A new documentary celebrating the healing power of creativity premiered this week at Croí House in Galway City.
This new short film about the Mending HeArts project shares the voices and experiences of patients, artists, and healthcare staff who took part in this initiative that supports people recovering from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Through a series of art workshops held in hospitals and community settings across Galway, including Croí House, participants explored painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media as part of their recovery journey.
The film highlights how creativity can foster confidence, resilience, and connection, both within hospital walls and back in the community.
Speaking at the screening, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard, said, “Projects like Mending HeArts highlight the vital role creativity plays in health and wellbeing.”
“It’s inspiring to see collaboration between healthcare services, local authorities, and the arts community helping to create a more compassionate and holistic approach to recovery.”
Following the premiere, a hands-on art session took place where participants and attendees were invited to create together in a relaxed and welcoming space.
The session offered a chance for everyone to reconnect and share experiences, a fitting reflection of the project’s spirit of creativity, connection, and community.
“The Mending HeArts project aims to create a pathway of support that follows patients from hospital through to their return to the community,” said Fiona Donovan, HSE Healthy Ireland Project Manager.
“There is a real need to embed art and health initiatives like this within our healthcare system, ensuring that emotional and social wellbeing are supported alongside clinical care throughout recovery.”
The event was a moving celebration of the Mending HeArts project and everyone who has been part of it along the way, the patients who took part in the workshops, the artists who guided them, the healthcare staff who made space for creativity in hospitals, and the many partners who helped make it all happen.
It was also a moment to reflect on everything the project has achieved and to celebrate how far it has come as it reaches the end of this phase.
Funded by Creative Ireland, the Mending HeArts project is delivered in partnership by Saolta Arts, HSE West and North West, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Croí the Heart and Stroke Charity, and Healthy Ireland.
It highlights the transformative power of the arts in healthcare and the impact of collaboration between government bodies and non-profit organisations.
