Art work of older people ‘In Full Bloom’ in Altnagelvin Area Hospital

A stunning and innovative exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people is now on display in Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

‘In Full Bloom’ will showcase art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who, over the last three months, 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 and older people.

The festival aimed 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 exhibition in Altnagelvin features some selected pieces from a larger showcase of works which were initially exhibited in Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast, ranging from painting, sculpture, installations, short film documentaries, dance and musical performances.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “Older people have a lot to offer the rest of the community but often can feel isolated. Through this festival we hope 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 has provided over 350 workshops to 3,600 older people. It promoted access to the arts right at the heart of healthcare as well as in the community and this exhibition in Altnagelvin highlights the success on 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, Chief Executive of Arts Care, said: “We are challenging perceptions of what it is to age and celebrating ageing in the most life-affirming way, and have shown beyond doubt that creativity persists within us as we age.”

Arts Care Chair in the Western Trust, Judy Houlahan, said she is delighted to welcome the work of older service users to be exhibited within the Arts Care Gallery Space.

The Exhibition has been curated by Bronagh Corr-McNicholl, the Arts Care Artist in Residence for the Western Trust and can be viewed on the ground floor corridor in the South Wing of the Altnagelvin Hospital until throughout May and June.