The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is working with Dementia Australia to become a dementia friendly gallery by building connections with local residents living with dementia.
The Riddoch programming team has developed relationships with Boandik residents as part of a trial in conjunction with Boandik St Mary’s Lifestyle Coordinator Ellen Feast, Dementia Australia and the National Gallery of Australia.
Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Coordinator Talie Teakle said work on a globally recognised action plan began last year as part of a staff training program.
The program is now ongoing and includes gallery visits and art making techniques.
“We were incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with Adrienne from the NGA who has more than a decade of experience with access inclusion in the arts,” Ms Teakle said.
“The team were able to passively observe how she interacted with private and residential care participants, before actively engaging with tours and maker activities.
“The sessions were so well received with the comments including statements like ‘best day of my life’, and ‘wow this was so much fun’. I do not think there was a dry eye in the office as we debriefed, and we recognised the value that it would bring to our community to continue to develop the program.”
Ms Teakle said aligned with exhibitions at The Riddoch, programming staff have been hosting sessions with residents at varied stages of dementia, both at the Riddoch Art Gallery and at St Mary’s.
These sessions include hands-on art activities or time spent viewing and discussing artwork on display.
Acting Public Programs Officer Kyra Sykes said providing an outreach session as well as on site gallery experience is an important part of the partnership as it enables more frequent connection with the residents and brings elements of the gallery to them.
“The collaboration with St Mary’s has been crucial in enriching the lives of residents and enables us at the gallery to further connect with the community by providing these unique experiences,” Kyra said.
“Watching how the residents respond and interact with artwork in the gallery is uplifting and rewarding.”
Boandik St Mary’s Lifestyle Coordinator Ellen Feast said the program not only brings joy and engagement but also promotes a sense of achievement and purpose.
“It’s remarkable to see how art can unlock memories and create moments of clarity and happiness,” Ms Feast said.
“Seeing our residents respond to art in such a profound way is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Knowing that we’re part of something that not only enriches their lives, but also brings joy and comfort is incredibly fulfilling.”
The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre will launch ‘Art and Dementia’ tours as part of Dementia Action Week this month.
“Coinciding with Dementia Action Week, the public is invited to join Riddoch staff and St Mary’s residents, who have been trialling the tours, for a morning tea at 11am tomorrow to hear about upcoming public tour opportunities for carers and people living with dementia,” Ms Teakle said.
“This ongoing program will include activities available to the broader community, with all aged care facilities and private carers able to register, in what is envisaged to be a regular ongoing activity at The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.”
