Connections: Art and dementia program

Residents and their carers attend Bayside Gallery across a series of tours delivered by gallery facilitators.

The program provides a unique opportunity for people living with dementia to connect, interpret and express experiences through art works during a discussion-based tour of an exhibition.

Connections was highly commended at the 2013 Museum Australia (Victoria) Awards for excellence in program delivery for a small museum.

Connections provides the opportunity for people living with dementia to:

• reconnect with their community by extending social networks.
• participate in a meaningful activity that fosters personal growth in an environment where their intellect is respected and valued.
• improve quality of life through a re-established sense of self by connecting with memories, insights and experiences.
• develop new ways of communicating through mutual enjoyment and companionship.
• explore and exchange ideas about art and artists.

More information

Connections is open to people living with dementia in residential care facilities, who can regularly attend across a series of four weekly tours with gallery staff. Note, carers from the residential care facilities must be present at all times.

Sessions usually run on Wednesday or Thursday, 10.30–11.30am.

Bayside Gallery's Monthly Community Connections: Art + Dementia is a program open to the public. 

Book now

Bookings are essential as availability is limited.

email: thegallery [at] bayside.vic.gov.au (subject: Connections%20enquiry)

Connections brochure (PDF, 299.62KB)