Dance and health practice is explored through personal insights into Age & Opportunity’s Artist in Residence in a Care Setting initiative at Naas Day Centre. This online discussion took place in April 2022 as part of the artsandhealth.ie conversation series, funded by the Arts Council and the HSE.
Taking place against the backdrop of the pandemic in 2021, the residency saw dance artists Philippa Donnellan and Olwyn Lyons connecting with residents from Naas Day Centre and Clonskeagh Community Nursing Unit in Dublin. Working together, the dance artists and care staff brought creativity and connection to older people who had experienced a long period of isolation due to Covid-related restrictions.
Carolann Courtney, former arts, health and wellbeing specialist with Kildare County Council Arts Service, is joined by dance artist Philippa Donnellan, Shann Morris, Older Persons Services, HSE Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare, and Irene Kelly, activities coordinator with Naas Day Centre. Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager with Age & Opportunity, provides insights into the background and aims of Age & Opportunity’s Artist in Residence in a Care Setting initiative.