Pictured with some of her artwork is Elizabeth McQuillan from the Carew II Family Centre, one group to have already benefited from the programme.

The Arts Council is challenging community, voluntary and arts organisations to create opportunities for older people to take part in the arts by developing new community-based projects.

Jointly funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Arts Council’s Arts and Older People’s Programme provides opportunities for older people to engage with the arts, by joining a workshop or trying out a new arts activity.

The fund has already awarded grants to 32 organisations in locations across Northern Ireland, to establish a range of community based projects, in art form areas such music, dance, craft, drama and storytelling.

The final round of funding is now open and organisations have until Thursday 15th March to apply for grants to support new arts based projects which use creativity as a tool to tackle and highlight the social justice issues older people face on a daily basis. Grants are available from £500-£50,000.

Projects supported so far through the programme include Upper Springfield Development Trust, The Monday Club in Cookstown , and Age on Stage in Lisburn.

Emma Dargan, Community Development Officer at the Arts Council, explained how the programme is making a difference to people’s lives: "We know that the arts can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well as helping to relieve stress, worries and pain.

"The Arts and Older People’s Programme is creating opportunities for older people to take part in the arts by funding a range of projects across the country. Whether it's through a painting workshop, a music session or dance class, the arts have an important role to play in helping older people to find a voice and express the issues which affect them on a day-to-day basis, such as poverty, isolation, loneliness, and positive mental health.”

The Newtownard Road Women’s Group received funding from the programme last year to run a series of weekly creative arts workshops in the Carew II Family Centre. Working with artists Lesley Cherry and Colin McGookin, the centre has been offering workshops in painting, collage, photography and clay for older women living in the area.

Heather McMurray, Operations Manager, Carew II Family Centre said: “This is the first time we have hosted such a programme involving older people within our Community and I think the project on the whole has been a huge success. Not only have the ladies enjoyed the social side but they have produced some amazing pieces, learnt new skills and received some expert advice from both Artists.  An exhibition will take place at Connswater Shopping Centre from the 24^th February displaying a selection of the groups work. This has been a great experience for all those involved and we would like to thank the Arts Council for the opportunity to participate in the programme.”

Visual artist Lesley Cherry said she as delighted to have the opportunity to work with the group and was really impressed by their skills.  “The group were really enthusiastic and proved very talented once they got started.  The longevity of the project also meant the group could really concentrate and begin to master each discipline, creating some interesting and thought provoking work. The group also exceeded their expectations, not only learning new artistic skills, but also creating two outdoor artworks for the centre, as well as hosting an exhibition of their work in the local shopping centre.”

Applications for the Arts & Older People Programme will close on Thursday 15^h March 2012.

The Arts Council is holding two information sessions for potential applicants on Monday 5^th March  -10am-12noon  at the Arts Council and Monday 27^th February 10am-12noon at the Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre, Cookstown . Please contact Emma Dargan on 02890 385 268 for more information.