Bealtaine evaluated

An independent evaluation of Bealtaine has been carried out by the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, National University of Ireland, Galway and was published during Bealtaine 2009. The report demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of engaging older people with creativity and the arts and shows how Bealtaine has contributed in a unique way to broadening the cultural landscape.

For the Executive Summary of the Evaluation and the Full Evaluation Report, follow the links at the bottom of this page.

The report entitled ‘The Bealtaine Festival: A Celebration of Older People in the Arts – an Evaluation’ is the work of Áine Ní Léime and Eamon O’Shea from the ICSG.  It demonstrates the social and health benefits of participatory arts activities and provides a compelling argument for reviewing older people’s involvement in the arts in the light of future demographic trends.

Professor O’Shea has this to say about the Evaluation, "The research illustrates the benefits the Bealtaine festival brings to older people and to Irish society more generally. Bealtaine provides an opportunity every year for all older Irish people to celebrate their creativity. In the longer term it provides enhanced quality-of-life, increased social interaction, inter-generational solidarity and community networking. The many benefits it brings to the artistic, cultural  and social life of Ireland makes a compelling case for the development of a dedicated arts policy for older people."

Catherine Rose, CEO, Age & Opportunity comments, "From what we witness and from what people tell us, we know how valuable the arts are in the lives of older people. It is wonderful to now have an independent evaluation confirm the life-enhancing role that Bealtaine plays in the lives of individuals who participate and how Bealtaine results in more social contact and connectedness. This is an important message for Irish society as a whole as older people become increasingly a larger proportion of the population."

The Bealtaine festival takes place in May throughout Ireland.  It is the largest co-operative arts festival in Ireland and is arguably its biggest arts festival. Now in its 14th year, Bealtaine is an agenda-setting cultural first, an Irish innovation, for which it now receives international recognition.  Bealtaine contributes to cultural inclusion for older Irish people, as audience members, creators, participants and decision-makers.  Age & Opportunity’s vision for the festival is to bring about a shift in attitudes and practices for older people to participate fully and meaningfully in the arts.  This vision is in line with Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by which "everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts".

What the Evaluation tells us about Bealtaine:

• Bealtaine brings people together. Bealtaine is collaboration in practice. The festival’s unique approach harnesses contributions from small community groups and local active retirement organisations as well as national and regional arts and cultural bodies, local authorities, public libraries and care settings.  As a result of Bealtaine, there is more interaction between State agencies, non-governmental organisations and individuals.  As a festival, it is unique in this regard.
• Bealtaine makes people feel better. Existing research tells us that creativity is a key factor in adaptation to ageing.  Involvement of older people in creative activity strengthens self-confidence, morale and improves psychological outlook, contributes to physical health and enriches relationships through greater social connectivity.  86% of participants agree with the statement ‘Participation in Bealtaine has improved the quality of my life’.
• Bealtaine is beneficial for communities. Bealtaine is a glue for social cohesion.  Taking part in local arts projects is a popular way of becoming involved in community activities and extending social networks. Lasting friendships, networking with other groups and further involvement in other community events follows on from Bealtaine participation.  The evidence suggests that deeper involvement with community has helped break down barriers between old and young and between those in residential care and the wider community.  Having an outlet for social connections enriches the experience of ageing and provides hope and expectation. 87% of participants agreed to the statement ‘Participation in Bealtaine has increased my level of involvement in the community’
• Bealtaine has a positive impact on the Arts. Bealtaine attracts new and participatory audiences to the arts and is changing how arts organisations work with older people, breaking down existing barriers to involvement and engagement.  The festival is having a positive impact on arts practice in Ireland for older people.

Testimonials

“My life would be very lonely without Bealtaine.  I have Bealtaine friends – we meet every Friday – this group wouldn’t exist without Bealtaine.” (Interview with member of writers’ group.)

“And then in the evenings, I can paint away for a few hours. It makes life a lot easier to live, I think, if you have interests. I think what kills people is lack of interest…” (Interview with member of visual arts group.)

“It’s reassuring to think you can still be creative and feisty and funny at 96.” (Interview with drama facilitator on inter-generational project.)

“The existence of the festival creates expectations and these expectations increase every year.” (Interview with the visual artist working with older people in day care centres and IMMA.)

“I suppose it has broken down the walls of the hospital… It has opened it up and it has involved everybody, especially the community...” (Interview with Bealtaine organiser in a hospital.)

A UK artist felt that the public sharing of the work was important “because otherwise this type of work can just ‘quietly disappear’ if not connected to something larger than itself” – such as the Bealtaine festival.