Dementia. Arts. Society.

How can we meet the growing challenges that the issue of dementia constitutes for our society? How can we help people with dementia participate in society as long as possible?

The goal of the research project Dementia. Arts. Society. (D.A.S.) is to employ artistic and design-based methods in order to raise awareness of people suffering from dementia as well as to offer them a new perspective on their own abilities and social life. The research team will present their preliminary findings in the context of this exhibition.

Ruth Mateus-Berr, Cornelia Bast, Antonia Eggeling, Elisabeth Haid, Pia Scharler, Christina Carli and Tatia Skhirtladze gibe insights into three years of research work and show results and findings developed during the project.

Program

• WORKSHOP: Tree of Potentiality
  with Cornelia Bast
  Monday, 21 Jan, 5 pm, 7 pm

Looking for potential instead of faults. What is important to me? What are the interests, passions and wishes of people with and without dementia? Each participant will be allocated a tree on which to collect their replies. Afterwards, we will start a conversation and discuss similarities. This shall instill self-confidence in people suffering from dementia by highlighting their shared potential.

Workshop for people with or without dementia, duration: ca 60 minutes

• WORKSHOP: FEEL-DEMENTIA IN D.A.S.
  with Cornelia Bast
  Friday, 11 Jan, 2 pm, 4 pm

How does it feel to be confused and disoriented? Can I accept help and how should I be approached? This workshop and the art object Fokung Wirkus use optical lenses in order to let us experience how different the world can look like. This way, people not suffering from dementia can also experience the effects of this illness.

Workshop primarily directed at people not suffering from dementia, duration: ca 15 minutes

• WORKSHOP: A Stranger at Home
  with Ruth Mateus-Berr
  Wednesday, 9 Jan, 16.30 pm, 18.15 pm

Additional dates
11.1., 12–2 pm
14.1., 6–8 pm
16.1., 5–8 pm
21.1., 7–8 pm
22.1., 7–8 pm
28.1., 4–5 pm

At some point in our lives, we have all been confused and disorientated and experienced a sense of order, familiarity and alienation – however old we are. Drawings depicting these states of confusion will help us illustrate different aspects of the discussion surrounding »Disorientation«.

• WORKSHOP: Sensory Workshop
  Supported by the team of Dementia.Arts.Society.
  Wednesday, 9 Jan, 4.30 pm, 5.30 pm

Additional dates:
11.1., 10 am – 4 pm
14.1., 4–8 pm
18.1., 10 am –12 pm
21.1., 5–8 pm

We will go to all lengths. A variety of different materials will trigger associations, memories and conversations. Chance for an intimate collection of materials.

Workshop for people with or without dementia, duration: ca 30 minutes

• WORKSHOP: Kaleidoscope of Perspectives
  with Cornelia Bast
  Friday, 11 Jan, 2 pm, 4 pm

Additional dates
14.1., 4-6 pm
16.1., 3-5 pm
25.1., 4-6 pm
28.1., 4-5 pm

Which materials do I prefer to work with today? Which arrangement do I intend to create?

A personal selection will be chosen from a great variety of small frames on which different materials are fastened. The selection will be mounted on two moveable window casements. The space between the objects will remain free and transparent. This way, we will gain new perspectives. The compositional arrangement on the windowsill will mirror the state of current moods or interests and create a basis for interaction between participants.

Workshop for people with or without dementia, duration: ca 60 minutes