Bereavement Support Line 1800 80 70 77

Exploring Creativity with Individuals at End of Life Through ‘Art by Their Side’ Project

Three people, two men and one woman, standing outside holding copies of a new book from Irish Hospice Foundation called "Art by Their Side."

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is proud to announce the release of ‘Art by Their Side’, a book highlighting the transformative effect of art on individuals at the end of life. Since the launch of our Arts and Cultural Engagement programme in 2021, supported by the Creative Ireland Programme, we’ve been dedicated to bringing the healing power of art to those who are bereaved and grieving.

In 2023, we embarked on a project titled “Artist in Residence in Service to People at End of Life“, partnering with hospitals to integrate artists into care settings. The aim was to provide patients, families, and staff with a unique outlet for self-expression and to foster compassion in the acute healthcare system. 

Artists Caroline Schofield and Kevin Toolis were selected to work at St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny and University Hospital Limerick, respectively, creating an atmosphere of creativity and reflection. The resulting book, ‘Art by Their Side’, features interviews with participants and showcases the creative work that emerged from the residencies, demonstrating the profound impact of art on end-of-life care.

Four people, three women and one man, standing outside holding copies of a new book from Irish Hospice Foundation called "Art by Their Side."
From left to right: Caroline Schofield, Visual Artist; Paula O’Reilly, CEO of Irish Hospice Foundation; Dominic Campbell, Manager of Arts and Cultural Engagement at Irish Hospice Foundation; Margaret Ryan, St Luke’s End-of-Life Care Coordinator.

Caroline Schofield, Visual Artist said:

“When you’re working with your hands, conversations will happen.”

Dr Rory McGovern, Consultant Geriatrician at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, praised the project, stating:

I’ve seen Caroline work with patients with various medical and psychological issues. I’ve seen them engage with her and then suddenly smiling and finding themselves as people again.”

Paula O’Reilly, CEO, Irish Hospice Foundation, said:

“We are delighted to launch the ‘Art by Their Side’ book and to see the positive impact the project has had on patients and staff alike at what is a difficult and challenging time. IHF’s Hospice Friendly Hospitals programme has focused on bringing compassion at end of life into hospitals through its training programs and creating quiet spaces within hospitals through its Design and Dignity programme. This Arts project was a pilot to look at how the Arts can be used in health and will inform future programmes. This project highlights how art and creative engagement can open new opportunities for communication between patients, staff and families, as well as helping provide respite from the more medicalised aspects of care.” 

Irish Hospice Foundation’s Arts and Cultural Engagement programme aims to make art a component of end-of-life care, ensuring a good death through creativity and compassion.

‘Art by Their Side’ is now available online for free, along with videos documenting the project’s impact – see Artists in Residence in Service to People at End of Life.

Hard copies of the book will be distributed free of charge to those involved in end-of-life care in hospital and nursing home settings, as well as others involved in end-of-life and bereavement care.

A photo of two people, Paula O'Reilly and Dominic Campbell, from Irish Hospice Foundation, holding Irish Hospice Foundation's new book, "Art by Their Side."
Paula O’Reilly, CEO of Irish Hospice Foundation, and Dominic Campbell, Manager of Arts and Cultural Engagement at Irish Hospice Foundation.
×