Speaking at the Launch, Lord Mayor Haughey encouraged older people to take part, “This is an excellent project which aims to help anyone living in disadvantaged, marginalised and deprived areas of Armagh in order to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness by providing opportunities for them to participate in arts lead activities which may help improve their physical mental and social wellbeing.
Emma Dargan, Community Development Officer 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.”
The Project will run over 6 months commencing September 2012 and will complete in February 2013. The programme started in September with the Launch event and master classes will run concurrently between September 2012 to December 2012. The end product will be a Mummers Ball which will take place in February 2013 and will consist of the older people who were involved in the project putting on a free concert to exhibit all they have learned and this will be open to the general public and wider community to attend. The following master classes are available at present:
Straw worker, Crafts & Costumes
with guest Artist Paul Carville of Clanbrssil Crafts
2nd Oct 2012
10am to 12 noon
Hayloft Palace Stables
Armagh Council Offices
Storytelling and sing along
Telling of traditions and ancient legends
The Armagh Rhymers
9th Oct 2012
10am to 12 noon
Hayloft Palace Stables
Armagh Council Offices
Digital Photography
A basic introduction with guest Artist Paul Eliasberg
16th Oct 2012
10am to 12 noon
Committee Room
Armagh Council Offices
All sessions are FREE of charge thanks to funding from the Arts Council but Booking is essentialplease contact Geraldine telephone 077 512 68 512 or Donna on 028 37412754.