According to Eithne Hunt, Programme leader for the Occupational Therapy undergraduate programme,’’ There is a long history of the use of art, craft and creative activities in Occupational Therapy, going back to the foundation of the profession in the early 1900s with an understanding of the power of occupation and the harnessing of people's creative energy. Occupational therapists understand the centrality of creativity to all people and the essential link between occupation, health and well-being, just as they understand the centrality of occupation in every daily life’’.

She says that the primary aim of the creative sessions is to give new students a first hand experience of doing a ‘new’ activity and actually creating something.  The response from students to the experience is overwhelmingly positive with many reporting enhanced wellbeing as a result.

 ‘Ordinary Extraordinary’ reflects the philosophy that occupations are ‘all of the ordinary and extraordinary things people do at home, at work and in their community to occupy their time’.

The reflective pieces in this exhibition provide a rich and detailed account of the transformative nature of the experience of creativity for the students which allows them to deepen their awareness of self and strengthen their capacity to empathise with future patients and clients.

‘Ordinary Extraordinary’ runs until May 4th inclusive.

Picture:  Occupational Therapy students (L-R) Helen O’Keefe, Eleanor Marks, Ciara Merritt and Emma O’Sullivan working with Johnny Bugler, Cork Printmakers.

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