Noosa Regional Gallery and Noosa Council have introduced a new creative arts program supporting quality of life and well-being for people living with dementia.
Brushing Memories: Artful Journeys for Dementia Wellness is a creative program that engages participants through artmaking and conversation.
The free program will commence in 2024 with sessions made available to residential care facility residents in addition to members of the public.
The program will be delivered by a Sunshine Coast-based artist educator, and supported by Noosa Regional Gallery volunteers.
In readiness for the new program, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in collaboration with Noosa Regional Gallery will present a specialised training workshop for local arts and health professionals.
Noosa Regional Gallery Education and Public Programs Officer Brooke Bowtell said, “Drawing on the knowledge and expertise of participants, the workshop will foster community partnerships in building a sustainable program suited to the local community.”
“Conversely, the workshop will also provide professional development that will enable participants to develop similar programs within the broader community.”
Trained educators who are already delivering Art and Dementia programs at the National Gallery of Australia will facilitate the training workshop over two days, in readiness for the 2024 public program.
Dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia and their care partners through the program, Ms Bowtell foresees the opportunity for 2024 participants to create new connections and life-enriching experiences through contemporary art.
“Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact that art and creative expression can have on participants through their art and dementia program. Improved self-confidence, well-being, and social cohesion are just some examples. Increasing community awareness of the needs and experiences of people living with dementia is vital to creating this new program for Noosa in 2024. We are very happy to partner with NGA and MCA and create life-enriching opportunities for Noosa residents through contemporary art.”
Brushing Memories: Artful Journeys for Dementia Wellness will be available to residents from February 2024. Participation in the program is free. Visit noosaregionalgallery.com.au
