An evening of creativity at “Kosmic”
On October 24th, Helium Arts had the pleasure of presenting “Kosmic”: a showcase of creative work celebrating the artistic achievements of the children and young people who participated in our Cork Creative Health Hub during 2019.
Taking place in the spectacular surroundings of the Crawford’s Upper Gallery, Helium’s Cork Creative Health Hub artist, Siobhán Clancy, curated an interactive, festival-themed showcase. On the night we were delighted to have so many of the programme’s young artists and their families come together in the same space with many of the funders, stakeholders and members of the public.
The title of the showcase “Kosmic”, was chosen by a group of teenagers who joined Helium’s summer “adventure arts” camp. The “kosmic krew” also worked with Siobhán to design a festival vibe, creating bunting made with a pedal-powered paint machine, bringing bursts of colour and fun to the room.
At the “gazebo stage”, the Kosmic Krew got the room singing together when they performed live their original song, “Ignite”. The song was created as part of the summer adventure arts camp at Rebel Recording Studios in collaboration with music producer Eoin Hayes and musician Ealain Fenton. Ignite is available to download from our website: http://helium.ie/2019/10/24/ignite-an-original-song-by-young-people-on-heliums-creative-health-hub/
Throughout the room, visitors were brought on a journey through the various creative projects that took place during the year. Displays on the night included artwork by young people attending Cork University Hospital Outpatient Department, a music video, printed ‘Kosmic’ t-shirts based on the logo designed by the Kosmic Krew, DIY ‘Kosmic’ body art, a ‘Healthy Treat Stall’ and a slideshow of activities since the beginning of this year.
Costumed performer Rosie O’Regan invited attendees to greet her with a hug, high five, fist bump, handshake, or wave, inspired by a greetings poster developed with under 10’s in our community workshops.
Guest speakers included Priscilla Lynch, (Head of Service, Health and Wellbeing, HSE Cork/Kerry) who spoke about the important role of creativity in a changing healthcare system and local artist and festival producer, Caoilian Sherlock, who talked about how the creative process empowers us to realise our individuality. Caoilian also treated us to an acoustic rendition of his song, The Hearts of Some. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJMxme7UOt8).
A very big thank you to everyone who made Kosmic such a vibrant and enjoyable evening, and to all of our funders, supporters, and partners who make Helium’s Creative Health Hubs possible.
Helium’s Creative Health Hubs are supported by the Arts Council and the Social Innovation Fund Ireland. The Cork Hub is supported by Creative Ireland Programme’s National Creativity Fund and the Community Foundation for Ireland and is taking place in partnership with Cork University Hospital’s Arts, Health and Wellbeing Programme. Our venue partners are the Crawford Art Gallery, Mayfield Arts Centre and Bishopstown Library.