ARTS.. The Arts For Older People project was launched at Enniskillen Castle Museum recently. Pictured at the launch are (back from left): Anna Corrigan (vice chair of Cashel Senior Citizens), Shirley McNulty (chair of Cashel Senior Citizens), Audrey O’Neill (Killycurragh Senior Citizens, Omagh), Mary Cummins (Killycurragh Senior Citizens, Omagh) and Charles Oldcroft (Rossorry Wednesday Club). Front from left: Alison Forbes (project manager at South West Age Partnership), Sean Begley (chairman of Omagh District Council), Bert Johnston (Chairman of Fermanagh District Council), Ethel Oldcroft (Rossorry Wednesday Club)
AN INNOVATIVE and exciting new project is encouraging older people to get involve in the arts.
Fermanagh District Council, in partnership with Omagh District Council, is offering an opportunity for older people to engage in a range of creative activities through the ‘Active Ages Arts’ programme.
All events are free and participants must be 55 years and over.
The ‘Active Ages Arts’ initiative is being led by Fermanagh District Council and funded by the Arts & Older People Programme.
In addition South West Age Partnership, whose expertise has proved invaluable, has worked closely with Fermanagh District Council and Omagh District Council to design the programme.
A wide and varied programme of activities is planned at Enniskillen Castle Museums, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.
The three venues are working together to give older people the opportunity to experience the arts across both districts.
Participants can avail of free classes in digital photography, ceramics, reminiscence boxes, dance, woodturning, singing and willow weaving. The programme will also take a step back in time with traditional tea dances and classic film screenings.
Councillor Bert Johnston, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council and Councillor Sean Begley, Chairman of Omagh District Council, launched the project at a recent event in Enniskillen Castle Museums.
Cllr Johnston said: “This is a great opportunity for people aged 55 and over to participate in a range of social and arts activities in their local cultural venues. Fermanagh and Omagh are fortunate to have a rich variety of crafts and arts to interest everyone.”
Fionnuala Walsh, Head of Participatory Arts at the Arts Council, commented: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is challenging ageism and prejudice by encouraging older people to be creative and participate in the arts.
Taking part in arts activities can help to overcome the issue of social exclusion as well as feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older people. It can be the first step in promoting a transformation, inspiring a new lease of life, encouraging lifelong learning and active aging. This project is a great example of how the arts can bring people and communities together to create something truly inspiring.”
The inaugural tea dance will take place at Enniskillen Castle Museums on Thursday 28 August from 7pm – 9pm with music by The Bob Quick Trio.
This event is being organised in partnership with Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre. Anyone aged 55 and over is welcome to join us for our Tea Dance evening. Participants can enjoy old time dances with a fantastic live band. Refreshments will also be served.