A Celebration of Waterford Healing Arts Trust in 25 Objects

A Celebration of Waterford Healing Arts Trust in 25 Objects is an exhibition reflecting the evolution of WHAT over the last 25 years and features a carefully curated collection, including paintings, sound recordings and sculptures. The exhibition is running at Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford until 2 May 2019.

‘We’re presenting an exhibition of 25 objects to tell the story of Waterford Healing Arts Trust, what we do and why. We wanted to represent the landmark moments in the organisation’s development and the artworks produced through our art programmes, artist residencies, public art commissions, exhibitions and music programmes, as well as our national arts and health development work.’ – Claire Meaney, Acting Arts Director, WHAT

Established in 1993, WHAT is a pioneer in the arts and health world, setting up when the concept of arts in healthcare settings was in its infancy in Ireland and internationally. Originally the brainchild of a GP practising in Waterford, Dr Abdul Bulbulia, who had a vision for how artworks in the clinical setting could enhance patient wellbeing, WHAT has built up a strong track record over the last 25 years to become the national lead on arts and health development in Ireland. From the early days of a visionary committee seeking to enhance the endless corridors of the then newly-built Waterford Regional Hospital, to the present organisation with its myriad of artists, artforms, artworks and participatory arts programmes in UHW and other healthcare settings, the philosophy of the organisation remains the same: the arts have a positive life enhancing role. For patients, family members and staff, engaging with the arts stimulates a person’s sense of identity, creativity and possibility. While the organisation’s work is not ‘therapy’, it is inherently therapeutic and uplifting. www.waterfordhealingarts.com

For further information on this exhibition visit garterlane.ie