Cultural Companions

Calling people interested in socialising, arts & culture and volunteering.

Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions or other events if we had someone to go with. There's a thriving social and arts scene out there to be enjoyed if only we had someone with the know-how, the transport or the shared interest to get us going. That's where Cultural Companions comes in.

Cultural Companions is creating local networks of people interested in arts and culture that will accompany each other to events – like minded people that meet up regularly to go out together either with one other person or as part of a small group. Its aim is to provide increased opportunities for older people to engage with Ireland’s vibrant cultural and arts scene.

How it Works

When it comes to Cultural Companions, there is an emphasis on peer support, independence and choice. Members can use/tap into the network at three different levels, depending on their needs at a particular point in time:

• Be part of the larger network by attending regular, organised Cultural Companions events 
• Network independently, using the Membership Directory
• Request one to one Volunteer Companion support

Become a Member

If this sounds like something you might like to join, then please contact 01 8057713 for more information or email info@ageandopportunity.ie

Download a Members Application Form

Become a Volunteer Companion

By recruiting Volunteer Companions (people who enjoy socialising, have an interest in the arts or regularly attend events themselves), we hope to facilitate a more active social life for older people who wish to broaden their horizons, meet new like minded people and get out more. A Cultural Companion could well be the additional stimulus someone needs to decide to go to something, to participate, to get involved. Volunteer Companions can be any age but we would especially welcome older volunteers. All Volunteer Companions will be Garda vetted and will attend a one day preparation/training workshop.

Download a Volunteer Companion Application Form

Become a Partner Organisation // Cultural Companions Champion

Cultural Companions is a Bealtaine Festival initiative, developed by Age & Opportunity and funded by Bord Gáis Foundation. Now in its third year, Cultural Companions already has a strong network established in Dublin with plans to set up and further develop the network in Cork and a number of other counties over the coming year.

Over the next few months, we will work towards a model of expansion – one that is sustainable and retains the ethos and values of Cultural Companions. Our vision is for local champions to take the concept and develop the model, taking into account local needs etc.

So if you are a local development agency, arts/cultural organisation, hard working individual etc. and would like to see Cultural Companions set up in your area/county then please get in touch.

Testimony from one of our members

“It’s been great being part of something like Cultural Companions. I can’t believe it hasn’t been done before… For me, it’s just great now knowing what’s going on from month to month. When I think of all the shows that I’ve missed over the years because I didn’t know they were on. I’ve met some really nice people over the past few months and there is a small group of us who now phone each other all the time and go to various shows together or even meet up for a coffee sometimes. What I wanted to get from Cultural Companions was to meet new people and get out more. It’s that simple for me.” Marie Ryan, Cultural Companions member

For more information contact:

01 8535178 or email info@ageandopportunity.ie

Cultural Companions Event Guide for January- February 2013

Return to Arts & Culture Home Page