The National Centre for Arts and Health, at The Adelaide and Meath Hospital presents ART AND HEALTH, an exhibition of artwork by patients from The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Incorporating the National Children’s Hospital, Dublin.

The exhibition runs from 2 to 13 November 2010 at RUA RED, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Art and Health is an exhibition of artwork by patients from The Adelaide and Meath Hospital. The participating artists have come together from the Renal Dialysis Unit, Oncology Day Ward, Age Related Health Care Unit, Psychiatry Unit, National Children’s Hospital and Ruttle Ward.

This exhibition celebrates the achievements of this new group of artists who have overcome substantial barriers to create excellent new art work. We hope that this exhibition will encourage a positive image of people with serious health issues and to focus on ability rather than disability as well as the important role of art in health and well-being. A team of professional artists work in the hospital, facilitating weekly art groups for patients.

The National Centre for Arts and Health at The Adelaide and Meath Hospital exists to improve patient care and to promote the benefits of the arts in health. Situated in The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, the centre aims to improve the hospital experience for patients, to explore the therapeutic potential of the arts, to build positive links with the local community and to make the arts accessible to patients who cannot access traditional arts venues. The current arts programme includes exhibitions, live performances, creative writing classes, arts therapies, design projects and participatory art sessions on wards and in waiting rooms. Art programs are free for everyone attending the hospital and all art programs are tailored to the needs of individual patients and clinical departments.

For more information please contact Hilary Moss, Director of Arts and Health on 01 414 2076, hilary.moss@amnch.ie or esther.nyambura@amnch.ie

“The art programme has played a major therapeutic role in helping me to accept and deal with the cancer diagnosis, which was such as shock for me.” Patient, Oncology Day Ward.

“When I am painting I sit perfectly still, hours can go by and I don’t notice them. My doctors have been urging me to do this for ages; as normally I can’t stop going and this aggravates my condition.” Patient and Artist, Rheumatology Department.