Art and health – Older people in full bloom

A stunning exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people opened this week at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

‘In Full Bloom’ showcases art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different art forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here and Now’ festival of arts for older people.

The festival aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity.

The ‘In Full Bloom’ exhibition is the final showcase in the ‘Here and Now’ festival. It challenges stereotypical notions of what growing older means and promotes older people’s inclusion in the community.

The Here and Now Festival 2015 showcases a wide range of artworks from sculpture installations and short film documentaries, to dance and musical performances.

Mary Black, Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Through this arts festival we aim to shift perceptions of ageing, promote inclusion and active participation in society, and improve the health and wellbeing of older people.

“The project has reached many diverse groups of older people and promoted access to the arts right at the heart of healthcare, as well as in community settings. This closing exhibition at the Ulster Hall highlights the success of this project.”

The PHA commissioned Arts Care, Northern Ireland’s leading arts and health organisation, to deliver a high quality, dynamic and unique programme of arts activities to specifically promote healthy ageing.

Dr Jenny Elliott, Arts Care Chief Executive, said: “Each year that the festival is delivered and grows highlights the hunger in older people to be involved in meaningful and relevant arts activities, pushing personal boundaries that reignites a passion for life.”

The exhibition, which runs until Friday 27 March, is the culmination and celebration of artworks that have been generated as a result of 164 workshops and events which have involved 3,000 of people.