Creative Ireland: Creativity in Older Age Virtual Portrait Project
Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal Local Authorities engaged with sixteen people in Autumn 2020 for a Creative Ireland Creativity in Older Age Virtual Portrait Project. A call went out for people in each county, over age 70 in a nursing home or cocooning at home, missing their cultural activities and interested in making new connections at this time. Over a number of zoom sessions, artist Andy Parsons painted their portrait, while talking and getting to know each person and how they have responded to the last few months of Covid. Portraits have been delivered to each of the sitters who have them hanging proudly on their walls having enjoyed the experience. When the time is right, the participants will invite a small number of close family, friends and staff to view their portrait, depending on Covid restrictions at the time.
Portraits were to be exhibited in a touring exhibition as part of Bealtaine Festival 2021, postponed to 2022. The initiative has been managed by Roscommon Arts Office together with artist Andy Parsons, and is a partnership project by Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal Local Authorities and Age & Opportunity as part of the Creative Ireland Creativity in Older Age programme.
Pictured here are Maisie, Noel, Rosaleen and Paddy from County Roscommon.
Pictured here are Aengus, Deirdre, Maureen and Sheila from County Sligo.
Pictured here are Irene, Michael, Monica and Paddy from County Leitrim.
Pictured here are Anne, Donal, Margaret and William from County Donegal.
