Blair 'incredibly impressed' by his brush with the Twilight Zone

YOUNG people from across Northern Ireland were invited to the Stormont Long Gallery this week to showcase their art and creativity to mark 15 years of the Arts Care Twilight Zone Project.

The event saw eight young people between the ages of 12 and 18 present their artwork to a number of politicians and stakeholders - including South Antrim MLA John Blair - as part of the celebration of their work and the partnership between Arts Care and the Public Health Agency.

The young people, who live in Health and Social Care facilities across the country, also had the chance to hear about plans for the future of youth-led creative health work in Northern Ireland as part of its wider focus on young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

The showcase presented artistic responses developed through the Twilight Zone Festival, highlighting creativity as a vital tool for expression, connection and well-being. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the project over the past 15 years.

The project helps young people explore several different art forms including visual art, filmmaking, digital art, music and photography.

And Mr Blair said the standard of the work speaks for itself.

“It’s incredibly impressive to see the work being done by Arts Care and the Public Health Agency,” he said.

“I commend all those involved in what they’re doing. The return on arts expenditure is absolutely massive in terms of social interaction, mental health, physical health, well-being, confidence building, the list goes on and on.

“It’s very important that we as MLAs lobby on your behalf to ensure that investment is sustained going forward, and hopefully increases as well. I am so grateful to see Arts Care working with the Public Health Agency to ensure that delivery is on the ground and benefitting young people.”

Arts Care Chief Executive Barry Macaulay said the exhibition underlined the power of creativity to give young people confidence, connection and a sense that their voices matter.

“Bringing this showcase to Stormont is significant,” he said.

“It places young people’s creativity and lived experience in a setting that reflects the importance of their contribution, not just to arts and health, but to how we think about care, participation and well-being across Northern Ireland.”

This was echoed by Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency.

“Creating environments where young people within the healthcare system feel supported, heard and able to thrive is central to improving long-term health and well-being.

“What the Twilight Programme has demonstrated over the past 15 years is the powerful and positive impact the arts can have in helping young people feel motivated, valued and more confident in themselves.

“The programme has created a unique space where young people can explore their creativity, find their voice, and build important life skills - all within an environment that supports and listens to them.

“The Public Health Agency is proud to support this partnership, and we look forward to the next chapter - one that brings even more opportunities for young people to shape their own stories and influence the future of care in Northern Ireland.”

The event was sponsored by John Blair MLA, who has supported the project and its focus on youth voice and creative approaches to well- being.