This autumn Arts for Health partnership launches a new arts programme for home carers in West Cork. Beginning in September with creative workshops and guided gallery visits at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre, the Creative Carers programme is open to family carers who provide care for older persons in the home.
Home Carers are invited to take part in a range of different activities and ways in which to explore creativity. The programme will give participants the opportunity to meet and connect with others in a relaxed creative environment.
Managed by Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre as part of the Arts for Health Partnership Programme, Creative Carers will be delivered by professional artists including composer Justin Grounds and visual artist Sarah Ruttle with support from guest artists. Over time, the team will work with local community groups and health care professionals to reach as wide a group of participants as possible.
Family Carers will be able to engage in four different ways:
- Creative Carers at Uillinn
- In the Picture
- Creative Carers Outreach
- At Home Project
Creative Carers at Uillinn
2 Series of Creative Workshops
Wednesdays, 6-7.30pm at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre
21st September – 26th October
9th November – 14th December
Creative Carers at Uillinn takes place over two series of six creative workshops for at-home family carers. Delivered by visual artist Sarah Ruttle and two guest sessions with visual artist Tess Leak. The workshops will take an informal and relaxed approach to exploring creativity for anyone who cares for someone at home. This is a supported and creative space where each participant can explore their own ideas. Workshops are an opportunity to take a moment for yourself, share in a cuppa while making and connect with others providing care at home.
In The Picture
Guided gallery tours exploring the Arts Council Collection 60 Years Exhibition
Friday 18th November, 11am
Friday 9th December, 11am
Visual artist Sarah Ruttle with the assistance of SONAS Facilitator (Dementia Advisor) Sarah Cairns invite people with dementia, their professional and /or family carers to visit an exhibition at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre to look and experiment with others in a safe and welcoming environment. Each session includes a seated tour of the gallery where time is given to looking and experiencing the artwork and the many wonderful views from the building. Sessions might also include sharing of stories, singing, making of artwork in the workspace and a shared cup of tea and biscuit.
Creative Carers Outreach
A series of once off creative art making sessions with staff and participants from various community groups including Day Care Centres, Skibbereen Luncheon Club, Alzhiemers Cafes and Family Resource Centres to make a connection with people who might engage with the programme. These creative sessions will provide and introduction to Creative Carers and will seek to learn from the community of Carers about how the programme can be further developed to meet their needs in the future.
At Home Project
Artists Justin Grounds and Sarah Ruttle will visit Carers at home, each taking a unique approach to research and investigate ways to support creative activities for Carers in their home.
In consultation with local Day Care Coordinators, the artists will identify four families in the Clonakilty and Skibbereen areas who provide full time care for a family member and are interested in participating in the programme. Beginning with an informal conversation about each family’s daily routine and creative interests, the artists will visit each month to develop a shared creative activity for the family to enjoy together.
- Composer and Musician Justin Grounds will work with Carers and their families at home to devise simple creative practices that fit into their caring routine.
- Visual Artist Sarah Ruttle aims to provide a space for creativity, self expression and discussion in their local arts centre, away from their home care environment.
Booking and information from Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre at info@westcorkartscentre.com or 028 22090.
All are welcome, no experience necessary.
Images by Kevin O’Farrell & Sarah Ruttle