Artwork of older people ‘In Full Bloom’ at gala exhibition

A stunning and innovative exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people is opening at Duncairn Cultural Arts Centre on Wednesday 12 March at 3pm.

‘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 showcases a wide range of artworks from sculpture installations and short film documentaries, to 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 closing exhibition at Duncairn Cultural Arts Centre 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.”

The exhibition, which runs until Monday 24 March, is the culmination and celebration of artworks that have been generated as a result of workshops and events which have taken place over the past three months.