aims of the workshops were to enable the 1960s as a special kind of performance where participants to: the distinction between reality and theatre is lifted • identify a dramatic scenario relevant to by inviting the audience and their ideas on stage. people with disabilities based in residential During November and December 2005, a troupe settings in Cork city of actors made up of people with disabilities and • analyse the above scenario through the health service staff developed a locally based Medical and Social model scenario through Forum Theatre, led by writer and • evaluate how such a scenario could director, Peter Kearns. be effectively progressed through Forum The purpose of the Cork 2005 ‘Finding a Voice’ Theatre Forum Theatre Project was to change the disabled • demonstrate and perform a scenario to spectator from a passive to an active participant a participative audience made up of and to encourage disabled and non-disabled people statutory, voluntary sector staff and people to get active and engage in dialogue about issues with disabilities of concern within residential settings in Cork City. Through the project, participants are enabled to Outcomes find new and creative ways of articulating their The work was performed in three health settings feelings about the issues that affect their lives, and in January 2006. Audiences were made up of Contacts new ways of engaging with others. statutory and voluntary sector staff and people Peter Kearns James Hayes Post 2005, this troupe of actors will have the with disabilities. The Workhouse St. Laurence’s Cheshire Home capacity to travel about the Cork area performing to Bun Na Spéire, Tully, Dromahaire, Tivoli, Cork participative audiences made up of statutory, voluntary Co.Leitrim +353 86 6083357 sector staff and people with disabilities, who wish to +353 87 72506246 progress disability and independent living issues. [email protected]

Culture in residence Culture in residence 52 53 ARC HOUSE RESIDENCY Artist: Molly Sturges Arc Cancer Support House Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION Contacts The Arc House Residency consisted of five Molly Sturges, Project Director weekly creative arts sessions with a group of six The Workhouse to nine cancer sufferers who recently completed 223 N. Guadalupe,#427,Santafe, treatment. The workshops took place from August New Mexico 87501,USA to September 2005 in Cork ARC Cancer Support +1 505 9891437 House, a centre for people living with cancer and for [email protected] those who care for them. The intimate sessions were www.mollysturges.com designed specifically for the group after meetings between the artist Molly Sturges (facing page) and Ellen O’Neill, Director of Services the ARC House Director Ellen O’Neill and utilised Arc House movement, sound, music, writing and discussion. Porhand House, 6 Carraigfern, College Rd, Cork When visitors who have experienced cancer, Aims and Objectives +353 21 4276688 The goal of the project was to develop a sense of [email protected] their world is shattered and very often open creative exploration within a safe and fun www.corkcancersupport.ie environment. their feelings are numbed and completely Outcomes blocked. So, to have the opportunity for The group engaged fully and found the laughter and the ability to interact deeply with oneself and them to be able to express themselves in a others in a creative environment very healing. The project duration was quote short: had the project safe environment is magic. gone on longer it is likely that some kind of sharing/ Ellen O’Neill, Director of Services, Arc House witnessing/performance would have developed over time.

Culture in residence Culture in residence 54 55 ‘

OLDER PEOPLE FOR BEGINNERS Director: Tom Creed Writer: Ciarán Fitzpatrick Actors: Julie Kelleher, Ciarán Fitzpatrick Cork 2005

DESCRIPTION ‘Older People for Beginners’ was a theatre try and overcome young people’s ignorance about performance for older people conceived by older people. After the performance, the performers director Tom Creed and writer/performer Ciarán interacted informally with the audience, chatting Fitzpatrick. with them about the performance and issues that The performances took place in: St. Luke’s had been brought up. Home, Mahon; Turner’s Cross Day Care Centre; Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig; Share, Shear’s Aims and Objectives Street; Bishopstown Senior Social Centre; and the To produce a work that could be performed in Cork 2005 Culture and Health Conference at the various settings for the elderly. Clarion Hotel. As part of the creation of the performance, Outcomes Creed and Fitzpatrick visited a number of the A 40-minute theatre performance incorporating a performance venues and met with some of the substantial film element which was performed in staff and residents in order to find out what might five day care and residential centres for older people interest older people. in late 2005 and early 2006 and at the Cork 2005 The performance explored young people’s Culture and Health conference in February 2006. perceptions of older people in a light-hearted yet provocative fashion. The two actors arrived at Contacts As an arts and health project that’s been brought into settings, the day care centre or residential care centre to Tom Creed it’s important to push things a bit and we were not prepared to do a short performance for an audience of older 2 Laurel Villas, Mardyke, Cork people. The performance recounted their attempts compromise on anything we’d normally stand for in making a +353 87 6333015 to discover what one could or shouldn’t do for piece of work [email protected] an audience of older people and outlined the Tom Creed, Director increasingly ludicrous research they undertook to

Culture in residence Culture in residence 56 57 Culture in Residence Workshops / Events / Performances

Access Programme 59 Dance Connect 67 Mike White Talks 59 Bisakha Sarker & Company: Dance Residency 68 Evening Echo photographic Exhibition 60 Cork International Folk Dance Festival 69 Cork Singers Club 61 King Lear and the Three ‘Rs’ 70 It’s a cultural thing ... or is it? 62 Oliver - Actors Visit 71 Northside Folklore Project 63 At Play With Puppets 72 Cork International Choral Festival 63 Guinness Jazz Festival 73 Translation Series @ CUH 64 Trinidad & Tobago Steel Band 74 Conal Creedon Readings 65 Best of Irish Tour 75 Tea Dance 66 ACCESS PROGRAMME Cork 2005

An important aspect of the Cork 2005 Culture Contact and Health Strand was an access scheme whereby Ann O’Connor tickets were acquired to various European Capital Arts + Health Co-Ordinator of Culture events and made available free of charge HSE Southern Area to HSE clients. Community Services Office, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Almost 500 tickets were reserved and/or Douglas Road, Cork purchased and distributed to clients who otherwise +353 21 4923136 would not have had the opportunity to attend the [email protected] many theatrical, musical and participative events.

MIKE WHITE TALKS Mike White Cork 2005

Mike White, Director of Arts in Health at the Contact Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Mike White Medicine (CAHHM) at the University of Durham, Centre for Arts & Health and a trustee of the National Network for Arts in Humanities & Medicine (CAHHM) in Health in the UK, presented a set introductory Dawson Building, Science Site, talks on Arts in the Healthcare Sector. The talks, University of Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. providing initial training for staff of the Health +44 0191 3342916 Services Executive, introduced the concept of art [email protected] and health to the delegates through examples of www.dur.ac.uk/cahhm such projects in healthcare settings.

Culture in residence 61 EVENING ECHO PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION Evening Echo Cork 2005 Farranree Family Centre Share Day Care Centre Cobh Day Care Centre Macroom Senior Citizens Centre Westgate Foundation Bandon Day Care Centre St. Luke’s Day Care Centre Turners Cross Day Care Centre CORK SINGERS’ CLUB Carrigaline Day Care Centre Cork Singers’ Club St. Laurence’s Cheshire Home St. Luke’s Nursing Home; O’Connell Court; Westgate Foundation Mount Cara nursing home; Turners Cross Day Care Centre Marymount Hospice, St. Patrick’s Hospice; Mayfield Day Care Centre Cork 2005 and the Evening Echo collaborated to Share Day Care Centre; Carrigmore Centre develop an exhibition for day care and community The Cork Singer’s Club visited a variety of setting. Staff at each centre were very appreciative centres in Cork city and county. The exhibition healthcare settings in Cork to entertain the clients of the visits and provided a welcome environment included over 100 photographs and headlines and encourage them to become actively involved for the singers. The clients enjoyed the visits and dating back to the 1920s. Photographs included in the performance. The main focus of the activity often became actively involved in the performance, images from current affairs, the arts, sports and was on music and song. In all, nine visits took place which they otherwise would not have had the other significant events in Cork community life. during the period of the project. The number of opportunity to enjoy. The photographs were divided into ten separate Club members present on any particular occasion and unique exhibitions, which rotated from venue varied from as few as four to as many as eleven. to venue once a month. Each exhibition contained The singers who participated in the project Contact ten framed photographs and one framed front page Contact found it a rewarding experience and have expressed Jim Walsh from the Evening Echo archive. Ray Lougheed a strong desire to continue such visits in the future. Cork Singers’ Club The exhibition provided a stimulating Evening Echo The singers reported that it specifically contributed Belgrove, Bendemeer Park, Magazine Road, Cork experience for clients to reminisce on important PO Box 25, Academy Street, Cork to their personal development and that they valued +353 87 2759311 moments and news stories of Cork’s history. In +353 21 4802281 the interaction with the clients in the centres, even [email protected] 2006 the exhibition became the property of the [email protected] though such interaction varied depending on the Heath Service Executive Southern Area. www.eveningecho.ie

62 Culture in residence Culture in residence 63 IT’S A CULTURAL THING… OR IS IT? NORTHSIDE FOLKLORE CHORAL FESTIVAL (A TRAVELLER IN PROGRESS) PROJECT Artist: Michael Collins Cork University Hospital Radio Cork International Choral Festival Traveller Visibility Group Cork 2005 Cork 2005 cork 2005 The Northside Folklore Project was a Cork Campus During the Cork International Choral Festival, Radio project in the main programme of Cork five choirs performed in five healthcare venues 2005 which brought everyday life and experiences throughout Cork city: St. Michael’s Church Choir, to the fore in its ‘Cultures of Cork’ radio project. Blackrock in St. Luke’s Home, Mahon; The project asked what the city means to those St. Francis Church Choir, Liberty Street in the who pass through its streets every day. It explored Mercy Hospital Mental Health Unit; St. Columba’s the different worlds existing in contemporary Church Choir, Douglas in St. Finbarr’s Hospital; Cork through a series of oral history interviews Church of Real Presence Choir, Curraheen Road concentrating on the informal in life: the chat, in Cork University Hospital and The University To celebrate the formal opening by An Taoiseach, community’s struggle and a re-emergence of a new stories, childhood memories, nicknames, slang, of the Philippines Medicine Choir in St. Finbarr’s Bertie Ahern of a new Traveller Resource Centre, Traveller identity in contemporary Ireland. jokes and songs. Hospital. in Cork, the Traveller Visibility Group organised The staging of the production at the opening The programmes were originally broadcast on The performances gave clients the a day-long sequence of events which included of the resource centre allowed for the celebration Cork Campus Radio in June and July 2005. This opportunity to experience the choral music the launch of a unique photographic exhibition of traveller life in an enjoyable and creative format. project enabled their subsequent broadcast on Cork being performed in Cork’s International Choral and publication to illustrate the richness of Members of the travelling community attending University Hospital radio, thus providing access to Festival, which they otherwise would not have contemporary life in the travelling community and the opening celebrations, who otherwise would not the project for patients and staff and other Hospital had access to. a performance of ‘It’s a Cultural Thing... or is it? (A have had the opportunity to see the production, Radio listeners who, due to their health status, Traveller in Progress)’ by Michael Collins. enjoyed the opportunity to experience the work. would not otherwise have experienced the project. In a bid to convince a new generation of the importance of education, in ‘It’s a Cultural Thing... Contact Contact or is it? (A Traveller in Progress)’ Michael Collins Una Webster Cork International Choral Festival tells his life story from his first memories of a Cork University Hospital Festival House, 15 Grand Parade, Cork traditional Traveller life in the Midlands bounded Wilton, Cork +353 21 4223535 by barrel top wagons and tents, through to the Contact +353 87 6775179 [email protected] intolerable hardships of settlement in a halting site Chrissie O’ Sullivan [email protected] www.corkchoral.ie in Finglas. While the production rejoices in the Traveller Visibility Group Noel Welch freedom of his childhood and youth, a narrator 25 John Street, Cork Cork University Hospital Radio reveals the darker side of the changes in Traveller +353 21 4503786. Wilton, Cork culture and the response of the settled community [email protected] +353 87 1242338 to these changes. The production is the story of one groups.msn.com/TravellerVisibilityGroup/

64 Culture in residence Culture in residence 65 TRANSLATION SERIES @ CUH Munster Literature Centre Cork University Hospital Cork 2005

The objective of the project was to present, on Cork University Hospital Radio, three poets from Eastern Europe who were translated and published in English during the course of 2005. Between August and October, the broadcasts featured were Guntars Godins of Latvia, Katarzyna Borun of Poland and Andres Ehin of Estonia. Also participating were their Irish counterpart poets, Eugene O’Connell, Gerry Murphy (left) and Patrick Cotter. The radio shows consisted of poetry readings in the languages of origin as well as in English translation. Interviews with the participants and music selections also Contacts featured. This particular project was an offshoot Pat Cotter of a much larger Cork 2005 project involving Munster Literature Centre the publication of over thirteen books of Frank O’Connor House, 84 Douglas Street, Cork thirteen poets from thirteen different countries. +353 21 4312955 CÓNAL CREEDON READINGS As a result of the broadcasts, patients and staff [email protected] Artist: Cónal Creedon and other Hospital Radio listeners were exposed www.munsterlit.ie Cork Prison; Mayfield Day Care Centre to contemporary European poetry, which, due to their health status, they would not otherwise have Una Webster Cork novelist and playwright, Cónal Creedon, The readings offered clients, carers and staff the had access to. The poets welcomed the opportunity Cork University Hospital is one of Ireland’s exciting new writers. In late opportunity to enjoy the work of a living writer by to broadcast their work and the provision of a Wilton, Cork December 2005 and early January, Cónal gave experiencing the work through the writer himself, new avenue through which their work could be +353 87 6775179 readings of his own work in healthcare settings in an opportunity which they would not otherwise appreciated. [email protected] Cork. In addition to a reading in Cork Prison, he have had access to. read to an audience of 60 people from Mayfield Day Noel Welch Care Centre as part of their Christmas gathering at Contact Cork University Hospital the Ambassador Hotel in Cork. Cónal Creedon Wilton, Cork [email protected] +353 87 1242338

66 Culture in residence Culture in residence 67 DANCE CONNECT themselves. They were delighted that their children had begun to settle, becoming accustomed to the Artist: Jo Nichols routine, room and the other participants. The SMA Parish Centre, Wilton children became better able to concentrate and cork 2005 follow instructions; took a lead in suggesting what exercises and games they wanted and even began Dance Connect was a dance movement class to respond positively and engage with one another designed for children with autism. The aims during play. for children were to provide opportunity for Attendance at the classes was high and all involvement in a social setting that offers scope for the parents were amazingly enthusiastic about leisure activity; promotes personal development; supporting their children. By the end of the course relieves tension and energy in a fun and positive the parents felt better informed about their child’s way, while furthering access to educational own particular physical abilities. They also enjoyed possibilities. The aims for parents were to offer sharing in some fun time together! time and place to focus on positive aspects of their successful Millennium ‘Tea Dance’ project for ‘The TEA DANCE child’s abilities; while also benefiting from physical Young at Heart’. The dances recognise the role of Co-ordinator: Gerry Kelly activity leading to stress relief, fun and positive Contact a previous generation in creating today’s Ireland Jo Nichols Cork Pops Orchestra parent/child bonding. To offer social networking and offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and 77 Clonlea, Mount Oval Village, Rochestown, Cork Cork 2005 and mutual support gained from working alongside acknowledge this contribution. +353 87 7787320 other parents of autistic children. There was a capacity attendance of 800 HSE [email protected] The classes took place in the SMA Parish The Cork 2005/HSE ‘Tea Dance’ took place in clients from Cork city and county. Since the event, Centre over seven weeks in July and August. The the City Hall, Cork on the afternoon of 9 October there has been constant correspondence asking classes, for children aged 5-10 years, comprised of 2005. Entertainment was provided by the Cork ‘When is the next one?’ The musicians in the a mixture of developmental movement play with Pops Orchestra, Ireland’s only Community orchestra say ‘It is their favourite gig!’’ Orchestra, conducted by Evelyn Grant, a lecturer free dance and creative activity. Focus centred on at the Cork School of Music and presenter on RTÉ grounding to help increase concentration levels Lyric FM. The orchestra was joined by special and teamwork, aimed to build trust in safe physical guest Carl Corcoran (RTÉ Lyric FM Breakfast contact. This was mixed with more traditional Show) who sang a selection of numbers with the Contact children’s movement games. Beanbags, balls and a orchestra. Dancers enjoyed a range of music from Gerry Kelly play parachute helped to add colour, stimulation Johann Strauss to Abba and demonstrated their Cork Pops Orchestra and fun, while the music provided an overriding dancing skills in waltzes, tangos, two-steps and a 11 Summerhill South, Cork motivating and integral part to every session. bit of rock ‘n’ roll. +353 87 2462636 Outcomes The Cork Pops Orchestra’s Tea Dances [email protected] So excited were the parents by the benefits of the were devised by Gerry Kelly and grew from the www.corkpops.ie class, that they funded a further seven weeks by

68 Culture in residence Culture in residence 69 BISAKHA SARKER & COMPANY: TOURING DANCE RESIDENCY CORK INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL Artist: Bisakha Sarker Cork International Folk Dance Festival Institute for Choreography and Dance Share Day Care Centre; The Westgate Foundation The Glen Young Adults Project Carraig Mór Centre; Cork University Hospital Coláiste Stiofáin Náofa (Firkin Crane, Shandon) Cork 2005 Older Women’s Network; COPE Foundation The Mall Arts Centre; Cork County Council; Cork City Council; Cork 2005 The project was aimed at people who could not, for various reasons, attend concerts and performances during the Cork International Folk Dance Festival in August 2005. The project involved four performances on successive days in four different centres: the Share Day Care Centre on Sheare Street; The Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig; Carraig Mór Centre, Shanakiel; and Cork University Hospital. They involved folk dance, music and song performances by groups representing four different nations: Holland, Poland, Sardinia and Brittany. In all, nearly 200 performers took part. The Polish group Zespół Pieśni I Tańca Bisakha Sarker performed during the Institute Bisakha’s work was extremely well received in ‘Wałbrzych’ presented folk dances from different for Choreography and Dance (icd) Moving the various contexts she visited and all objectives regions and also performed Polish songs and Contacts national dances. Sardinian group, Citt` di Sennori, Age international conference at Firkin Crane in were realised during her time in Cork. The visit was Daithí Kearney performed traditional Sardinian dances and, in 2000. Contact has been maintained since then. also highly successful in deepening the connection Cork International Folk Dance Festival particular, dances of the Logudoro region, where Chaturangan, Bisakha Sarker and Company between icd and this extraordinary artist. Rosebank, Church Hill, Carrigaline, Co. Cork they come from. The third group was one of performed ‘Sacred Move’ at Firkin Crane, on 12 +353 87 6419081 Brittany’s best traditional dance groups, The Celtic May 2005 and worked with icd on workshops [email protected] Circle of Rennes, who wear beautiful costumes with five community-based groups in Cork. www.corkfolkdancefest.com The aims were to locate dance in community Contact dating from the 1870s and 1920s from the Rennes area. Dutch group, The Pierewaaiers, a folkdance- contexts to increase access and participation; to Mowbray Bates Barry Cogan demonstration group from Nijmegen in Holland, offer a multi-cultural experience through dance (and Institute for Choreography and Dance Owenabue Valley Traditional Group were accompanied by an accomplished seven-piece allied art forms); to enhance the OPID (Older People Firkin Crane, Shandon, Cork Rosebank, Church Hill, Carrigaline, Co. Cork live band. in Dance) network with a focus on East Cork; and +353 21 4507487 +353 87 8137990 to create a link ‘Across the Sea’ between European [email protected] [email protected] Capitals of Culture: Cork 2005 and Liverpool 2008. www.instchordance.com www.owenabue-valley.net

70 Culture in residence Culture in residence 71 KING LEAR AND THE THREE Rs OLIVER! ACTORS’ VISIT Cork Opera House Cork Opera House Bishopstown Senior Social Centre Westgate Foundation; Cork 2005 Cork 2005 Actors from Cork Opera House brightened the day ‘King Lear and the Three Rs: Reflect, Respond, is betrayed by his son, Edmund; of the challenges of members of Westgate Foundation in Ballincollig Receive’ was a three-part programme stemming of aging. Additionally, they offered advice on voice on 19 May 2005. Immediately after the matinee from the Cork Opera House/Janus Theatre and movement. performance of Oliver!, Rebecca Smith and Luke Company production of King Lear. The older people attended the opening night Hayden descended upon a large crowd of excited A central theme running through King Lear is performance of King Lear in the Half Moon fans in the day care centre. Rebecca and Luke were the journey of aging: loss of power, relationships Theatre in Cork Opera House, followed by a post- well known to most of those gathered from their with adult children and ultimately, the wisdom performance reception with the cast. long-time roles in the popular television programme, gained through the experience of a long life. This The collaboration with the actors enabled Fair City. The actors arrived in Ballincollig still in programme honoured the life experiences of the the group to not only actively participate in the costume and full make-up from their respective elderly by enlisting a group of 15 older people as production process but provided access to a live roles as Nancy and Bill Sykes in Oliver!. consultants to the production. performance. The actors circulated among the members, Belinda Wild (director of King Lear and artistic chatting and shaking hands and posing for director of Janus Theatre Company) and actors photographs. It was clear by the buzz of excited Stephen Wyley (Duke of Gloucester) and Adrian voices in the room that this visit was a highlight Scanlon (Edmund and The Fool) led two interactive of the many worthy activities that take place in workshops with 15 older people in the Bishopstown Contacts Westgate Foundation. Through collaboration with Senior Social Centre in August and September 2005. Jamie Monagan another cultural organisation, it became possible The actors performed selected scenes, discussed the Education & Community Outreach Officer to bring professional actors to the clients of the rehearsal process and challenges that they faced Cork Opera House Westgate Foundation who would otherwise not in developing their characters. Belinda further Emmet Place, Cork have had access to the performers. brought the senior citizens into the creative process +353 21 4905218 by bringing in and discussing the model set, masks, [email protected] Contact costumes and props. www.corkoperahouse.ie Jamie Monagan A particular challenge for the 28-year-old Education & Community Outreach Officer actor Stephen Wyley was to convincingly portray Roger Coughlan Cork Opera House the elderly Duke of Gloucester. During their visits Bishopstown Senior Social Centre Emmet Place, Cork to Bishopstown, the older people spoke movingly of +353 86 3866975 +353 21 4905218 the heartbreak that children can cause; of how they [email protected] [email protected] would feel if betrayed by a child, as Gloucester www.corkoperahouse.ie

72 Culture in residence Culture in residence 73 AT PLAY WITH PUPPETS Cork Opera House Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre Cork 2005

‘At Play With Puppets’ introduced 13 non- big bag of paints, brushes, glue, tape, plastic eyes, national children and parents from the Kinsale etc., so they could continue working on their Road Accommodation Centre, an asylum seeker puppets in the Centre. centre, to several Cork cultural and recreation institutions in March 2005. The families traveled Contact by coach to Cork Opera House where they enjoyed Jamie Monagan a high-energy performance of the Lambert Puppet Education & Community Outreach Officer Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty, with lots of laughter Cork Opera House and audience participation. Emmet Place, Cork They were then brought to the playground +353 21 4905218 at Fitzgerald Park and could barely be torn away [email protected] Guiness Jazz Festival to eat their picnic lunches. One little boy, Yianko, www.corkoperahouse.ie 10TH AVENUE JAZZ BAND even had an impromptu “friendly” with a French Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre football team that was kicking a ball around in the Dennis Gilland, Manager cork 2005 park. Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Contact After lunch they attended a puppet-making Kinsale Road, Cork The 10th Avenue Jazz Band made its first appearance Jack McGouran, Artistic Director workshop with Dowtcha Puppets at Cork City +353 21 4318932 in the Guinness Jazz Festival in October 2005. The Guinness Jazz Festival Museum where the children made simple puppets rip-roaring dixieland band, now based in the San 80 Haddington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 of newspaper, masking tape, sticks, yarn and Jose area of Southern California perform a mix +353 1 637 5219 fabric, followed by a visit to the ‘Magic of Masks of straight dixieland classics in the style of Louis [email protected] and Puppets’ exhibition upstairs. Armstrong, Turk Murphy and Bix Biederbecke in www.corkjazzfestival.com The families who participated were from addition to rock ‘n’ roll, swing, latin and waltzes. Nigeria, Ghana, and Albania. None of them had During their visit to Cork the band performed ever before visited Cork Opera House, Fitzgerald in the Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, an Park, or the City Museum. They had a wonderful asylum seeker centre, giving asylum seekers there day and a positive introduction to several of Cork’s the opportunity to experience one of the world- premier facilities. At the end of the day, they class acts performing in the famous Guinness Jazz returned to the Accommodation Centre with a Festival in Cork, a performance they otherwise could not have enjoyed.

74 Culture in residence Culture in residence 75 BEST OF IRISH TOUR Music Network St. Stephen’s Hospital Cork 2005

In addition to the commencement of Music Contacts Network’s Music in Healthcare/Mental Health Deirdre McCrea project in St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire and Music Network Carrigmore Centre, Shanakiel, Music Network The Coach House Dublin Castle Dublin 2 arranged a concert on 19 May 2005 by three well- +353 1 6719429 known traditional Irish musicians who were, at the [email protected] The performances were enjoyed by all and provided TRINIDAD & TOBAGO time, engaged on a Music Network Best of Irish www.musicnetwork.ie the opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading concert tour of Ireland. The artists, Desi Wilkinson STEEL BAND PERFORMANCES steel bands. Clients in the healthcare settings and (flute), Máirtín O’Connor (accordion) and Brendan John Cronin Co-Ordinator: Brother Matthew Feheney other audience members also enjoyed access to this O’Regan (bouzouki) performed to a large crowd St. Stephen’s Hospital Cork City Council; Cork 2005 musical tradition which they otherwise would not in St. Stephen’s Hospital, including visiting clients Glanmire, Cork have had. and staff from Carrigmore Centre. The visit of the Trinidad and Tobago Regimental +353 21 4821411 / 087 2964410 The concert’s principle aims were to kick- Steel Band was arranged by Brother Matthew Contact [email protected] start a series of participative Music in Healthcare Feheney during a visit to Trinidad in January Brother Matthew Feheney workshops in the two centres and to bring a high 2005. Fifty five members of a party (including 45 Presentation Brothers Eamonn Leonard quality live music event to a group of people who musicians) arrived in Cork on 7 June. On 9 and Mardyke House, Mardyke, Cork Carrigmore Centre might not otherwise have the opportunity to access 10 June they performed in various workshops, +353 21 4271729 Shanakiel, Cork such an opportunity. including a concert at St Luke’s Hall which was [email protected] +353 21 4541901 / 087 2848915 The concert was enjoyed by both staff and crowded with schoolchildren and adults. On 10 [email protected] clients, with some clients finding their voice and June the Orchestra also performed for staff and Maeve Dineen joining in. The concert proved a successful means clients of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. This Cork City Council of stimulating interest in and support for the was followed by performances in Cork’s main street, Arts Office, Cork City Council, Cork subsequent participative workshops within the Patrick Street, on 11 June to great acclaim from the +353 86 3883657 two centres. The artists reported that they were large crowd that gathered, Mahon Shopping Mall [email protected] extremely moved by the experience of playing to and University College Cork. www.corkcity.ie the assembled group of clients and staff.

76 Culture in residence Culture in residence 77

This section is far from exhaustive and is intended to provide a point of reference for people who are interested in finding out more about the field of arts and health. At regional level your Local Authority Arts Office, arts centres and local libraries are all good sources of information, advice and support, and can put you in touch with relevant artists, individuals or organisations.

l Age and Opportunity l Centre for Arts and Humanities l Dublin Healthy Cities Project l The Arts Council (Bealtaine and Arts and Care) in Health and Medicine (CAHHM) Carmichael House, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7 /An Chomhairle Ealaíon Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Dawson Building, Science Site, +353 1 8722278 70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 University of Durham, DH1 3LE, UK [email protected] +353 1 6180200 +353 1 8370570 www.dublinhealthycities.ie [email protected] [email protected] +44 191 334 2917 www.olderinireland.ie [email protected] The Dublin Healthy Cities Project aims to enhance the www.artcouncil.ie health of the city, its environment and its people. The The Arts Council is an autonomous statutory body, Age and Opportunity is the national agency working to www.dur.ac.uklcahhm Healthy Cities Project is an initiative of the European office appointed by Government and funded by the Oireachtas challenge negative attitudes to aging and older people, and Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine of the World Health Organisation. to promote and assist the arts and to develop public to promote greater participation by older people in society. is an independent research and evaluation resource based appreciation of the arts. Arts and Care is an arts project run in partnership with the in the University of Durham. CAHHM investigates and Midlands Health Board. Bealtaine is a month-long national promotes the practical applications and benefits of arts and l Hospital Audiences Inc. (HAl) festival celebrating creativity in older age. l humanities in healthcare. CAHHM has particular expertise 548 Broadway 3rd Floor, New York, The Ark in community-based arts in health and in the human impact NY 10012-3950, USA A Cultural Centre for Children l Arts for Health Centre of art in healthcare architecture and design. 001 2125757676 Eustace Street, Dublin 2 The Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints, l CREATE [email protected] +353 1 6707788 Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6BH, UK www.hospaud.org [email protected] 10/11 South Earl Street, Dublin 8 +44161 2368916 or 247 1091 www.ark.ie +353 1 4736600 Hospital Audiences Inc. aims to provide access to the arts www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/arts4hth/introduc.htm for people in healthcare by bringing people isolated from the [email protected] The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, is Europe’s first Arts for Health Centre is a national centre established to cultural mainstream to cultural institutions and other visual and only custom-designed arts centre for children. The provide practical help, information and advice to all who www.communityartsireland.com and performing arts experiences, or by presenting the arts Healing Ark, one of four major outreach programmes are concerned with using the arts as a complementary part CREATE is an arts-enabling organisation. It offers advice, directly to them. developed and funded by the Ark Cultural Trust for of healthcare. information and training in a broad range of areas to Children, is committed to a long-term exploration of how artists and arts organisations. It supports the development l National Network for the Arts the arts can be incorporated into the daily lives of sick l Art in Hospital of the arts in community contexts. Services include project in Health children in different healthcare environments. development and support; training and education; finance Blawarthill Hospital, 129 Holehouse Drive, 123 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR, UK and administration; strategic and policy development. l UK Regional Arts Boards Glasgow G13 3TG, Scotland, UK +442072611317 www.arts.org.uk +44 (0) 141 211 9031 [email protected] [email protected] Links to UK regional arts boards. Project descriptions, www.nnah.org.uk strategy and policy documents for arts in health from South www.artinhospital.org The National Network for Arts and Health (NNAH) East Arts and West Midlands Arts Boards are available ealth U se f ul R es o urces + H ealth C ulture Art in Hospital provides an extensive ongoing provides dedicated resources and a range of benefits and online. programmme of visual arts in hospitals and nursing homes services for organisations and individuals interested in in and around the city of Glasgow. the field of arts and health including fact sheets, members forum, projects directory and a bibliography.

78 USEFUL RESOURCES USEFUL RESOURCES 79 Culture + Health Some Useful Resources Acknowledgements l W.H.A.T. Waterford Healing Arts Trust l Art, Health and Medicine Cork 2005 and the Health Service Executive Southern Area would like to extend a warm ‘Thank You’ to all the project participants, community groups, arts organisations, artists and healthcare staff who Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Road, www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/research/stanford/ gave unstintingly of their time, energy, and ingenuity and made the Cork 2005: Culture + Health Strand artmed/index.html Co. Waterford such a success. +353 51 842664 Funded by the Australia Council, this site provides links [email protected] to arts and health projects, featured artists and artworks, Aaron Towers, Artist Farranree Family Centre, Alison Merrotsy & Colleagues research papers, and resources. www.waterfordhealingarts.com Aingeala De Burca, Music Facilitator Gerry Kelly, Project Co-Ordinator Arc Cancer Support House, Ellen O’ Neill & Colleagues Golden Meadows Retirement Village W.H.A.T. is a leading hospital arts programme. Based in l Australian Network for Arts Bandon Day Care Centre, Noreen Walsh & Colleagues Graffiti Theatre Company, Emelie Fitzgibbon & Colleagues Waterford Regional Hospital the Trust explores the role and Health Bernie Galvin, Arts Facilitator Guinness Jazz Festival, Jack McGouran & Bill Johnson of the arts in the promotion of healing and well being www.anah.org.au through a multi-disciplinary programme of arts activity. Betty Smith, Dance Facilitator Hossanah Diver, Dance Facilitator The Australian Network for Arts + Health (ANAH) Bishopstown Senior Social Centre, Roger Coughlan & Colleagues Hugh Lorigan, Artist works to enable opportunities for information exchange, Additional Resources participation in critical debate and work place collaboration Brother Matthew Feheney, Project Co-ordinator Institute for Choreography and Dance, Mowbray Bates & Colleagues l Arts, Health and Community: A study of five across Australia through information dissemination, Carraig Mór Centre, Eamon Leonard, Pat O’Dea, Caroline Mitchell & Colleagues Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Padraig Mallon & Colleagues Arts in Community Health projects training, and consultancy and outreach work. Carrigaline Day Care Centre, Jean Lynch, Agnes O’ Reilly & Group Jack Healy, Artist Everitt & Hamilton, CAHHM Charleville Semi-sheltered Centre Janus Theatre Company, Belinda Wilde l National Network for the Arts University of Durham, 2003. Chomhairle, Deidre Kelleher, Helen Brougham & Colleagues Jo Nichols, Artist in Health, UK Ciarán Fitzpatrick, Writer & Actor John McHarg, Artist l Creating a Healthier Future, Arts and Health www.nnah.org.uk Cónal Creedon, Writer Joy Cantwell, Dance Facilitator Conference (Proceedings) Includes fact sheets on planning, research and evaluation, COPE Foundation Julie Kelleher, Actor Bateson, 2001. Dublin Healthy Cities Project. suggested reading, arts in health courses. There are further Corcadorca Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Dennis Galland & Colleagues l The Arts & Health Handbook - a practical guide online benefits available for members. Cork City Council, Maeve Dineen & Colleagues Knocknaheeny Day Care Centre The Arts Council of Irealnd, 2003. Cork County Council, Ian McDonagh Liberty Street House, Bridget Mintern, Tim O’ Brien & Colleagues. ISBN 1 904291-02-3 () 353 1 6180200) l Paintings in Hospitals (Ireland) www.paintingsinhospitals.cwcom.net Cork International Choral Festival, John Fitzpatrick & Colleagues Luke Hayden, Actor l Helping to Heal: The Arts in Health Care Paintings in Hospitals (PiH) is a registered charity that Cork International Folk Dance Festival, Daithi Kearney, Barry Cogan & Co. Macroom Senior Citizens Centre, Pat O’Connell & Colleagues Senior & Croall, provides a picture rental service to NHS hospitals and Cork Opera House, Jamie Monagan & Colleagues Mahon Active Retirement Group, Breda Jordan & Group Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 1993 healthcare establishments throughout the UK and Ireland. Cork Pops Orchestra, Evelyn Grant & Colleagues Mahon Family Resource Centre, Mary Malone, Susan O’Brien & Colleagues l Mapping the Arts in Healthcare Contexts Cork Prison Mairead Geary, Arts Facilitator l in the Republic of Ireland Society for Arts in healthcare, Cork Singers’ Club, Jim Walsh, Sean McCarthy & Colleagues Margaret O’Sullivan, Producer O Cuiv, Leargas Consulting Limited, 2001 USA Cork University Hospital Radio, Noel Welch & Colleagues Marie Brett, Artist www.societyartshealthcare.org l The Maugherow Project – unwrapping Cork University Hospital, Sheelagh Broderick & Colleagues Marymount Hospice, Kathleen Harte & Colleagues creativity: an intergenerational approach Provides information on this organisation with links to Danny McCarthy, Artist Maureen Collins, Dance Facilitator Arts Office, Sligo County Council, 2001 other organisations/projects in the USA. Dee Hurley, Project Co-ordinator Mayfield Day Care Centre, Eleanor Buckley & Colleagues Deerpark Family Resource Centre, Madeline Buckley & Colleagues McAuley Day Care Centre, Maureen Kearney & Colleagues Emer Toomey, Artist Meitheal Mara, Marie Drew & Colleagues

80 USEFUL RESOURCES acknowledgements 81 Mel Mercier, Producer Triskel, Penny Rae, Charlotte Donovan & Colleagues Michael Collins, Actor Turners Cross Day Care Centre, Kathleen Mullane, John O’Connell & Colleagues Michelle Finnerty, Project Co-ordinator Westgate Foundation, Noel Byrne & Colleagues Michelle Whelan, Project Administrator Cork 2005/HSE Southern Area Working Group: Members Mike White, CAHHM Aidan Warner, Principal Community Worker, South Lee, HSE Southern Area Molly Sturges, Artist Ann O’ Connor, Project Manager, Culture + Health, Cork 2005 Mount Cara Nursing Home, Mary O’ Sullivan & Colleagues Michael Shemeld, Manager, Physical & Sensory Disability Services, Munster Literature Centre, Pat Cotter & Colleagues HSE Southern Area Music Migrations Rebecca Loughry, Principal Community Worker – Social Inclusion, Music Network, Deidre McCrea & Colleagues HSE Southern Area National Disability Authority, Anne-Marie Rooney & Colleagues Tony Sheehan, Programme Team, Cork 2005 Nico Brown, Music Facilitator Una Webster, Capital Projects Co-ordinator, CUH, HSE Southern Area

Northside Folklore Project, Mary O’Driscoll & Colleagues Cork 2005/HSE Working Group would like to thank each of their many colleagues O’Connell Court, Catherine Cogan, Oliva Devane & Colleagues for their contribution and support particularly; Older Women’s Network Lisa Clancy, Director, Angie O’ Brien, Norma Deasy & Colleagues in the Park Road Day Care Centre, Sr. Eleanor & Colleagues Communications Department, HSE Southern Area Park Road Family Resource Centre, Orla Dignam & Colleagues Aoife Carlin, Director, Aileen Leahy, Annette Clancy & Colleagues in the Pepe O’ Neill, Arts Facilitator Communications Department, Cork 2005 Peter Kearns, Writer/Director Pat Healy, Assistant National Director, Primary Community and Rebecca Smith, Actor Continuing Care, HSE Southern Area School of the Divine Child, Trish Harrington & Colleagues Gretta Crowley, Local Health Office Manager – South Lee, SHARE, Clodagh Whelan & Colleagues Primary Community and Continuing Care, HSE Southern Area Sirius Arts Centre, Peggy Sue Amison Aurora Caruso, Administrator, Culture + Health, Cork 2005 St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Cathleen Bowen, Claire MacGabhann & Colleagues Ann Cahill, Trish Murphy, Tracy McCormack, Nicola Swanton + Co. in the Project St. Laurence’s Cheshire Home, James Hayes, Katherine Dullard, & Colleagues Management Office, Cork 2005 St. Luke’s Nursing Home, Eugene Brown, Dorcas Mcgivern, Julia Horgan, Mary McCarthy, Tom McCarthy, Programme Team, Cork 2005 Joan Jeffry’s & Colleagues Sean Angland, Finance Director, Cork 2005 St. Philomena’s Ward, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Anne Corcoran & Colleagues John Kennedy, Director, Cork 2005 St. Raphael Centre, Ned Cotter, John McHarg & Colleagues St. Stephen’s Hospital, John Cronin & Colleagues Thanks also to Susanne O’Mahony, Arts Facilitator Cork Film Centre The Evening Echo, Ray Lougheed & Colleagues Chris Hurley, Max Le Cain & Gillian Morrison. Tim Murphy, Artist Photographer, Ger McCarthy, GMC Photography Tom Creed, Director Designer, Stuart Coughlan, edit+ Traveller Visibility Group, Chrissie O’ Sullivan Trinidad & Tobago Steel Band

82 acknowledgements Cork 2005 culture + health programme a study of 3332 projects in diverse healthcare settings dditional copies available from: available Additional copies Ann O’Connor Co-Ordinator Arts + Health Programme HSE Southern Area Office, Community Services Hospital, St. Finbarr’s Douglas Road, Cork +353 21 4923136 [email protected] 2006 of Culture, Capital © Cork 2005: European