The first National Day of Arts in Care Homes will take place on Tuesday 24 September. The project is manged by NAPA http://napa-activities.co.uk/ and funded by The Baring Foundation and the Rayne Foundation.
The aim of the Arts in Care Homes project is to raise the profile of arts in care homes by promoting all the great work being done in care homes across the country and encouraging more creative activities. A user friendly website www.artsincarehomes.org.uk has been developed as a resource for anyone wanting to set up arts activities in care homes. The website includes how-to guides, research, news, ideas, advice and training opportunities.
The National Day of Arts in Care Homes is a day to emphasise how important the arts are for the wellbeing, happiness and health of residents, staff and relatives in care homes. There is a need for a wide range of arts provision in care settings, from everyday creative activities organised by staff, such as knitting, cooking and crafts to large-scale choir, mosaic and drama projects led by arts organisations, galleries and artists.
Lots of care homes, arts organisations and individuals have already signed up to organise events for 24 September: Entelechy Arts will host a 21st Tea Dance including live music, singing and storytelling in a care home in Lewisham; the renowned full mask theatre company Vamos Theatre will hold their innovative workshop Listen With Your Eyes for care staff in Kineton Warwickshire; Creative Minds and Creative Mojo have been running arts sessions in care homes across the country and artwork will be exhibited in exhibitions on the day and the intergenerational arts charity Magic Me will be making a very special announcement on 24 September, launching an exciting new arts in care homes initiative.
Several housing and care providers such as Sunrise Seniors, Greensleeves Care, Care UK and Signature Homes will also be taking part, with care staff, activity coordinators and volunteers organising a wide range of events including choir performances, craft activities, intergenerational sessions and multi-sensory experiences. See featured events here: https://artsincarehomes.org.uk/2019/08/27/national-day-of-arts-in-care-homes-featured-events/
Arts in Care Homes has also developed two special projects:
Only Connect – a creative letters and pen pal project, linking care homes with community partners through letters and creative writing. The resource pack, launched on 24 September will include template letters, creative activity ideas and real letters to use as inspiration such as a letter written by Vincent Van Gogh on 24 September 1883 and letters from The Royal Hall Archive and Georgian Papers Programme. Musician Nick Jones has worked with a resident from Sunrise Guildford to turn one of the Only Connect letters into a song which will be performed in the home on 24 September. https://artsincarehomes.org.uk/get-involved__trashed/only-connect-creative-writing-pen-pals-project/
Arts in Care Voucher Scheme – a new initiative to help relatives and friends become more involved in the life of care homes and to encourage more arts provision. Purchase an Arts in Care Voucher and the nominated care home can use it to pay for an arts related activity of your choice. Maybe something long term like setting up an in-house choir, or a one-off art, music or dance session? https://artsincarehomes.org.uk/arts-in-care-vouchers-scheme/
David Cutler, Director of The Baring Foundation says: “We believe that everyone has a right to participate in arts and culture right up to the end of their lives and wherever they live. Many care homes are becoming increasingly creative places, which is wonderful to see – but there’s room for much more! We hope that National Day of Arts in Care Homes will convey the joy that the arts can bring to residents, staff and families and be an opportunity for as many care homes as possible to get involved in small ways and large.”
For more information contact Alison Teader 07538 497607 info@artsincarehomes.org.uk
Twitter: @Artsincarehomes #ArtsinCareHomes
www.artsincarehomes.org.uk www.napa-activities.co.uk
