This dimension to the Programme seeks to deploy creativity on a shared island basis to:

• Increase opportunities for cross-community cultural and creative initiatives between children and young people; 
• Support local authorities to enhance networks of creativity in support of vibrant and inclusive people-to-people and community-to-community partnerships; 
• Position Ireland as a global leader in demonstrating the value of creativity and mental health including in post-conflict societies; 
• Deepen collaborations for a more environmentally and socially sustainable island. 

 In this, the third in our series of blogs, we introduce our first two Shared Island projects. Louth County Council are leading on an important initiative that will use creativity to foster wellbeing in young people facing loneliness, isolation and poor mental health, while Cavan County Council are coordinating an invaluable incentive designed to normalise and highlight the importance of conversations around death and dying.

‘Dear Future Me’ – Promoting Positive Mental Health Through Creative Expression On Our Shared Island – Louth County Council 

This cross-border initiative is designed for young people aged 10-18 in Louth and Newry, Mourne, and Down who are facing loneliness, isolation, and poor mental health. There are several elements to this creative programme which will focus on connecting, activity, awareness, learning and sharing.

Picnic in the Park events in alternating locations will provide opportunities to connect and build relationships, fostering community through crafts and activities which embrace a Shared Island theme.

Top of the World Hiking will foster camaraderie and a shared sense of adventure by integrating physical activity with cultural exploration, delving into the folklore of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains where the excursions will take place, and celebrating our shared heritage.

Shared Serenity art therapy and meditation sessions will aim to promote self-awareness and emotional wellbeing through creative activities and reflection on commonalities across the shared landscape. They will offer a safe space to explore mindfulness practices, which can alleviate stress and promote emotional wellbeing.

Cross-Cultural Visions will inspire creativity through videography, performing arts and Eating for Wellness workshops, nurturing talents that transcend borders.

Opportunities will be provided to explore different artistic and cultural perspectives, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.

The initiative will culminate with the ‘Dear Future Me’ Festival in 2025, where achievements will be showcased through community gatherings, performances and exhibitions, reinforcing a sense of pride and celebration.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Healthy Louth Sub-Committee, the Louth Culture Team, Dundalk Youth Centre (DYC), Magnet Centre Newry and the HSE Health Promotion & Improvement Team. By working closely together, they plan to use their respective expertise and resources to effectively address the needs of young people in the region and promote their holistic wellbeing. 

The facilitation of opportunities for hands-on learning and skill-building contributing to personal growth and self-expression is at the heart of the initiative.
The expected outcomes of the project include an increased sense of community and belonging, improved mental health and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation for the participating young people, enhanced cultural understanding and appreciation, development of creative skills and talents, and strengthened community cohesion and pride.

The Art of Life – Cavan County Council

Creatives will play a key role in this initiative which aims to normalise conversations around death and dying using a range of creative approaches to facilitate these sensitive discussions. Participating artists will be socially engaged, employing reflective practice and with great sensitivity, and will be upskilled to support and develop the incentive’s delivery.

There are several intertwining elements to The Art of Life.

An art piece will be commissioned to represent and reflect the ethos of the project. The original will be displayed at a meaningful location, while its digital version will serve as a logo for use in the promotion of the project.

Capacity building will be undertaken through upskilling strategic partners, creatives and care-professionals in Cavan and neighbouring Fermanagh and Tyrone to empower and support compassionate conversations. This will include creative exchanges around delivery in nursing homes, information sessions on planning for end of life, and reflective training for creatives.

Death Positive Libraries is another important element of the incentive. This initiative will see an approved reading list around planning for end of life made available to communities, providing a lasting legacy of easily accessible, free support on the subject.

In addition to local libraries, The Art of Life will reach people in day centres, residential nursing homes and community venues. Creative Sessions will comprise topical creative workshops for people in Cavan and Fermanagh-Omagh local authority areas.

Immersive drama around an Irish wake will also form part of the initiative.

To address the need for increased public awareness, and celebrate the project, The Art of Life will culminate with a key event showcasing the outcomes, and the benefits of a cross-border approach. This will enable creatives, care professionals and the general public along with participants to network, share good practice and promote the programme. 

The Art of Life has been developed to maximise reach within communities and build a lasting legacy. This will be facilitated through the use of a range of different partners such as Age Friendly, Age Sector Networks, Healthy Ireland, The Irish Hospice Foundation, Foyle Hospice (Compassionate Communities), Age and Opportunity, community groups, and libraries along with the participating creatives.

The initiative places people and places at its heart. With an ageing demographic on both sides of the border, it is important to ensure positive ageing through projects such as this. The Art of Life will facilitate the nurturing of relationships with everyone working collaboratively for a shared outcome.