Lonradh is an arts programme for older adults experiencing memory loss, their families and carers. It is led by Artist Facilitators Gillian Cussen and Inge Van Doorslaer. Gillian and Inge focus on the sharing of experience in the moment.

‘While memory may change, creativity and the scope for self-expression remains.’ 
Inge Van Doorslaer and Gillian Cussen

'During the gallery closure, Lonradh sessions take place at St Finbarr’s Hospital, Bessboro Day Care Centre and the McCauley Centre, Midleton in partnership with the Alzheimer Society Ireland.

The Lonradh programme will participate in an Arts & Health Ireland initiative (2025 – 2026) offering a student placement. The Arts & Health Student Training Portal provides student artists with placement opportunities to support and learn from a professional artist on an existing arts programme with a health or social care service.

Please see https://www.artsandhealth.ie/student-placements/

Contact person for the Lonradh Programme:
Emma 021 4907862
emmaklemencic@crawfordartgallery.ie

More About Lonradh

The Lonradh programme was initiated by the Crawford Art Gallery in 2012. Stemming from our involvement in the Bealtaine Festival (Age & Opportunity) and the findings of the art programme ‘Meet Me at MOMA’ (Museum of Modern Art New York).

Lonradh is an Irish word, which means to illuminate, (it is pronounced Lun-rah). 

It is also the title of a stained-glass work by James Scanlon (1993), that was displayed on the grand staircase of the Crawford Art Gallery for many years.

From 2012 – 2020, the Crawford Art Gallery offered free dementia-friendly visits as an opportunity to explore the treasure trove of artworks held within the national collection with an experienced guide. Sessions focused on enjoyment in ‘the moment’ with a friend, family member or carer. Crawford Art Gallery also began to support Lonradh sessions at St. Finbarr’s Hospital in 2015 with regular visits to their Alzheimer Café.

During the Covid pandemic, Artist Facilitators Inge Van Doorslaer and Gillian Cussen shared online videos for kitchen-table engagement. Click here https://crawfordartgallery.ie/lonradh-at-home-video/  On-going connection was maintained through phone texts and artist-designed postal packages.

In 2023, Gillian and Inge devised a booklet with the aim of reaching people who couldn’t travel to the gallery. It is called the Lonradh Sessions and is designed for use with individuals, small gatherings, and in care settings. The booklet presents eight different art sessions, introducing a variety of techniques and materials. Free to download here https://crawfordartgallery.ie/lonradh-sessions-booklet/

Cuimhne Group Exhibition at Cork City Library

This exhibition brings together a selection of artwork created by members of the Cuimhne group; people living with young-onset dementia and their significant others. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland the exhibition offers a glimpse into this vibrant group’s experience of art making together, supported by Crawford Art Gallery. Launched during World Alzheimer’s Month, the exhibition will be on display throughout September at Cork City Library.

Opens at 11am on Wednesday 2 September at Cork City Library

Special guest Lord Mayor of Cork, ClIr Damien Boylan followed by a free talk on brain health