Media personality Janet Street Porter was in Belfast today to talk about the power of the arts to strengthen the voice of older people in society.

Her rallying speech, entitled Growing Old Disgracefully, was presented as part of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Arts and Age 2014 Conference in Titanic Belfast today.

The well-known journalist and media personality, spoke about the transformative power of the arts to bring older people together, raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, all of which can have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing.

She said: “Growing old doesn’t necessarily mean your life stops, your social life grinds to a halt and that you can no longer do all those things you’ve always enjoyed doing. But sadly isolation and loneliness is a real issue for too many.

“We want to raise awareness of older people’s rights and discuss how the arts can bring people together. Getting involved in something creative can transform lives, and give older people a voice. These are important issues and I am pleased to be able to be here today to lend my support.”

Janet Street Porter was joined at the conference by acclaimed writer and researcher François Matarasso and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Older People Claire Keatinge. The conference is part of the Arts Council’s Arts and Older People’s programme which provides funding for arts projects across Northern Ireland. Since the programme launched in 2010, over 4,000 people have already taken part in arts activities as a direct result of funding provided.

Bob Collins Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Through the Arts and Older People’s programme, the Arts Council is challenging ageism and prejudice by encouraging older people to be creative and participate in the arts.  We want to help build a fair and more inclusive society, specifically to improve the quality of lives of older people, including those living in the most disadvantaged, marginalized and deprived areas of Northern Ireland.   Today’s conference draws together experts from the health and arts sectors, to share learning and look at ways in which we make a real and lasting difference within communities.”

The Arts and Older People’s Programme is a pioneering, Northern Ireland-wide programme set up in partnership with the Public Health Agency, the Baring Foundation and DCAL, to increase opportunities for older people to actively engage in the arts. It’s about challenging perceptions of what it means to be an older person and it covers the full range of creative activities, from storytelling, to craft workshops, dance, drama and circus skills.

The key-note speeches are now available to view online.

http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/news/janet-street-porter-leads-arts-age-2014-conference