PAINTINGS, rap, and poetry were among the examples of creative arts produced by members of the Traveller community for a showcase at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
The HSE and the Arts Council co-hosted a Traveller creative arts showcase, which included contributions from The GAFF and the Limerick and Limerick City Traveller Health Programme.
Various creative art forms were practiced by members of the Traveller community, including rap, spoken word poetry, group performance, photography, visual art and written text, and recreational creative-based experiences.
Martin Collins, co-director of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, speaking on a panel at the event, said: “We need to find ways to have long term sustainable projects that create the conditions for Travellers to research, document, and engage with our own cultural expression and identity.”
“One of the benefits of this that arts can bring to Traveller mental health and wellbeing and Travellers’ sense of pride in the face of ongoing racism and discrimination.”
The event was part of the Traveller Wellbeing through Creativity pilot programme delivered in 2022 and 2023 to support Traveller health and wellbeing through creative expression.
Travellers and Traveller organisations who received funding under the initiative shared their creative work and learning, while exploring with other stakeholders how this work can continue and grow into the future.
Speaking at the showcase event, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said: “I would like to congratulate the participants for the breadth and depth of works produced through this initiative, demonstrating the powerful connection between arts, cultural expression and wellbeing.”
“In progressing the National Traveller Health Action Plan, the HSE is committed to working in partnership with other sectors to overcome the significant health inequalities experienced by Travellers.”
Grant funding of up to €50,000 was provided to five projects in 2022 and four projects in 2023. The successful projects were led by members of the Traveller community and promoted working relationships between health, arts and Traveller organisations at local level.
