The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (IWAMD) at University of Limerick will present an Arts and Health Research Showcase on 27 September 2017. The showcase will include performances, seminars and presentations by IWAMD staff and students whose work is at the interface of arts, health and wellbeing. The day will culminate with the launch of ‘Sing Yourself Better: the health and wellbeing benefits of singing’, an international study on the health and wellbeing benefits of singing in a choir. 

All events will take place in the Tower Theatre, IWAMD.

Programme

1.15 – 2.00 Lunchtime concert by students of the MA Music Therapy

2.00 – 3.30 Arts and Health Research project presentations by staff and students of IWAMD including Prof Helen Phelan, Dr Orfhlaith ni Bhrian, Jason Noone and Diane Daly.

4.00 – 5.30 Tower Seminar: Music Therapy and Mental Health featuring Mr Stephen Sandford, Strategic Lead & Professional Head of Arts Therapies, East London NHS Foundation Trust

This seminar will share perspectives and examples of the ongoing ground up growth and development of arts therapies within East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), followed by responses and discussion with Prof David Meagher, Chair of Psychiatry, UL and Dr Tríona McCaffrey, Lecturer in Music Therapy, IWAMD.

5.30 – 6.30 Launch of report ‘Sing Yourself Better: the health and well-being benefits of singing’, IWAMD foyer.

This event will launch the results of a major study exploring the health and well-being benefits of singing in a choir. The launch will include refreshments and performances.