Project

Paediatric Arts Programme, Paediatric Department, University Hospital Galway

Year

Ongoing

Artists

Various

Supported by
  • Galway University Hospitals
  • Saolta Arts
  • Galway City Council
  • Galway County Council
  • and respective project partners
Image Credits
  • Dog and String Theatre
  • A Little Door Theatre

The experience was magical. My little girl forgot where she was, she was so invested in the story. She loved it. She got to decide how the story played out. It made her very happy.

We’ll bring nice memories from the hard time in hospital.

— Parents

Our Paediatric Arts Programme at University Hospital Galway comprises an evolving series of short to medium term artist residencies and projects spanning Clown Doctors, puppetry, theatre, literature, poetry, and the visual arts. The programme nurtures the imagination and creativity of young patients who may be coping with the physical and psychosocial implications of illness, treatment, and isolation from family and friends. For parents, activities can allow opportunities for brief respite, knowing their child is happily occupied, and for important shared family experiences, making positive memories of hospital admission. Recognising that the siblings of young patients can also spend significant time in hospital, we also programme for the outpatient waiting areas of the Paediatric Department.

Previous projects include partnerships with Helium Arts in 2013-2014 on the Cloudlands residency for teenagers and with Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in 2016 on workshops for young patients, Paediatric staff and Children in Hospital volunteers. For updates on our exciting new projects in the Paediatric programme sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media.