Taking Care
A creative exploration of rural medical practices in Ireland
Taking Care was a creative project that sought to shine a light on the work of community nurses in rural Ireland. The Glucksman invited artist Colin Crotty to create a series of new paintings that tell the stories of nurses who work in rural communities, looking at the lengths they go to, the humorous or unusual challenges they face and heightening the public’s awareness of their dedication and commitment to their community.
Community Health Nurses see everyone from mothers and babies to older people and those in need of palliative care. They provide services in schools, in health centres, in day care and other community centres and in people's homes. Under the guidance of curator Tadhg Crowley and artist Colin Crotty the invited nurses reflected on their working life and profession through creative activities, talks and discussions at the Glucksman. The artist interpreted the accounts of the nurses' daily practices, and these stories are presented back to the public through the created artworks.
The invited nurses from North Cork were welcomed to the Glucksman in Spring 2019 to take part in creative activities with trained facilitators. The group were introduced to contemporary art practices, artworks, and exhibitions and had the opportunity to meet with the artist and to share their stories, thoughts, and the challenges they face in their daily practice. Following this, the artist visited the nurses in their rural work settings, exploring the spaces, and places of their daily practices.
Artist: Colin Crotty
Participants: Margaret Birtley, Fiona Casey, Elmary Fitzpatrick, Marian Harrington, Stephanie McAree, Trish McDonald, Dolores O’ Keeffe, Mary O’ Riordan, Cecilia Roche, Grainne Scanlon
Project curated by Tadhg Crowley and supported by Michele Bermingham, HSE Area Leadership, Education & Development Unit
The project was run in partnership with the HSE Primary Care Service Cork and Kerry and the HSE Area Leadership, Education & Development Unit and was funded by Cork County Council Municipal Districts Arts Development Fund.
