Celebrating Creativity at Any Age: National Arts in Nursing Homes Day 2026
Thursday May 7, 2026Celebrating Creativity at Any Age: National Arts in Nursing Homes Day 2026 – Award Winners Announced
Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) and Age & Opportunity have partnered once again to celebrate National Arts in Nursing Homes Day, taking place on Friday the 15th of May, as part of the Bealtaine Festival.
Now in its seventh year, this collaboration between Age & Opportunity & Nursing Homes Ireland shines a light on the creativity and artistic expression thriving within nursing homes and care settings across Ireland. Nursing homes and day centres nationwide are hosting events to showcase the creative work of residents and members, highlighting the important role the arts continue to play as we age.
In advance of National Arts in Nursing Homes Day, Age & Opportunity and Nursing Homes Ireland have announced the winners of the 2026 National Arts in Nursing Homes Day Awards. These awards recognise nursing homes that demonstrate innovation in their creative practice and a strong commitment to collaboration between artists, residents, and staff.
Among this year’s awardees are the residents of Orwell Healthcare (Rathgar, Dublin 6) who were recognised for their project “Orwell Boulevard,” developed in collaboration with artist Karen Hicky. The project is a visual arts initiative celebrating life journeys within the nursing home community. Created through a series of structured art sessions, the project culminates in a large-scale installation now permanently displayed in a central communal space beside Orwell’s café, The Avenue. The piece reflects identity, memory, growth, and belonging, as well as serving as a lasting, resident-led legacy.
Other nursing homes recognised through the 2026 Awards include Castlemanor Nursing Home Co. Cavan, Oakfield Nursing Home Co. Wexford, and Rush Nursing Home in North Dublin. Oakfield Nursing Home is being recognised for a second consecutive year, continuing its folklore project first developed in 2025.
Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, said: “We are very proud to partner with Age & Opportunity on National Arts in Nursing Homes Day for a seventh year. This important initiative highlights the commitment across the nursing home sector to supporting residents in a multitude of ways. National Arts in Nursing Homes Day reminds us of the deep creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression that lives, and thrives, within our nursing homes. Creativity is a vital part of fostering connection, individual confidence, and identify, as well as a strong sense of community. The projects recognised this year demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration between residents, staff, and artists, and we are proud to support and showcase this fantastic work. Across the country, nursing homes residents are embracing this years’ National Arts in Nursing Homes Day with enthusiasm and fun, allowing their unique creativity and joy to shine through. These artistic endeavours also allow for the residents of Ireland’s nursing homes to showcase the vibrant communities that have developed nationwide.”
Dr Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity and Artistic Director of Bealtaine Festival added: “National Arts in Nursing Homes Day reminds us that creativity does not diminish with age and that our creativity can continue to evolve and connect us. Across the country, we see residents expressing their experiences, memories, and perspectives through the arts in ways that enrich not only their own lives, but the communities around them. This day celebrates those voices, and the meaningful role creativity plays in care settings.”
To find out more about how to get involved in National Arts in Nursing Homes Day and to access resources to support arts and creativity in care settings, including a practical guide, visit www.bealtaine.ie.
For more information on Nursing Homes Ireland, visit www.nhi.ie.
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For Further Information | Ronan Lowther (NHI Policy & Communications Lead) | communications@nhi.ie
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About NHI: Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) is the national representative body for the private and voluntary nursing home sector, encompassing over 440 nursing homes across Ireland, which provide care to over 27,000 people. Our mission is to actively support and represent our members, enabling them to deliver sustainable, high-quality care to their residents. As the voice of nursing home sector, we are dedicated to championing a care-first philosophy. We actively advocate for the rights and well-being of residents, while responding to the evolving needs and challenges faced by our members. Through this, we pledge to uphold our role as advocates, embracing the direct voices of those we serve and continuously striving to promote excellence in care.