A Cushla My Own Native Land – Continuing to Resonate
Left to right: 2023 Catriona O'Reilly, Cavan Arts Officer (Retired) , Sean Burns, Camille Donegan, Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley, Kim Doherty, Maya Matthew.
Originally launched on Friday 24th February 2023, A Cushla My Own Native Land remains a very special and pioneering arts and health collaboration for County Cavan. The project continues to be a meaningful example of how creative practice can support connection, expression, and dignity for people living with dementia.
This unique art film was developed through a deeply collaborative process with residents of the Sullivan Centre, Cavan. Through a series of reminiscence sessions led by artist Kim Doherty, and supported by Raquel Montero Calero and the dedicated staff team at the centre, residents shared memories of childhood, family life, farming traditions, and the Cavan landscape that shaped their lives.
These personal stories became the foundation for a visually rich 360° art film exploring themes of beauty, memory, and loss. The residents’ voices guide the work, grounding it in lived experience and local heritage. The title, A Cushla My Own Native Land, was inspired by a song cherished by one of the participants — a fitting tribute to the emotional core of the project.
Blending artistic disciplines with emerging technologies, the film incorporates virtual reality and 360 filmmaking, allowing audiences to step into an immersive, sensory experience. Since its launch, the work has continued to spark interest in how digital tools can enhance accessibility and engagement in arts and health contexts.
The original premiere at Townhall Arts Centre was marked by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with music from Martin Donohoe and Fintan McManus and opening remarks by An Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Paul Feeley. Audiences were invited to experience the work through VR headsets, which proved both moving and memorable.
As we continue to develop arts and health programming in Cavan, A Cushla My Own Native Land stands as an important milestone, highlighting the value of collaboration between artists, care settings, and communities.
Cavan Arts would like to again acknowledge the residents of the Sullivan Centre, their families, and the staff team, particularly Maya Mathew, whose support made this project possible. Their generosity, openness, and creativity remain at the heart of this enduring work.