Research

We recognise a growing body of research exploring where and how creative work can bring health benefits. Often this takes place in relatively wealthy contexts using academic frameworks for knowledge making.

Practice exists more widely. People create meaning and sense-make everywhere.

This site is established in the belief there is benefit in translation across the gaps between practice and research or between countries and languages.

This site begins with a close focus on neuro-degenerative conditions, like Alzheimers and Parkinsons, and the beneficial roles of creative for individuals and families. We are always interested to hear from others interested in this or related areas.

Links

Creative Brain Week
Creative Brain Week 2022 – online and in person events which explored and celebrated how brain science and creativity collide to seed new ideas in social development, technology, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and physical, mental and brain health across the life cycle. This pioneering annual event illustrates innovation at the intersection of arts and brain science, including creative approaches to health. This link brings you to the full programme of events and the videos of the sessions. You can also sign up to receive updates on the 2023 event (6th March - 11th March 2023) on the contact page.
Together with Music
Intergenerational music makers: Together with Music | It starts with a song!
Playlist for Life
How a playlist of personally meaningful music can help people living with dementia
Made by Mortals
Made by Mortals/TdS case study – a project which translated the voices of people living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia into a creative toolkit for raising dementia awareness in the community.
Small Things Storybox At Home
An online resource full of creative ideas for individuals at home – based on imagination and in the moment responses. Poems, dances, stories etc. Small Things, Liz Postlethwaite, Manchester UK
Memory Archives
Memory Archive - Sensory memory boxes celebrating African Caribbean cultural heritage. Originally an in-person immersive event, it has been adapted for home use (individuals, care homes, sheltered housing) during COVID. The boxes contain new creative commissions by contemporary artists alongside a media player and curated audio playlist, and a series of multi-sensory objects exploring African Caribbean cultural heritage. Accompanying the objects is a full-colour booklet with further resources, including artworks, archival photographs and QR access to online material. Visual and audio content has been sourced from various collections including the London Metropolitan Archives and the Guildhall Art Gallery. Culture &, London, UK
Curious Shoes
Curious Shoes - A beautiful collaborative performance for people with dementia (aimed at later stage dementia and people living in care homes) based on the observation that people in care homes are often staring at the floor or only see people’s feet. Magdalena Schamberger, Edinburgh, UK
Hoot Breathing Space
The Breathing Space project is for people who are living with early stage dementia (and a partner, family member, friend or carer) who might enjoy some creative time together. Activities include music making. Huddersfield UK
Hamari Yaadain
Hamari Yaadain - A support café for South Asian people in Leeds affected by dementia (diagnosed people and family carers) with Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi spoken. Weekly creative activities in music and dance and reminiscence with Bollywood music and film. Touchstone, Leeds, UK, Ripaljeet Kaur
Living Words
Arts and literature charity working with people experiencing dementia and isolated people. Published book of poems created by people living and working in care homes during the pandemic. Includes one-to-one work directly amplifying lived experiences of people with dementia, training for care staff and residencies in care homes. Folkestone, UK, Susanna Howard
Dementia Craftivists
People with dementia sharing their creative skills with others. Examples include uploading artwork or music performances online, though my favourite is people with dementia running Zoom craft sessions for other people with dementia. Exeter, UK (Innovations in Dementia)
Music Mirrors
Music Mirrors - A life story in words, sounds and music. Build a catalogue of sounds and music to evoke memories with someone with dementia. Simple and accessible and used to brilliant effect to calm and soothe people e.g. during personal care, what song or sound might make someone feel at ease? Norwich, UK , Heather Edwards – resources online
Peer Support Cultural Partnership – Leeds, UK
Peer Support Cultural Partnership - A weekly programme of arts and culture activity for people with dementia and their supporters. Co-delivered by Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Libraries and Leeds Museums and Galleries in partnership with Leeds City Council’s Peer Support Service for people with dementia (an adult social care service) A good example of partnership working creating a city-wide offer, introducing people to different cultural venues and working without additional funding based on using the resources each partner can offer e.g. exhibitions, theatre productions, archive materials. Debbie Marshall, Lisa Faulks, Nicky Taylor