This year’s Skibbereen Arts Festival, running from 28 July to 6 August, will include a number of arts and mental health events. A screening of Alan Gilsenan’s acclaimed new documentary film Meetings with Ivor on 29 July will be followed by ‘Making Sense’, a panel discussion on the power of the arts in enabling positive mental health, together with a performance by The Claddagh Rogues. ‘Breaking Chains’, a collaborative photographic exhibition between documentary photographer Eileen O’Leary and James O’Flynn of The Claddagh Rogues will run from 28 to 30 July. 

Meetings with Ivor
29 July | 14:00
Town Hall | €6.00

Meetings with Ivor is a film by Alan Gilsenan about the life and work of ground-breaking psychiatrist Ivor Browne, a central figure in Irish mental health for many decades. For more information and to book tickets visit www.skibbereenartsfestival.com/meetings-with-ivor

Making Sense: The Art of Mental Health
29 July | 15:30
Town Hall | €5.00 (free with ticket for Meetings with Ivor)

Following the screening of Meetings with Ivor, there will be a panel discussion on the power of the arts in enabling positive mental health. The panel includes Dr. Pat Bracken, consultant psychiatrist; James O’Flynn of The Claddagh Rogues; Alan Gilsenan, Director of Meetings with Ivor; and a representative from First Fortnight, Ireland’s only dedicated Mental Health Arts Festival. 

A short performance by The Claddagh Rogues will follow the panel discussion. The Claddagh Rogues started life during an artist-in-resident project at the Cork Simon Community in 2007. James O’ Flynn, lead singer and songwriter, explores experiences of homelessness, addiction, mental health difficulties and recovery. The Claddagh Rogues are currently touring their new album For the Record across Ireland.

For more information and to book tickets visit
www.skibbereenartsfestival.com/making-sense-3

Breaking Chains
28 -30 July | 11:00 – 17:00
49 North St | Free event

A collaborative photographic exhibition between documentary photographer Eileen O’Leary and musician/singer/songwriter James O’Flynn of The Claddagh Rogues exploring his journey of addiction, mental health difficulties and recovery.

‘Life as it goes, the joys and the pain, love don’t leave me, please why don’t you stay?’

In memory of former band member, Mags Kelly, who recently passed away.

For more information visit www.skibbereenartsfestival.com/breaking-chains

www.skibbereenartsfestival.com