The Puppet Portal Project –
Exploring arts, health and
technology
with children in hospital
Helene Hugel, Helium
Paula Hicks, Trinity College Dublin
Orla Kenny, Kids' Own Publishing Partnership
Puppet Portal Recipe
2009 & 2010
•
4 to 5 hospitals
•
4 to 8 Artists
•
2 to 3 Hospital Play Specialists
•
4 Hospital School Teachers
•
1 Children's Arts Organisation
•
1 Arts and Health Organisation
•
1 Third Level University
•
1 Artist's Mentor
•
1 External Evaluator
•
2 Funding Bodies: Arts and Health
•
600 Children
Puppet Portal – Arts, Health & Technology
Aims and Objectives 2009
To reduce the sense of
isolation and
alienation for
children staying in
hospitals
To use puppetry and
technology as a
medium through
which to develop and
Puppet Portal – Arts, Health & Technology
Aims and Objectives 2010
Build on Learning:
To use puppetry and technology as a
catalyst to create social engagement
for children in hospital who cannot
access gathering spaces like the
classroom or playroom or who may be
in hospital longer-term
To explore the collaborative art process
using Solas to develop, support, and
grow the child's community while in
hospital
To develop the role of the artist working
Process in a Day: Making a Puppet
Process in a Day: Puppets
Process in a Day: Story and Backgrounds
Process in a Day: Performing and Filming
Technology supporting creative process and collaboration
Process in a Day: Link-up
Technology supporting creative process and collaboration
Process in a day: Stages
Process in a Day: Multi-media Journal & DVD
Technology supporting creative process and collaboration
Supporting Structure
Evaluation Methodology
The project was evaluated based on 292 completed
questionnaires, on-site observations and other creative ways of
gathering data devised by the artists to facilitate the children.
Outcomes –
Children appeared happier
Outcomes: Increased Social
Opportunities
Indirect Benefits:
Parents and children working
together
Indirect Benefits:
Staff Participation
Puppet Portal Blogs on: Practice.ie
Helene Hugel:
<http://www.practice.ie/project/puppetportal-project-hospital>
Emma Fisher:
<http://www.practice.ie/project/puppetportal-project-hospital-b>
Siobhan Clancy:
<http://www.practice.ie/project/puppet-
Working in Partnership