Artists Care Exchange Professional Development Programme (Ireland)

The Artists Care Exchange (ACE) Programme supports professional artists in Ireland who want to develop or expand their work with older people in care settings. The programme provides structured learning, mentoring, peer exchange, and networking opportunities to help artists build confidence, strengthen skills, and create pathways to paid work in the arts and care sectors.

What is the Artists Care Exchange (ACE) Programme?

The Artists Care Exchange (ACE) is a professional development programme designed for artists interested in working with older people in care environments.

The programme creates a learning and support network where artists can:

• Develop new skills
• Gain confidence in care-based creative practice
• Exchange knowledge with other artists
• Receive professional mentoring
• Build pathways toward paid opportunities

ACE supports artists who are already working in care settings as well as those who want to begin developing this area of practice.

Objectives of the ACE Programme

The main objectives of the programme are to:

• Strengthen artists’ ability to work with older people in care settings
• Provide opportunities for professional learning and reflection
• Support peer-to-peer knowledge exchange
• Build confidence and creative skills
• Develop professional networks within arts and care sectors
• Connect artists with mentors and experienced practitioners

Who is the Programme For?

The ACE Programme is designed for:

• Professional artists based in Ireland
• Artists currently working with older people
• Artists interested in developing practice in care settings

Participants may work across different creative disciplines, including:

• Visual arts
• Film
• Dance
• Theatre
• Literature
• Music
• Circus
• Multidisciplinary arts

Key Focus Areas

Skill Development and Upskilling

The programme helps artists improve their ability to:

• Design creative activities for older people
• Work effectively in care environments
• Adapt artistic practices for different needs
• Develop inclusive creative approaches

Confidence Building

ACE supports artists by providing:

• Mentoring
• Expert guidance
• Peer learning opportunities
• Reflection on professional practice

Networking and Collaboration

Participants can build connections with:

• Other professional artists
• Arts practitioners
• Care sector professionals
• Experts in ageing and social care

Learning From Experts

The programme includes opportunities to learn from professionals working in:

• Arts practice
• Social care
• Healthcare
• Ageing research
• Community engagement

Eligible Artistic Disciplines

Artists from a wide range of creative fields can apply, including:

• Painting and visual arts
• Photography and film
• Dance and movement
• Theatre and performance
• Creative writing
• Music
• Circus arts
• Interdisciplinary creative practices

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Professional Artist Status

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A professional artistic career
• A proven track record as an artist
• Relevant experience shown through their CV

Experience With Older People

Applicants should have experience working with older people in settings such as:

• Residential care facilities
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Daycare centres
• Community care environments

Commitment to Care-Based Practice

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Interest in working with older people
• Commitment to developing this area of practice
• Willingness to participate fully in the programme

Applicants New to Care Settings

Artists who are new to working with older people may still apply if they can demonstrate relevant experience in related fields, including:

• Community projects
• Education settings
• Health-related environments
• Social engagement programmes

Programme Activities

Successful participants take part in a structured learning programme.

Learning Sessions

Participants attend:

• Seven learning sessions
• Expert-led training sessions
• Case study presentations
• Group discussions

Arts and Ageing Sessions

The programme includes sessions exploring:

• Creative practice with older people
• Ageing and wellbeing
• The role of arts in care environments

Peer Exchange

Participants share:

• Experiences
• Challenges
• Practical approaches
• Creative methods

Mentoring Support

Artists receive mentoring support to help them:

• Reflect on their practice
• Identify professional goals
• Develop future opportunities

Participants receive mentoring guidelines covering:

• Professional expectations
• Codes of practice
• Effective engagement approaches

How to Apply for the ACE Programme

Applicants should prepare a complete application demonstrating their experience and motivation.

Step 1: Prepare Your Artist CV

Applications must include a CV showing:

• Professional artistic experience
• Previous projects
• Relevant creative achievements

Step 2: Explain Your Interest

Applicants should describe:

• Why they want to work with older people
• Their current experience
• Their goals for developing this practice

Step 3: Identify Mentoring Needs

Applicants should explain:

• Why mentoring would support their development
• Areas where they need guidance

Applicants may suggest possible mentors, but final mentor arrangements will be decided by the ACE Facilitator.

Step 4: Confirm Participation Commitment

Applicants must provide written confirmation that they can:

• Attend all learning sessions
• Participate in mentoring activities
• Engage actively throughout the programme

Benefits of Joining ACE

Participants can gain:

• Professional development opportunities
• Improved skills for care-based artistic work
• Increased confidence
• Access to experienced mentors
• Stronger professional networks
• Greater understanding of arts and ageing
• Potential pathways to paid work

Why Arts in Care Settings Matter

Creative activities can provide important benefits for older people, including:

• Improved wellbeing
• Social connection
• Personal expression
• Mental stimulation
• Increased participation

Artists working in care settings help create meaningful experiences that support dignity, creativity, and connection among older communities.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain their artistic background
• Highlight experience with older people or community work
• Describe their motivation for joining ACE
• Show commitment to learning and collaboration
• Explain how mentoring will support their future practice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting an incomplete CV
• Failing to explain relevant experience
• Providing unclear motivation
• Not confirming availability for all sessions
• Applying without demonstrating commitment to care-based work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Artists Care Exchange (ACE) Programme?

ACE is a professional development programme supporting artists in Ireland to build skills and networks for working with older people in care settings.

2. Who can apply for ACE?

Professional artists in Ireland with relevant artistic experience and an interest in care-based creative work can apply.

3. Do applicants need previous experience in care settings?

Applicants should have experience working with older people in care or community settings. Artists new to this field may apply if they have related experience.

4. What disciplines are accepted?

Artists from visual arts, film, dance, theatre, literature, music, circus, and multidisciplinary practices can participate.

5. What does the programme include?

The programme includes seven learning sessions, expert presentations, case studies, peer exchange, and mentoring support.

6. Can applicants choose their own mentor?

Applicants may suggest potential mentors, but final mentor arrangements are made by the ACE Facilitator.

7. What documents are required?

Applicants must provide a CV demonstrating their professional artistic career and relevant experience.

Conclusion

The Artists Care Exchange (ACE) Programme provides Irish artists with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their creative practice while working with older people in care settings. Through mentoring, learning sessions, and peer collaboration, ACE helps artists build confidence, develop new skills, and create sustainable pathways for meaningful work in the arts and care sectors.