Display celebrates arts for all
CREATIVE AGE EXHIBITION IS PART OF PIONEERING SCHEME FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
An exhibition of work by people living with dementia and theircarersopensatArtsCentreWashingtonthisweekend.
Titled Creative Age, the new exhibition is created by a groupofthesamenamewhich meets weekly at the centre.
One of a few groups in the region, Creative Age is a pioneering scheme devised by Gateshead charity Equal Arts and funded by Comic Relief and Arts Council England.
The group have been working with a number of different artists using differentmediumsandgainingnew skills to create their first exhibition, which includes drawings, felting, glasswork, giant portraits, cyanotype printing, animation, fantasy film and a 3d installation of Penshaw Monument.
Rachel Hamer, participationco-ordinatoratArtsCentre Washington, said: “The group have been on an amazing journey from the start of this project to working tofits wards this exhibition.
“The participants are excited to share the work that they have created and share the skills that they have gained from a range of fantastic artists.
“One of the main bene- that the members have found during the sessions is the peer-to-peer support and conversations that happen, without dementia being thefocusofthegroupbutwith creativity at the forefront.
Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Coun John Kelly said: “Truly, this is what the arts and art are all about as they are helping improve people’s lives through creativity.
“I know this is a worthy project and I know this is going to be a very worthy exhibition.”
A launch event will take place at Arts Centre Washington today from 11am to 2pm.