Cultural Companions

Calling people interested in socialising, arts & culture and volunteering.

Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions, or other events if we had someone to go with. There’s a thriving social and arts scene out there to be enjoyed if only we had someone with the know-how, the transport or the shared interest to get us going. That’s where Cultural Companions comes in

Cultural Companions is creating local networks of people interested in arts and culture that will accompany each other to events – like minded people that meet up regularly to go out together either with one other person or as part of a small group. Its aim is to provide increased opportunities for older people to engage with Ireland’s vibrant cultural and arts scene.

Become a Member - Application Form

By recruiting Volunteer Companions (people who enjoy socialising, have an interest in the arts or regularly attend events themselves), we hope to facilitate a more active social life for older people who wish to broaden their horizons, meet new like minded people and get out more. A Cultural Companion could well be the additional stimulus someone needs to decide to go to something, to participate, to get involved.

Become a Volunteer Member - Application Form

The contribution of older volunteers is something worth celebrating and particularly now in 2011 –The European Year of Volunteering. Volunteer Companions can be any age but we would especially welcome older volunteers.

The following is a quote from Cultural Companions’ first caller:

‘I saw the Cultural Companions advert in my local library and it jumped out at me. I moved to North County Dublin 11 years ago and to be honest I don’t know many people here. One time I even put flyers in my neighbours post boxes to see if anyone was interested in coming to the National Concert Hall with me. There’s fantastic stuff on all the time that I’d love to see, but it’s hard to find people who are up for going. Yes I’d love to be a Volunteer Companion and support others, but it would also be great for me to be part of a network of people who love going to things like I do’

Cultural Companions is a new Bealtaine Festival initiative, developed by Age & Opportunity and funded by Bord Gáis Foundation. It will begin in May, piloting in Cork City, Dublin North Central and parts of North County Dublin.