TOWARDS A SHARING CULTURE

THE ARTS, CO-CREATIVITY AND DEMENTIA

AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

This research project is about using the arts co-creatively to help create more inclusive ageing societies, with a particular focus on those living with dementia.

Co-creative practice is non-hierarchical and focuses on process rather than the end product. It is therefore inclusive and based on equality. This is an approach that has proved important for people with dementia.

We have been working with artists and academics in Japan and the UK, considering how to stimulate a better cross-cultural understanding of co-creativity. We are curious about how this approach challenges and changes perceptions and attitudes towards people living with dementia.

Central to our work is the importance of working with people with dementia rather than doing ‘to’ people with dementia. 

AIMS

·    To investigate how working co-creatively with the arts can help us to value and support people who have been made vulnerable through their experiences of ageing and dementia.

·      To work closely with people with dementia to investigate together how we can include them and other people who are often on the margins of society.

·      To explore how artistic co-creativity can lead to new expressions of solidarity with people with dementia, and enhance quality of life and wellbeing for all involved.

·      To develop innovative methods for measuring the impact of co-creative arts-based activities on people living with dementia and their carers.

·      To work with artists to share and contribute to research and theory on creativity, co-creativity and dementia from across a wide range of disciplines so that practice in the area can be extended and developed.

·      To collaborate with academics extending their knowledge about artistic co-creativity and the unique contributions of artists. 

ACTIVITY

The initial stages of the research are funded by an ESRC SSH UK / Japan Connections award. This funding has enabled:

·      A series of exchanges between academics and artists between the UK and Japan to share ideas and practice.

·      The development of a shared language about the arts, dementia and creativity that will provide essential groundwork for future research and collaboration.

·      The establishment of a network which has combined practical work with critical dialogue across disciplinary and cultural boundaries.

·      Sharing of existing knowledge through seminars, public events and webinars.