Services & Programmes

The Here & Now Older People’s Arts and Wellbeing Festival

Celebrating Creativity and Connection Across Generations

The Here & Now Festival is Arts Care’s flagship annual event, designed to engage older people across Northern Ireland in meaningful arts experiences. Reaching into urban and rural health, education, and community services, the festival brings joy, connection, and creativity to those who might otherwise face barriers to participating in the arts. From intergenerational projects to bespoke workshops, Here & Now is a festival that truly celebrates life, learning, and shared experiences.

Arts Care is proud to present the Here & Now Older People’s Arts and Wellbeing Festival, bringing creativity, community, and joy to older people across Northern Ireland. Whether you’re a participant, family member, or supporter, Here & Now is an invitation to celebrate the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and enrich lives.

Features

Why Here & Now Matters

For many older people, conditions such as Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, reduced mobility, and respiratory challenges can lead to isolation, limiting access to community and creative outlets. Here & Now bridges this gap, providing accessible arts experiences that inspire, uplift, and connect participants.

The Festival Offers

- Arts activities tailored to meet the needs of older participants. - Intergenerational projects bringing together older people and schoolchildren. - Events held in residential and community care settings across Northern Ireland.

Hear from Our Participants

“You think you know it all when you come to this age, but taking part in the Arts Festival workshops has really shown me there’s a lot more to learn, especially about the arts. Meeting other people has to be the big bonus for me.”

Statistics & Highlights

Engaging Workshops

Here & Now offers a range of workshops led by professional artists, encouraging self-expression, creativity, and skill-building in an accessible, supportive setting. Participants explore new forms of art, from painting and movement to music and storytelling.

Intergenerational Connections

In unique projects that connect young and older generations, the festival provides opportunities for schoolchildren and older adults to share cultural stories, experiences, and creativity. These projects foster mutual understanding, joy, and a deep sense of community.

Bringing the Festival to You

By delivering events directly to residential and community care settings, Here & Now ensures that participants don’t have to leave their familiar surroundings to experience the joy of a festival. This accessibility is core to the programme, allowing everyone to take part.