By Alayna Patterson @twohdd
An online program inspired from the onsite Artful: Art and Dementia program run by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is now available via the internet, the toolkit now accessible to those who experience dementia and their support that may have previously never heard of or were unable to attend the onsite program.
The Brain and Mind Centre at The University of Sydney and Dementia Australia conducted a research project that encouraged regular art-making and the effect it has on the well-beings and neuro-plasticity of individuals experiencing dementia.
This research, conducted between 2016-2018, was the basis for MCA’s onsite program, as was the follow-up online resource which was launched February of this year.
The toolkit includes 10 art-making activities structured from Artful, including step-by-step instructions, instructional videos, and questions used to encourage discussion about the artwork.
“Contemporary art is a powerful starting point for people living with dementia to engage and express themselves. We’re delighted that the MCA’s art and dementia program can now be enjoyed by people beyond the Museum and will have a positive impact on their lives.”
MCA Public Manager, Yaël Filipovic
The findings used as basis for the Artful: Art and Dementia program were as follows, taken straight from the Artful report.
- 100% of respondents found the Artful program to be very beneficial.
- 97.5% of respondents found the Artful program to help improve quality of life.
- 71.1% of respondents found the Artful program to help improve relationships.
- 95% of respondents said they would recommend the program to another person.
The toolkit is available to purchase through the MCA website as an individual for $60, and as an organisation at $200.
The toolkit is supported by Jibb Foundation, who aim to “to support organisations run by exceptional people that strive to improve the equality of opportunity for others.” They have supported other organisations such as Sydney Dance Company, and TAD NSW Disability Services.
Featured image: pxhere/CC
