Arts Care

21/08/2026

Here’s a look back at our wonderful 2026 Here and Now Festival Showcase back in April.

As usual we were completely blown away by the talent of everyone who participated. With the theme ‘Transformations’, everyone delivered with a massive range of wonderful mediums, including dance, sculpture, creative writing, textiles, and even a fashion show!

But the Here and Now Festival is about so much more than the incredible work on display. It’s about creating a space where people can express themselves, share their stories and celebrate each other. Every performance, artwork, and creative contribution represented the imagination, courage and individuality of the people who took part.

The Here and Now Festival is supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA) with the focus of addressing health inequalities among older people experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

The Here and Now festival remains to be one of our most important flagship events, with every year leaving a long-lasting impact on everyone who attends. We’re incredibly proud to look back on everything that was achieved in 2026, and we can’t wait to see where next year takes us!

Videography by the wonderful Penny McGovern

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

19/08/2026

Arts Care is proud to be partnering with CHOICE - A Project from the Bamford Centre , a social prescribing project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) supporting adults living with severe mental illness to connect with community activities, services and support across Northern Ireland.

CHOICE continues to offer a valuable opportunity for the people we support to reduce isolation, build confidence, and become more connected to their local communities.

Participants receive one-to-one support from a Community Navigator, who helps them find and access activities that are meaningful to them, alongside practical support to get started.

You can email [email protected] or phone 02895367768 if you have any further queries.

Clients/service users can refer themselves, or staff, carers and family members can make a referral on their behalf.

Referral link: https://www.choiceni.org/take-part

17/08/2026

Did you know we have three public galleries located within hospitals across Belfast?

You can visit the Tower Gallery at Belfast City Hospital, our gallery at the Ulster Hosital, and our gallery at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Each hospital hosts a range of rotating exhibitions featuring a wide range of artwork, open for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a patient, visiting a loved one, work in the hospital or simply passing through, you’re always welcome to stop and take a look!

07/08/2026

On Monday we kicked off our Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann celebrations by bringing the festival to Brae Valley Residential Home 🪉

Staff and service users enjoyed a special performance of our Crankie Theatre with music from Arts Care artist Brendan Popplestone and CEO Barry McCauley, followed by a lively trad performance from Barry and Brendan.

A wonderful way to get our Fleadh celebrations underway! Keep your eyes peeled as we share more highlights!

06/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

REMINDER! 🎻

We are performing a public Trad Concert in the atrium of the Mater Hospital this afternoon as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, open to everyone with free entry!

Come along and listen to some wonderful music from the Arts Care Trad Band in the heart of the Mater Hospital.

See the flyer above for more info.

04/08/2026

Barry, Seamie, Nigel and Niamh kicked off our host of events for the Around the Town Festival today, performing the Crankie Theatre and a three-piece trad performance for residents and staff at Castleview Nursing Home and Barnhalt Cottages in Carrickfergus.

Keep your eyes peeled for what’s next! 🪕

03/08/2026

Arts Care has a fantastic programme of music and dance this week, hosting 10 exciting and inclusive events for both Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and the Carrickfergus Around the Town Festival!

As well as a series of private events in care facilities in Belfast and Carrickfergus, our free public events are as follows…

🎻 Mater Hospital Trad Concert 12:45pm on Wed 5 Aug
🪕 Crankie Theatre Show at Dobbins Carrickfergus Wed 5 Aug 7pm
🥁 Community Ceilidh at Ownies Carrickfergus Thur 6th Aug 8pm

We’re also delighted to be welcoming an Older Persons Group from Equal Arts from Newcastle Upon Tyne, who will be attending and performing at a number of these events as part of our music and dance partnership that has formed thanks to the Northern Ireland Office Connect fund.

We’re so excited for everything we have in store this week, and we hope to see you there!

Fleadh Cheoil Belfast City Council Around The Town Festival

31/07/2026

Arts Care are delighted to be hosting a series of events as part of the Fleadh Cheoil next week!

We’re delighted to play a part in making the Fleadh even more inclusive through our Fleadh for All Project, creating opportunities that give everyone the chance to come together and celebrate music, dance and culture.

Take a look at the flyer to see what we have planned! 🎻🪉🪕