Challenging Ageism Drama Project 2024

Challenging Ageism Drama Project 

Age Friendly Louth have been successful in securing €11,000 funding from Creative Ireland to explore the topic of ageism in Co Louth through the medium of the creative arts.

Age Friendly Louth have partnered with An Táin Arts Centre Dundalk , to deliver this project which will promote positive ageing and reframe the conversation around growing old in Co Louth. 

A number of taster drama workshops were rolled out across Ardee, Drogheda & Dundalk  in early May 2024 , inviting adults and especially older adults to take part in the workshops.

 A wide variety of adults from lots of different backgrounds , with a range of ages and abilities attended the taster workshops.  

Those who attended were subsequently  invited to take part in a suite of follow on workshops which were held in An Tain Arts Centre from May - July 2024.

An open invitation was also issued to any older adults interested in the project to come along to the workshops and join the project.

The workshops provided  a safe space for participants to explore the subject of ageing and ageism. It also provided an opportunity for participants to get to know one another , to build up trust and friendships and to share stories and experiences . 

Paul Hayes from An Táin Arts Centre has facilitated the workshops and has engaged a writer , a videographer and a sound engineer to assist with developing and scripting the groups ideas and with filming the final pieces. 

Filming took place in Mid July 2024 and  post production of the project is currently being completed. The group have produced two short films  and a  screening will be held on 15th August for participants and their family and friends .

Paul Hayes project  facilitator noted "it is well known the  arts can have a positive impact on people from all walks of life but it is particularly true for older people."

One of the participants commented "Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity you are giving us to experience something so different, so interesting. The laughter you create with us in the room is so uplifting and enjoyable sharing.  What a great group of diverse people, so interesting and sociable, meeting new people."

Sinead McVerry Louth Age Friendly Programme Manager noted that "One of the short films will be launched at the Louth Age Friendly Expo on 2nd  October during Positive Ageing Week and will be a great way to celebrate positive ageing in Co Louth". 

This is first initiative that the Louth Age Friendly Programme has delivered as part of an ongoing  suite of ageism awareness initiatives .

The Challenging Ageism Creative Drama Project will Link with local, regional, national and international policy and strategic frameworks: Louth LECP, Louth Age Friendly Strategy, Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 (Louth) , Louth Arts Development Plan 2022-2026, Positive Ageing Week, UN International Day for Older Persons 2024, UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.