Communities Minister & children from Scoil an Droichid join in Arts Care’s SAY A GREAT BIG HELLO
Wednesday 8th July 2020 at 11am 0 Comments
Image: Pictured launching the campaign is Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín and Arts Care Clown Doctor, Dr. Fizz with local children (L-R), Sally McKinney and sisters Erin, Cara and Grace Daly, from Scoil an Droichid.
As part of their new Upside Down Festival this week, Arts Care has launched the, Say A Great Big Hello campaign, supported by public and National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Children In Need.
Believing in the benefits of creativity to well-being, Arts Care, makes all forms of art accessible to patients, clients, residents and staff in health and social care settings across Northern Ireland.
The Say a Great Big Hello campaign is calling upon children throughout the region to paint a happy picture, take a fun photograph or record a song, poem or dance using the word ‘hello’ and send these into Arts Care who will share them with other children who are currently hospital, hospice or residential care, to cheer them up. All the photos and video clips will form part of an online art exhibition on Arts Care’s Facebook page and Arts Care 4U YouTube channel for children everywhere to enjoy.
Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, commented,
“I am delighted to be able to launch this wonderful campaign ‘Say a Big Hello’ by Arts Care. It is an excellent opportunity for young people at home to say ‘hello’ through their artwork to the many children and young people in hospital or who are unwell during these difficult times. It also allows them an opportunity to showcase their magnificent work.”
Dr Jenny Elliott, Chief Executive/Artistic Director Arts Care, added,
“We have been thrilled with the ‘Say a Great Big Hello’ Campaign to support many of the children and young people in hospital, in care and in specialised units are experiencing a real sense of anxiety and isolation from their families, friends and community during Covid-19. We are excited that the campaign is running through to the end of our ‘Upside Down’ Summer Art Festival which is gratefully supported by Children in Need and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Every one of the’ Great Big Hellos’ sent in will be forwarded to the children and young people in Health and Social Care Services to let them know we are thinking of them.”
School children from Irish-medium school, Scoil an Droichid, in South Belfast, recently took part in the campaign. They created a wonderful collection of videos and pictures to say ‘hello’ and ‘dia duit’ to children in hospitals and other care settings, who may be extra isolated and worried at this difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fionnguala Mc Cotter, Principal, Scoil an Droichid, added, “We are delighted that our children have taken part in such an uplifting initiative. We at Scoil an Droichid promote a nurturing learning environment for our children and their families. So, it is great to see that some of these attributes have been used to help others during this tough time. We are extremely proud of these fantastic young people.”
Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said,
“The Arts Council is delighted to support the Say A Great Big Hello, initiative and the wider work of Arts Care through public and National Lottery funding. Since lockdown began, this terrific arts organisation has been a shining example of how to adapt and bring people and service users together digitally online to continue their vital work. I would encourage everyone to get involved in this brilliant, fun campaign that will really lift the spirits of young children in care settings.”
To get involved in the Say A Great Big Hello Campaign and online exhibition, send you photos and video clips to info@artscare.co.uk and visit https://www.facebook.com/ArtsCareNI to find out more about the Upside Down Festival.
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