 | 'Anam Beo' is an established programme that delivers quality arts experience in health care settings in Offaly |
Works displayed in the Anam Beo Exhibitions can be viewed in our Group Exhibitions Gallery.
About Anam Beo
Anam Beo is an arts programme funded by Offaly County Council, HSE and the Arts Councils that aims to give quality art experiences to people within care settings in Offaly. There are currently five artists working in five different centres including Riada House Tullamore, Ofalia House Edenderry, Clara Day Care Centre, Birr Community Nursing Home and The Irish Wheelchair Association in Ferbane.
Each year the accumlation of work is shown through an exhibition in Aras an Chontae. In addition in 2009 Anam Beo produced a short film by Gary Hoctor about the project. Due to the projects continuing success the artists involved are in the process of becoming an independent arts organisation.
Anam Beo Article
"Amidst all the attention given to the sciences as to how they can lead to the cure of all diseases and daily problems of mankind, I believe that the biggest breakthrough will be the realisation that the arts will be recognised as the whole reason why we ever try and live longer or live more prosperously. The arts are the science of enjoying life".
Muriel Cooper, Professor of Media, Arts and Sciences at the Media Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
It is widely recognised that the practice of the arts within health care settings can contribute greatly to the quality of life of the people involved. The aim of the programme 'Anam Beo' (Lively Spirit), is to set a standard in quality arts experiences in health care settings in the county, to provide professional artists with a quality sustainable participatory arts practice and to be inclusive in making the arts accessible to all. The programme is undertaken in partnership with the HSE.
The Irish Wheelchair Association, Birr Community Nursing Unit, Riada House, Clara Day Care Centre and Ofalia House each has a professional visual artist who works for a number of hours a week with residents and users to help each participant find their own unique creative voice. Evaluations have established that this programme can have a huge impact on individual responses and personal confidence.
The use of quality materials and a high standard of presentation of artwork is an important aspect of this programme in order to highlight the excellence of the work created and the value of the programme for the participants, staff and support families.
The first exhibition of work made by the participants in this programme, entitled 'Lifescapes' was held in Áras an Chontae in May 2006.
In April 2007 an exhibition was held in Áras an Chontae entitled 'Forever Begins' in celebration of the work achieved in the second year of the programme. This work is currently exhibiting at Tullamore Train Station. Further exhibitions include 'Regeneration' 2008 and 'Open Doors 2009'. .