A new documentary captures the profound impact of bringing art directly into the homes of older people, offering a lifeline of creativity, connection and joy.
HeARTh - Art for Older People at Home - is a unique initiative that fosters creativity and human connection through one-on-one art workshops at the participants’ homes. The project demonstrates how artistic expression combats loneliness, uplifts the spirit, and enriches lives.
Founded in 2009 by artists Deirdre Walsh and Breda Mayock, Hearth connects professional artists with older people in Mayo. Each week, participants receive personal mentorship and high-quality art materials, enabling them to explore painting, drawing, and nature-inspired creativity - all in a comfortable, familiar environment.
Now, a powerful documentary, directed by Mary Deely and filmmaker Eamonn Dunne, brings this work to the screen.
“Through the filming of this project, we were lucky to witness first-hand just how wonderful the Hearth programme is—seeing older people and artists creating side by side in such a relaxed and genuine way. We hope the film captures some of what makes Hearth so special," said the co-directors.
Tackling Loneliness Through Art
As Ireland’s ageing population grows, so does the urgency of addressing social isolation. Research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) found that loneliness among adults aged 60+ more than doubled during the first COVID-19 lockdown, with depressive symptoms surging from under 10% in 2018 to 25% in 2021. (TILDA 2011-2021)
Hearth addresses the challenge of social isolation, offering a meaningful and creative lifeline. Feedback from families, artists and participants, highlights significant benefits in alleviating loneliness and depression.
There are six artists currently in the Hearth collective and 18 older people in Mayo are visited each week. Over the years Hearth has reached over 100 people throughout the county.
“We are thrilled that Hearth is the recipient of this year’s Arts and Health Documentation Bursary Award," said Claire Meaney, Director of Réalta, Developing Arts + Health in Ireland.
"This bursary provides an opportunity to showcase arts and health practice to national audiences, raise awareness of its impact, and inspire other artists, healthcare staff, and health service users involved in arts and health projects. The resulting film beautifully tells the story of the project.
"Set against the spectacular rural landscape of Mayo, the film captures both the vastness of the area and the sense of isolation that people might experience. The participants are so generous in sharing their lives and love of artmaking. It’s a beautiful documentary — just like the project itself.”
A Vision for the Future
Hearth is more than just an arts programme - it’s a growing movement that champions the role of creativity in ageing. As it continues to evolve, the initiative empowers older people to express themselves, connect deeply with others and find renewed purpose through art. It’s a powerful reminder that growing older should never mean growing disconnected.
A Call for Support and Awareness
The film will premiere on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 12pm at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Minister Dara Calleary will officiate the opening.
The upcoming documentary launch is both a celebration and a call to action - bringing attention to the transformative work of Hearth while advocating for sustainable long-term funding to secure its future.
The event will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from: Creative Ireland · Arts & Health · HSE · Irish Hospice Foundation · Healthy Age-Friendly Homes · Mayo County Council Arts Service · Seolta Arts · Healthy Ireland · and HEARTH.
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