Arts

Lighting Up is a project in which artists work with people who have dementia and their carers. It has been running for over two years, and is now based in three venues in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. This article describes what Lighting Up has done and learnt over that time. Lighting Up aims to ensure that sessions encourage continuity and development from one session to the next, rather than simply being one-off enjoyable events. The focus is on the quality of participants’ lives rather than the outcomes of any specific activity.

This article describes some of the more recently established ways the Alzheimer's Society is using to support people with dementia and their carers living in the area of Derby, UK. The article covers Alzheimer Cafes, pamper days, arts and crafts days, and a carers support group.

Chreanne Montgomery-Smith tells the story of ‘Singing for the brain’, a music programme for people with dementia and their carers.

A creative initiative to address the isolation felt by many carers in South Wales is described. The initiative involved keeping a personal journal of original art work, poetry and thoughts.

Participants from 25 reminiscence projects involving people with dementia and their carers across Europe are to gather in Germany in June. They will bring with them some colourful luggage: wall hangings, embroidered cushions and major art works. Catherine Ross finds out why.

This paper presents the findings from an evaluation of a creative musical project led by Scottish Opera. The project included people with dementia and their carers in the development, writing, design and performance of a musical production about their experiences of love. The project involved professional singers, artists and choreographers from the opera company. Activities involved practice sessions and performances.