Arts and Dementia Program
OUR VISION
To enrich the lives and enhance the continued learning of people living with dementia, through engagement with the arts and hands on creative activities in an accessible, inclusive and COVID-Safe setting. The Arts & Dementia Program at Lismore Regional Gallery is a creative ageing program designed to assist people living with dementia to participate in engaging arts and cultural experiences. Bringing together people from all walks of life, the program aims to encourage creative thinking, ignite cognitive activity, (re)kindle art making skills, and create connection through the sharing of stories.
The Arts program is free and runs for 2 hours, this includes a gallery tour that focusses on two artworks, then participants will have morning tea in our event space, followed by an art activity.
Ongoing culturally or personally significant activities such as connecting with art in a public space, can promote self-esteem, dignity and well-being in people living with Dementia. Because of this we encourage groups to book in for four visits, each taking place once a month. This sustained commitment to the program is highly beneficial to participants experience and adds value to our tour facilitator's knowledge of individual participants, providing for a more tailored and positive experience for the group.
OUR VENUE
The Lismore Regional Gallery building is wheelchair accessible, our team of staff and volunteers pride themselves on creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of our community. All staff and volunteers who work on the Arts & Dementia Tour program have undertaken training with Dementia Australia NSW.
OUR ARTS AND DEMENTIA PROGRAM FACILITATOR
My name is Jo Swepson and I am the Arts & Dementia Program Coordinator for the Lismore Regional Gallery. I am a highly creative, technically skilled, community minded artist and arts facilitator, who has been working with the Lismore Arts & Dementia Program since its inception in August 2018. I have undertaken training with Dementia Australia, The National Gallery of Australia: Arts and Dementia Team and I am a registered Dementia Friend. I am passionate about the programs potential to enrich and enhance the wellbeing of people living with Dementia in our local community
ARTS AND DEMENTIA TOURS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS AND TIMES:
Monday: 10am - 12pm
Cost: Free
The Gallery is officially closed to visitors on Mondays providing a COVID-Safe environment.
*Please note that the Gallery is officially closed to public on Mondays, providing an opportunity for a quieter session for visitors with sensory sensitivities to experience the Gallery with fewer people and reduced noise.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Please contact the Gallery for all bookings or if you need more information please contact our Community Engagement Officer, Claudie Frock: m: 0423 400 753, e: claudie.frock@lismore.nsw.gov.au
