Réalta shines a light on the transformative and central role the Arts play in Health.
Réalta is the new national resource organisation for arts and health in Ireland, founded on decades of pioneering arts and health practice as Waterford Healing Arts Trust and the encyclopaedic knowledge/insight gathered under artsandhealth.ie. Réalta’s vision is for the arts to be embedded into the provision of healthcare in Ireland. Our mission is to lead the development of the arts and health sector in Ireland through support, promotion and advancement, and the demonstration of excellence in artistic delivery.
Training
& Support
Réalta exists to illuminate health paths. As well as advice, mentoring and support for artists and healthcare professionals involved in arts and health practice, we host regular Continuous Professional Development talks and workshops. And provide opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing through networking and events.
Sector Development
As the national body for arts and health in Ireland, our goal is to increase and improve awareness of the value of arts and health, and advocate for the sector’s development. In particular, we will inform/engage with government, policymakers and funders to ensure wider arts and health policy adoption and more effective local funding of its practice.
Inspiring Practice
We are honoured to showcase and inspire arts and health practice through our ongoing management of the pioneering Waterford Healing Arts and the comprehensive artsandhealth.ie, our incredible resource website, packed with fresh ideas, examples and insights from Ireland and overseas.
News
Save the Date for Experience 2026: An Introduction to Arts, Health & the Older Person
Experience 2026: An Introduction to Arts, Health and the Older Person on Thursday 3 December is a full day of inspiration and learning for professional artists and arts practitioners of all disciplines interested in working with older people. Join us for a packed day of informative, focused and relevant presentations and workshops.
FULLY BOOKED – Arts + Health: Check Up Check In 2026
UPDATE 28.04.2026 : Arts + Health: Check Up Check In 2026 is fully booked. Thank you to everyone who has booked – We look forward to seeing you in Carrick-on-Shannon. 17.04.2026: Programme Announcement We are delighted to announce the full programme for this...
Booking opens for Arts + Health: Check Up Check In 2026
Arts + Health: Check Up Check In 2026, Ireland’s annual national gathering for the arts and health sector, takes place on Thursday 30 April 2026 at The Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim. Presented by Réalta, the programme will feature a keynote address by artist, author and educator Karrie Marshall, alongside presentations from leading and innovative arts + health practitioners across Ireland. The full-day event costs €30 (including lunch), and booking is now open at www.realta.ie. Arts + Health: Check Up Check In 2026 is funded by the Arts Council and the Health Service Executive, with additional support from the Leitrim County Council Arts Office.
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