Arts Care

Arts Care We are a leading regional Arts, Health and Well-being Organisation based in Northern Ireland.

We deliver a wide range of innovative and impactful participatory arts projects and arts events into the heart of Health, Social and Community Care Services. Aim - to enhance the quality of the service users, staff and community’s experience of Healthcare

Objective - to provide quality arts engagement that supports Health and Well-being

HIDDEN TALENTS IS BACK!Our fantastic exhibition Hidden Talents makes its return to the Belfast City Hospital today to sh...
07/05/2026

HIDDEN TALENTS IS BACK!

Our fantastic exhibition Hidden Talents makes its return to the Belfast City Hospital today to showcase the incredible creative work from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust staff and volunteers across the city.

This year’s exhibition showcases a whole range of artworks all of which explore the idea of “Transformation” and how it means different things to different people.

We are so excited to showcase the creativity of those working across the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Hidden Talents is our way of shining a light on the wonderful creativity behind the people who care for us all in our times of need.

📍The Tower Gallery, Belfast City Hospital
📅 7th May - 31st July

See you there!

We’re taking part in the Bank of Ideas and we need your vote!Collaborating with Sense NI , we want to create “A Fleadh f...
06/05/2026

We’re taking part in the Bank of Ideas and we need your vote!

Collaborating with Sense NI , we want to create “A Fleadh for All!”

We’re really excited about this project because, if funded, it will make elements of the Fleadh more inclusive and accessible to more people.

Last year we launched our Inclusive Ceilidh and we want to bring that to the Fleadh with your help.

Not only will it include Irish and Scottish Dance performances but we’ll also be showcasing the Crankie Theatre featuring Belfast Street Songs

If you want to see the Fleadh become even more accessible for everyone come and support us at the Voting Day in Belfast City Hall THIS Sunday 10th May.

Call in any time from 2-5pm and say “hello” while you cast your all-important vote.

Each person attending gets the chance to give out several votes which means the decision of what creative ideas will come to life in the city is yours!

It’s a family friendly day out as the kids can vote too and there’s plenty of entertainment and things to do on the day. There’s no better way to discover the magic of what’s going on in the city than at the Bank of Ideas.

If you’d prefer a much quieter visit to the event then pop down between 4-5pm where there’ll be no musical performances and lower footfall.

No registration needed, bring everyone you can along to help!

If you can’t make it, don’t worry - we got you…you can go to https://belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding on Monday 11th May to secure your vote from between 9am-12pm

To find out more about the Bank of Ideas check out Culture Belfast where you can also find out about accessibility support available on the day.

We’re delighted to share that our Clown Doctors will be featured on the  Broadcast Appeal this Sunday and Monday on BBC ...
24/04/2026

We’re delighted to share that our Clown Doctors will be featured on the Broadcast Appeal this Sunday and Monday on BBC Radio Ulster, Radio Foyle and BBC Sounds!

The Arts Care Clown Doctors bring joy, laughter and fun to children, families, and healthcare workers in hospital and health care settings across Northern Ireland. They create vital moments of escape, connection and light to those who need it most.

A huge thanks to the BBC for this incredible opportunity for our wonderful Clown Doctors to share the hugely important work they do.

Tune in this Sunday and Monday to hear more about the difference they make. 🎈🤍

It’s   again! ⏳Does this place look familiar? Through our partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Arts Ca...
23/04/2026

It’s again! ⏳

Does this place look familiar?

Through our partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Arts Care has worked closely with Knockbracken Healthcare Park for decades, bringing creative classes, events, and performances to life.

Take a look at the images below, showing Arts Care artists and service users performing in Knockbracken 26 years ago, alongside moments from our 2025 Christmas Show and 2026 St Patrick’s Tea Dance in Knockbracken Hall

We’re proud of the journey we’ve shared so far with Knockbracken Healthcare Park and look forward to continuing our close relationship in the many years to come!

This is part of Arts Care’s weekly series of 35 flashbacks to celebrate our 35th anniversary. Look out for more slices of history each week!

“We Are Overloaded” shares the powerful experiences of individuals living with haemochromatosis. Arts Care are delighted...
21/04/2026

“We Are Overloaded” shares the powerful experiences of individuals living with haemochromatosis. Arts Care are delighted to be hosting this exhibition in our Gallery at the Ulster Hospital until the end of July.

In September 2024, a group of twenty one individuals came together to convey their personal experiences of this critical illness. Working with Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Cathal MacNaughton, the charity Haemochromatosis UK created a series of striking images that uniquely detail these lived experiences and aim to raise awareness of the condition and its prevalence.

Haemochromatosis, often referred to as iron overload, occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from food. If not identified early, it can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Research by Haemochromatosis UK shows that around one in ten people in Northern Ireland carry the genes that put them at highest risk. For many, this can mean chronic fatigue, joint pain, liver disease and a wide range of other life altering symptoms.

This award winning exhibition has previously been showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at Millennium Court in Portadown.

If you are visiting the Ulster Hospital, we encourage you to take a moment to explore the Gallery and experience this powerful exhibition.

It’s   again! As part of our 35th anniversary celebrations, we’re looking back at the moments that shaped Arts Care and ...
09/04/2026

It’s again!

As part of our 35th anniversary celebrations, we’re looking back at the moments that shaped Arts Care and the impact of creativity in health settings across Northern Ireland.

In 1997, staff and patients at Musgrave Park Hospital came together with Arts Care Artists to design a striking display of colourful fabric banners. They were installed on the hospital grounds to welcome everyone arriving on site with colour, creativity and a powerful sense of community.

The banners were officially launched by Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Alban Maginnis, marking a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of collaboration at the heart of Arts Care’s work.

This is just one example from our journey. Over the years, our Environmental Transformation projects have continued to show how creative spaces can support wellbeing, turning everyday environments into places that feel more welcoming, uplifting, and connected.

Stay with us each week as we share more stories from the past 35 years.

Our Arts Care Clown Doctors paid a special visit to Sense Nursery in Jordanstown over the Easter week, and as always, th...
08/04/2026

Our Arts Care Clown Doctors paid a special visit to Sense Nursery in Jordanstown over the Easter week, and as always, they brought smiles all round.

From playful interactions to shared moments of laughter, both children and staff loved every minute.

Our Clown Doctors continue to make a real difference, using creativity, humour, and connection to support children with additional needs and those in healthcare settings.

Arts Care artist Paul Stevenson has been working with Four G Day Opportunities Service  on something really special…Toge...
07/04/2026

Arts Care artist Paul Stevenson has been working with Four G Day Opportunities Service on something really special…

Together they’re creating a Crankie Box to tell their story, a unique blend of art, music, song, and storytelling that will come to life in a live performance this June. Crankie Theatre is a powerful way to connect people through shared stories, combining visual art with live performance to spark imagination, memories, and meaningful engagement.

Paul has designed and created a number of Crankies, and this traditional art form is quickly becoming a favourite across Arts Care projects, helping groups express who they are in creative and lasting ways.

We can’t wait to see this story unfold.

Happy   🕰️To celebrate 35 years of Arts Care, we’re doing a series of flashbacks to celebrate the charity’s vibrant hist...
02/04/2026

Happy 🕰️

To celebrate 35 years of Arts Care, we’re doing a series of flashbacks to celebrate the charity’s vibrant history.

For the first post of this series, we’re looking back at founding chairman Ronnie Dunn, pictured with Arts Care’s artists in 2001.

Ronnie was the driving force behind Arts Care, and our wonderful team of artists, which has changed and grown over the years, remain absolutely paramount to the charity’s mission and impact today.

This is the first of many flashbacks across our social platforms to celebrate this incredible milestone. Keep your eyes peeled for more slices of Arts Care’s history!

  to Musician in Residence Brendan Popplestone in Carlisle Day Centre with volunteer musicians Niall Lynch, Paul Bell an...
20/03/2026

to Musician in Residence Brendan Popplestone in Carlisle Day Centre with volunteer musicians Niall Lynch, Paul Bell and Donal McCann.

This was part of a Traditional Music Tour of the Belfast Trust Day Centres that Brendan was undertaking in the lead up to St Patrick’s Day.

The service users and staff greatly enjoyed the music and fun!

These sessions offer a relaxed and welcoming space to take part, try new creative approaches and enjoy the many benefits...
18/03/2026

These sessions offer a relaxed and welcoming space to take part, try new creative approaches and enjoy the many benefits that engaging with the arts can bring.

Art can be such a powerful way to spark memories and connection - we’re looking forward to seeing the joy it brings to residents over the coming weeks!

A big thank you to Jill for the care and creativity she brings to not only these sessions, but others too!

✨ Rediscover Your Creative Spark! ✨Are you a member of the BHSCT staff or a registered volunteers! Are you ready to turn...
16/03/2026

✨ Rediscover Your Creative Spark! ✨

Are you a member of the BHSCT staff or a registered volunteers!

Are you ready to turn a blank canvas into something extraordinary?

🎨 Join Arts Care Artist in Residence, Clare McComish, for an immersive, hands-on workshop exploring this year’s Hidden Talents theme: TRANSFORMATIONS

Forget "perfect" art - we’re diving into the world of mixed media.

You’ll learn to blend:
✔️ Vibrant tissue paper collage
✔️ Fluid watercolours
✔️ Textured layering techniques

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or haven't picked up a brush since primary school, it’s time to get creative.

All materials are provided and absolutely no experience is necessary!

🗓️When: Thursday, 19th March
⏰Time: 6pm-8pm
📍Where: Arts Care Studio, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

This workshop is the perfect springboard if you're considering submitting work to the Annual HIDDEN TALENTS Exhibition.

⭐The Challenge: Submit up to two artworks inspired by "Transformations”

⭐The Goal: Celebrate the incredible creativity found within our Trust community.

Not planning to exhibit? No problem! Come along just for the relaxation and creative escape.

Book your place at 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/CFzYV6H5Fk

Address

Unit 1, GF, Belmont Office Park, 232-240 Belmont Road
Belfast
BT42AW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442890311122

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