An interdisciplinary gathering of artists, researchers and healthcare professionals took place at University College Dublin on Friday, April 24, as part of the “Artists at Work in Health Research and Care” event, supported by the UCD Parity Studios ARISE project in collaboration with UCD and NCAD Creative Futures Academy and UCD School of Nursing.

Held at the Trapdoor Theatre, the day-long programme brought together six artists and health-sector contributors to examine how contemporary art practices can intersect with clinical care, biomedical research and community health contexts. The event aimed to highlight the “unique qualities of art and creative research practice” in fostering communication, care and connection within healthcare settings.

The morning session featured Panel 1, chaired by arts and health specialist Mary Grehan. Contributors included Aisling Murray, Project coordinator Réalta, artists Siobhan Clancy and Lorna Donlon and Elaine Quinn, Institute Manager at at UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research.  The panel examined collaborative approaches between artists and scientific researchers and their potential to reshape patient and researcher experiences.

Speakers reflected on the evolving role of the artist as researcher, facilitator and witness within clinical and laboratory environments, and on the importance of building sustainable partnerships between the arts and health sectors.

In the afternoon, Panel 2 was chaired by Andrew Darley, Assistant Professor and researcher in the School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Sciences –  a recent graduate (2024) of the CFA at NCAD Arts and Health Professional Diploma. There were also presentations by Emma Finucane, John Conway, Yvonne Cullivan and Manuala Corbari with discussion focusing on methodologies rooted in attentiveness, ethical engagement and long-term practice.

The event formed part of a wider initiative supported by UCD Parity Studios and academic partners, aiming to raise awareness of emerging practices at the intersection of art and health research in Ireland.

The symposium highlighted the growing recognition of creative practice as a valuable component in healthcare innovation, with the potential to influence how care is delivered, experienced and understood.

Image: From left to right – Andrew Darley, Emma Finucane, Yvonne Cullivan, Manuela Corbari and John Conway