Artist in Residence for Arts Care in Down / Lisburn area of the South Eastern Trust

Colin McGookin was appointed by Arts Care as The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, formely Down Lisburn Trust (DLT), Artist in Residence in August 2005. Below are details of projects Colin has carried out as part of his residency.

Click on images for bigger pictures

In February 2008 Colin installed 2 new mosaic panels on the outside of Slieve Grane residential home in Downpatrick. These were made during workshops with the residents at the home during the latter part of 2007. At the same time residents of Finneston House in Downpatrick made another mosaic which was installed in the main corridor of their facility. Before tackling these larger mosaics the clients completed a number of smaller mosaics to help learn the techniques involved.

In June 2007 Colin assisted Lisburn artist Mark Gibson with an installation for Lisburn Health Centre located in the atrium, the open-air space in the building’s middle which can be seen while waiting at the lifts. Mark says of the piece

“An old style hospital bed positioned outdoors and converted to a trampoline suggested the phrase “fresh air and exercise is the best thing" Adding a touch of colour an apple suspended above “an apple a day…” Like the trampoline itself, the apple relates to gravity and the installation has relevance being situated where lifts and stairs are located"

"A friend responding mentioned the word ‘transformation’ saying something along the following lines;- With an old hospital bed we can imagine people once bed bound by illnesses now easily treated."

"Marking changing times, the bed is tied to the past with the old leaves but transformed to a trampoline and the bright colours are introduced marking the holistic approaches of today. (This may be a fitting farewell as it was reported in The Ulster Star that Lisburn Health Centre may be moving its operations to Lagan Valley Hospital as early as Autumn 2007.) At any rate Lisburn Health Centre has served the population of Lisburn well through the years."

Mark wishes to acknowledge the support of both Arts Care and an Arts and Disability Ireland award.

Below are pictures of Mark Gibson with his installation. Click on picture for bigger image.

Colin is currently working on a series of painted mural panels for the Acute Services Department and Psychology Department of the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn. They will be installed in 2008 and then finished on site in collaboration with patients and staff.

He has also finished a large triptych mosaic mural featuring St. Patrick, in a Byzantine bishops garments, banishing the snakes from Ireland. This was completed with input from clients and staff of Struell Lodge and Downpatrick Residential Group in Downpatrick and Orchard Grove in Clough. Below are some images of the mosaic which was installed in Struell Lodge in June 2007.

The artist recently worked on 'A Very Busy Life' (click for more detailed information) an animated film which was premiered in The Island Arts Centre Lisburn in July and August 2006 as part of the Lisburn Childrens Festival. The feature length movie utilized the talents of clients and staff in the many facilities in the Down Lisburn Trust area. Workshops carried out during his residency produced artworks that became various parts of the production. During the workshops employing various media different characters and settings were created which he brought to life using computer animation. A script was developed in collaboration with the childrens author Kareen Pennefather and a musical score was created in collaboration with Arts Care musician in residence Brendan Popplestone to compliment the characters and their unfolding story. The finished film works on many levels and is enjoyed by all age groups.

In March 2007 Colin worked with the Arts and Disability Gallery in Belfast to host an exhibition featuring all the characters, models and a series of stills from the 'A Very Busy Life' animation as well as a screening of the newly produced DVD which is now being marketed and sent to film festivals around the world. In June 2007 the DVD was shortlisted for the Anima 2007 film festival in Cordoba Argentina.

A full colour Calendar for 2007 featuring images from the 'A Very Busy Life' animation and a painting by the artist Colin McGookin was also created. Entitled 'Right Mind' it was produced by Esther Lynch of Down Lisburn Mental Health Promotion Community of Interest in collaboration with Alan Diver graphic designer for Arts Care. As well as containing a series of myths and facts about mental health it also has useful contact names and numbers to promote good mental health care.

The first project Colin facilitated for the Trust was 'Arts in Care' a showcase of artwork being carried out in the various DLT premises. A multi media exhibition was held at Down Arts Centre from 3-26 November 2005 featuring artwork from Derriaghy Day Centre, Thompson House, Seymour House, Slieve Grane House, Downshire Hospital, Finneston House, Flying Horse Ward and Accept at The Junction.

The opening of the ' Arts in Care' exhibition at Down Arts Centre Downpatrick on 3 November 2005. Left to right Colin McGookin, Colin Watson, Maria McManus, Jill Corkey and Kate Newman.

Colin then co-ordinated with Arts Care artist Nora Gaston and held an exhibition of clients artwork in the Musgrave Park Hospital Gallery from March until June 2006.

Arts Care artist in residence Nora Gaston and her assistant installing DLT art in Musgrave Park Hospital Gallery March 2006	Some of the DLT art on display in Musgrave Park Hospital Gallery March 2006