Bairbre Ann Harkin
Curator, IMMA Horizons
Sundara O’Higgins
Curator, Mat Leave, IMMA Horizons
Ageing well is about more than physical health. Emotional connection, social interaction, and opportunities for creativity are equally vital to quality of life.
At IMMA, the Horizons programme creates meaningful opportunities for older adults and communities to engage with art in ways that promote brain health, creativity and a sense of wellbeing.
Art and wellbeing in later life
Initiatives like Azure, In the Moment and Slow Art invite people to pause, connect and experience art in new ways. Art participation is proven to lower stress, ease isolation and support memory and cognitive health while sparking joy, curiosity and connection.
From dementia-inclusive tours to sensory workshops and mindful looking, care and creativity are placed at the centre of later life.
Dementia-inclusive art experiences
The Azure programme offers free guided exhibition tours designed for people living with dementia, along with family, friends or carers. It provides a relaxed social way to engage with artworks and each other.
- When: First Friday of every month, 11am
- Book: Online or by email
Armchair Azure brings the experience online, with bespoke sessions available for nursing homes, care facilities and support groups.
Art participation is proven to lower
stress, ease isolation and support
memory and cognitive health.
Mindfulness through art
In the Moment offers sensory workshops where adults explore mindfulness through art. Participants spend time with artworks and respond through creative activities in a calm, welcoming communal space, where what is felt and sensed matters as much as what is said.
Workshops run seasonally, four times a year, on Tuesdays.
- Autumn sessions: currently running
- Winter sessions: Nov 4, 11, 18 & 25
Slowing down with art
Slow Art sessions encourage visitors to take time with a single artwork — noticing details, colour and texture you might miss at a glance. Guided by an IMMA facilitator, you can look, discuss and reflect together, promoting curiosity and imagination through a shared experience. Rather than treating art as a product to be consumed, Slow Art emphasises process, connection and shared experience with a focus on wellbeing, inclusion and social engagement.
- In-gallery tours: First and third Saturday each month
- Online session: Second Wednesday of each month at 1pm
- Resources: Guided videos available anytime
Longstanding history of art and ageing
Bairbre Ann Harkin, Curator at IMMA Horizons, says: “We believe deeply in the power of lifelong creativity throughout the life course. We have a longstanding history of dynamic art and ageing programmes that enhance wellbeing, nurture cognitive function, build self-esteem and strengthen social bonds in older people.”
