An innovative scheme which considers the effect of art on people with dementia has been trialled at the Plas Maesincla residential home in Gwynedd.
As part of a research project by Engage Cymru in cooperation with Gwynedd Council, residents at the Caernarfon home have been taking part in a unique art project.
Gwawr Wyn Roberts, Gwynedd Council Community Arts development Officer said: “Being creative and having the opportunity to enjoy art is accepted as a way of improving wellbeing and helping people who are sick or who receive treatment.
“As part of this exciting initiative, residents from Plas Maesincla had the chance to visit an exhibition of Cefyn Burgess artwork at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery which was a catalyst for them to start creating their own work. They worked with community artist, Eleri Jones to produce their own art work – paintings, cushions, pottery and more.”
Plas Maesincla residents, along with families, friends and Council staff recently got together to celebrate the completed art work, which should be exhibited at the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery in Bangor later this year.
Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council Senior Portfolio Leader said: “It’s natural that taking an interest and having the opportunity to take part in cultural activities is a positive way of maintaining and improving a person’s quality of life – that’s true of any person. It is therefore pleasing to see an initiative which is thinking creatively so that people with dementia can express themselves creatively.
“This work which has been supported by Gwynedd Council will feed into a national survey which researches the effect of visual art on people with dementia.”
The Plas Maesincla project is part of a Wales-wide action research project exploring the role of galleries and artists in addressing social isolation among older people. The projects aim to tackle social isolation, increase health and well-being and add to older peoples’ quality of life.
The projects have been funded by six Welsh councils including Gwynedd, the Arts Council of Wales and Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust. For more information contact Angela Rogers, engage Cymru Coordinator on 01834 870121 or email: [email protected]
