Older people’s artwork at Altnagelvin

Over the last three months older people have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different arts forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here & Now’ festival of arts and older people.

The ‘In Full Bloom’ closing exhibition of artwork will bring together the works generated by older people from across Northern Ireland.

Eddie Rooney Chief Executive, PHA said: “Older people have a lot to offer the rest of the community but often can feel isolated.

“Through this festival we hoped to shift perceptions of ageing, promote inclusion and full involvement within society, and improve the provision, quality and safety of services for older people.

“Over the last couple of months the project provided over 320 workshops to 1,000 older people. It promoted access to the arts right at the heart of healthcare as well as in the community and this closing exhibition at Altnagelvin Hospital highlights the success on this project.”

Dr Jenny Elliott, Chief Executive of Arts Care said: “We are challenging perceptions of what it is to age – we are celebrating ageing in the most life-affirming way and have shown beyond doubt that creativity persists within us as we age.”