CREATIVE BRAINWAVES
Global Voices, Creative Solutions, Healthier Minds: Talks & Workshops
Friday 11 September 2026
Ennis, County Clare
11:00am – 3:00pm
Mike Hanrahan and Karen Meenan, Atlantic Fellows for Equity and Brain Health, present Creative Brainwaves on 11 September 2026 in the Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare.
The event will showcase global and local initiatives in creative arts, dementia, brain health, Parkinson’s and extended reality (XR), with talks, workshops and performances aimed at promoting wellbeing through creativity and innovation.
Programme
11:00 – Karen Meenan
Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Karen Meenan, introduces the event and fellow host Mike Hanrahan.
11:05 – Mike Hanrahan
Presents an overview of the importance of creative arts in a global context, introducing Extended Reality (XR) to communicate with people living with dementia.
11:10 – Dr Anusha Yasoda-Mohan
Programme Manager for EMERALD-Lewy and expert on tinnitus, will present her findings on the latest dementia research. She will also lead an engaging Bollywood dance workshop in the afternoon.
11:20 – Brian Hogan
Brian, from Limerick, suffered severe brain damage and blindness following an unprovoked attack in 2009. He will speak about his fundraising achievements for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland since his assault.
11:30 – Break (15 minutes)
VR headsets will be available during the break to experience XR content.
11:45 – Dr Caoimhe Tyndall
Neuroscientist and theatre actor, Dr Tyndall will present her theatre interpretation of the Parkinson’s brain and will host a theatre workshop in the afternoon.
11:55 – Dementia Inclusive Videos
12:00 – Dr Kevin Quaid
Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia and the Irish Dementia Working Group, and author of two books. Kevin will speak about his life following his diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s.
12:10 – Helena Quaid
Complementary therapist, Reiki master, mother of six and care partner for Kevin. Helena will speak frankly about the realities of caregiving, self-care and preserving her identity, while working globally to raise dementia awareness and reduce stigma.
12:20 – Kasia Kowalska
Founder of Your Healing Arts, Kasia will speak about the importance of the arts in supporting personal growth. She will host a creative workshop after the break.
12:30–1:00 – Break
VR headsets will be available during the break to experience XR content.
1:00–1:15 – Theatre Workshop
Facilitated by Karen Meenan and co-hosted by Dr Caoimhe Tyndall.
1:15–1:45 – Creative Workshop
Kasia Kowalska, founder of Your Healing Arts, will host a creative workshop using art, movement and reflection to support personal growth.
1:45–2:00 – Dance Workshop
Led by Dr Anusha Mohan.
2:00–2:15 – Panel Discussion: The Role of Caregivers
With Brian Hogan, Kevin Quaid and Helena Quaid.
2:15–2:20 – Video: A River Rolls On
2:20–2:45 – Questions from the Audience
2:45–3:00 – Music with Mike Hanrahan
We Had It All and Beautiful Affair
3:00 – Finish