Creativity from HomeHelium Arts’ Innovative Online Programme
Building on the achievements of our Distance Creates initiative, which kept creativity alive for children and young people with lifelong physical health conditions during the pandemic, Helium Arts has launched a new and improved online programme in 2023. This innovative programme allows children across Ireland to engage with our creative activities, regardless of their location or health condition.
Expanding Our Reach Across Ireland
The success of the online programme has been remarkable. In its first year alone, 114 children and young people from 22 counties participated. This number has continued to grow in 2024, with 131 participants from the same diverse range of counties, and the year is not over yet.
The 2024 online programme has featured tailored sessions for various age groups. Children aged 6-8 and 9-12 have already completed two online programmes in 2024, with another 6-week session planned for Autumn/Winter. For young people aged 13-16, we hosted a 3-day live online camp this summer, with another scheduled for the autumn mid-term break.
Showcasing the Online Programme in 2024
The culmination of this year’s online programme will be celebrated in the Helium Arts’ Annual Showcase, which will feature artwork created by the children and young people who participated. This showcase will travel to various Connected Hub spaces across the country, with a flagship exhibition at the Limerick City Gallery of Art in October. More details to be announced soon.
What the Parents / Participants are Saying
“Seeing pictures of the other girls her age with the same illness doing the same activity was the most connected she has ever been to kids like her. Online was perfect for the CF needs.” (Parent)
“The envelope packs are like mini presents” (Participant)
“It’s great for the whole family—everyone was participating. She isn’t left out and never misses out on a class as she isn’t restricted to a time and a place.” (Parent)
“Everybody is included” (Parcipant)
Check out some of the creations from participants in our online programme in the pictures below:
Ages 6-8 Programme
Ages 9-12
Ages 13-16
What’s Involved
Ages 6-12
When you sign up, you’ll receive a personalised art pack delivered to your doorstep. Over six weeks, you’ll get weekly activities emailed every Saturday. These step-by-step guides offer creative projects and tips for parents/guardians and children. Though activities arrive on Saturday mornings, you can complete them anytime during the week.
All materials required are included in the art box, along with some extras to help promote creativity and connect participants with other children nationwide.
Other highlights include:
- Zoom sessions: On selected mornings, your child can interact directly with the artist and meet other children in the program. You will receive the dates and times of these sessions by email in advance
- Post pal exchange: Participants can connect, share artwork, and collaborate with each other.
Ages 13-16
These workshops consist of interactive sessions carried out over Zoom. During these sessions, you will receive activities that encourage creativity and connect you with other young people who have similar life experiences. The time between the live sessions can be used for catching up or further immersing yourself in your project or activity at your own pace throughout the week.
Participants will receive art materials by post along with inspirational digital resources, demos, and tips from the artist.
