This is an artist-in-residence project led by visual artist Caroline Schofield. Drawing on the Irish cultural tradition of the tinteán (hearth), the project uses visual art, conversation, and storytelling to foster social connection, creative expression, and wellbeing among older people living in residential care. 

Historically, the hearth was the centre of Irish domestic life – a place where stories were shared, food was prepared, and relationships were nurtured. This project reimagines the hearth within a residential care setting, positioning the Activities room, dining room, hallways, and residents’ rooms as creative and welcoming spaces for exchange, reflection, and expression. 

Visual art-making is used as a social and relational practice, rather than an outcome-driven activity. The emphasis is on process, listening, and memory, and supporting residents to reflect on ideas of home, belonging, identity, and lived experience. 

The aims of this project are to support older people in residential care to engage in meaningful creative activity, to reduce social isolation through shared artistic and conversational experiences, to value, record, and celebrate residents’ life stories and personal histories. The project promotes positive mental health and proves that it is possible to continue to learn, grow and self actualise at any age. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.