A new film created by the residents of Skibbereen Community Hospital had its debut screening at Schull’s annual Fastnet Film Festival in May. Starting life as a song-writing project through Arts for Health Partnership Programme, ‘The Town That Has Nurtured My Dreams’ has become a celebration of Skibbereen, and the stories and creativity of the people who call it home.
The project grew out of the sharing of favourite songs that happens weekly as part of Arts for Health sessions with composer and musician Justin Grounds. Justin shared his experience of the making process, “The residents decided it was high time for a new song for the town which celebrates all the fabulous places and wonderful new families who have come back to make it their home. Josie Mackle, a member of the group and keen poet, set about composing a poem about the history of the town, and then the group began their songwriting process by choosing some of their favourite lines from the poem, and mixing them with ideas from their favourite places – such that the song is like taking a tour around the town, from Fields Coffee Shop to West Cork Hotel!”
Visual artist Sharon Dipity, who also works as part of the Arts for Health team at the Community Hospital, produced beautiful line drawings with the residents, reflecting the places mentioned. Additionally, Sharon helped with filming and recording performances for the video with Justin. The film is a tribute to the residents’ creativity, with animations, drawings, poetry reading, musical soundscape and singing all woven together.
Joan Browne, Skibbereen Community Hospital Director of Nursing said of the film’s selection for this year’s Fastnet Film Festival, “As Director of Nursing, on behalf of the residents and staff, we are delighted and honoured to be part of this wonderful achievement for Skibbereen Community Hospital. It’s a great honour and privilege and I wish to acknowledge the residents and Arts For Health for the hard work and their dedication that made this wonderful celebration come to pass.”
Arts for Health provides a managed arts programme for older adults accessing healthcare services across West Cork. The programme takes place in widespread, rural locations including Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre, five Day Care Centres, five Community Hospitals, Bantry General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Unit, in community settings and more recently, at home. Managed by Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre, Arts for Health runs all year round and is delivered by a team of professional artists from different disciplines.
