KICKARTS ART AND DEMENTIA
GALLERY TOURS
KickArts Contemporary Arts has opened
its galleries to assist people living with
Dementia. Residents from Mercy Place
Westcourt, Bupa Aged Care Cairns, and
Centacare Marlin Coast Respite have
joined individuals receiving at home
care in engaging in monthly discussion
based tours at the gallery. Based upon
the successful National Gallery of
Australia’s Art and Dementia program,
the tours provide a non-invasive therapy
to reduce the agitation, anxiety and
sense of loss and isolation experienced
through Dementia.
Since it’s inception in October 2017 the
program has seen positive outcomes
for participants who have expressed
a sense of achievement and purpose
in voicing their opinions, recalling
memories and engaging with others
during the tours. Individuals have found
a new lease of life within the gallery
walls, as they are able to recall works
viewed just weeks before, and develop
stronger relationships with attending
loved ones and carers.
KickArts Art and Dementia program
was made possible by the Australian
Government’s Regional Arts Fund,
which supports the arts in regional and
remote Australia.
www.kickarts.org.au
Image credit: Anna Crooks leads a lively discussion
of June Tupicoff’s paintings featured in the ‘Head
in the Clouds’ exhibition at KickArts Contemporary
Arts. Photo credit: Blueclick Photography 2017
4051 1221
Shop 4/98 Spence St Cairns
[email protected]
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