Well Festival of Arts and Wellbeing to begin in Waterford
Mary Whelan reading her entry for Sunshine at last year’s Well Festival. PHOTO: DGM Photographic
The Well Festival of Arts and Wellbeing has launched their exciting lineup, with a huge amount of free arts events taking place in Waterford this week.
From music to art, dance to theatre, poetry to film, the festival has something to lift everyone's spirits. It also features dedicated activities for younger audiences through the Wellies programme.
Taking place in venues across Waterford from Monday, February 16, to Saturday, February 21, the festival features an inspirational line-up of almost 40 fun, sociable arts events for all ages, the majority of which are free.
Presented by Réalta (Waterford Healing Arts), Waterford Libraries and Garter Lane Arts Centre, festivalgoers will experience creativity through music, art, dance/theatre, literature, film, talks, workshops and interactive opportunities for all ages.
In addition to events across the city, the festival has a special focus on arts for people in healthcare settings with a range of activities and immersive experiences planned for patients and staff at University Hospital Waterford.
At University Hospital Waterford, a daily postcard with poetry, curated by Waterford poet Joanne McCarthy, will be delivered on meal trays to patients and available to all through all Waterford Libraries, Garter Lane Arts Centre and online from 9am each day.
Meanwhile, a beautiful exhibition of images, relating to wellbeing, personal growth and positive change, created by budding photographers on the New Shoots programme, will be on display at Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford throughout February. Their launch event Wednesday February 18 at 6pm.
An immersive dance and live music event is also taking place with Jess Rowell Dance, where performers and audience embark on a journey together.
Described as a sensory-rich theatrical experience, especially for local adult day service members and their companions, it takes place at Garter Lane Arts Centre, Thursday, February 19.
Celebrate Waterford’s showband greats with WLRFM’s John Keane in the DJ Booth for an evening of song, dance laughter and shared memories also on Thursday, at 6.30pm at Carrickphierish Library, Carrickphierish Road, Gracedieu, Waterford.
A short film by artist Marie Brett reimagines family caregiving, the ethics of autonomy and the implications of Ireland’s new capacity legislation.
The film screening will be followed by a discussion with the artist at Garter Lane Arts Centre, Saturday, February 21 at 2pm.
Also this year, a stunning exhibition of intricate stained-glass works at University Hospital Waterford, a workshop led by creative arts therapist Catherine Sweeney and a friendly evening of poetry and song at The Book Centre will also be included in the programme of events.
For more information and booking where required at www.wellwaterford.com
