Innovating through adversity

Bantry White, Eleanor; Desmond, Elaine

Innovating through adversity

Files

Cork Cultural Companions Innovation through Adversity.pdf(1.51 MB)

Published Version

Date

2021

Authors

Bantry White, Eleanor

Desmond, Elaine

Publisher

Cork Cultural Companions

Abstract

This research provides an evaluation of two programmes offered as part of the COVIDProofing Cultural Companions initiative within Cork Cultural Companions, which began in January, 2020. Cultural Companions aims to provide increased opportunities for older people wishing to engage with Ireland’s vibrant arts and culture scene (and arts organisations wishing to expand their audiences) but who have no one to go with. The scheme creates local and voluntary networks of older people interested in the arts and culture in order that they may accompany each other to arts events. It seeks to connect people with the arts and with other people and recognises that staying connected is good for physical and mental wellbeing. The start of Cultural Companions coincided with the start of another kind – namely, the ‘new normal’ associated with COVID-19. The pandemic directly impacted upon the two central pillars of the new initiative – all live entertainment was cancelled, and the target age cohort of the initiative was obliged to self-isolate. COVID-Proofing Cultural Companions was established with the aim of exploring the Cultural Companions’ response to this situation – which involved seeking funding for and organising their own online events. This report begins with an overview of ageing in Ireland and identifies issues important to the goals and activities of Cork Cultural Companions. It then examines the experience of five participants and four facilitators and organisers of two of these events – Tea and Ballet and Clay Modelling. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the research explores the contribution of the arts to resilience in times of crisis. Participants reported how the events allowed them to feel a sense of connection, control, freedom, and escape in an oppressive context marked by restriction, fear, and uncertainty. The study highlights how the arts and the social are mutually reinforcing. Participants in the Clay Modelling, involved in online learning of the method in their homes, noted the loss of the social aspect of being able to check with a teacher or others in a class. The Tea and Ballet, on the other hand, did not involve participants in an activity. Instead, it featured the history of the ballet, Giselle, as presented by a former ballerina from her home. The evaluation of the event highlighted how the social connection, although online, was enriched through the sharing of a love of ballet. The evaluation provides support for the ethos of the Cultural Companions initiative – namely that a meaningful shared experience of a cultural event translates into more meaningful social connections. The evaluation of the Clay Modelling highlights, however, that events are not equal in this regard with those requiring the development of a practical skill more likely to work better in person than online. Nonetheless, the study illustrates how the online events served as a stepping-stone, attracting members to the activity who would not otherwise have attended in person due to the lack of confidence that comes with social isolation. In some cases, the research highlights how the online event led participants to seek out the experience in person. The study explores how the events were a positive experience for organisers and facilitators, as well as participants. They emerged through creative collaboration between a diverse network of community supports which Cultural Companions, as an initiative, was able to bring together. This emphasised the shared belief of the organisations and individuals involved that the arts had something significant to offer in a time of crisis, particularly for an age cohort who were designated as high risk within it. While the focus of Cultural Companions is to address social isolation, the evaluation illustrates that not all the participants who joined Cultural Companions identified as being socially isolated. This suggests the potential for broadening engagement in terms of reaching those who would specifically identify as being socially isolated in line with the programme’s central aim. It would also be beneficial to identify strategies to engage men in the events and programmes. Building up a picture of the needs and interests of members through a database would support planning and ensure events remain relevant as membership expands. Involving members within the design of events and programmes may also improve ownership and engagement. Facilitating events both online and in-person is responsive to the diverse needs of older adults, some who prefer to join online. The evaluation illustrates the importance of careful facilitation to allow everyone a chance to speak, whether in online or live events. Supporting access to technology that lends itself well to participation also needs to be maintained. The evaluation suggests a need to extend the reach of the initiative so that it includes all those who would benefit from it, thus ensuring that Cork Cultural Companions continues to make a valuable contribution to the wellbeing of older adults across Cork city and county.

Keywords

Voluntary networks , Older people interested in the arts and culture , ‘New normal’ , COVID-19 , Cork Cultural Companions

Citation

Bantry-White E. and Desmond, E. (2021) 'Innovating through adversity'. Cork: Cork Cultural Companions.