Art and Dementia tours at QAGOMA
- 9 Sep 2014
Susan Rothnie shares some feedback from participants in an arts and health pilot program…
The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) recently completed a pilot program of volunteer guided tours for people living with dementia and their carers.
Run in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Australia, the program was held over three months and involved the fortnightly attendance of up to six people living with dementia and their carers. Participants responded to a call for expressions of interest in the program made across the Alzheimer’s Australia community network, and Alzheimer’s Australia assisted with transport in some cases.
Reg and Carolyn of Alexandra Hills participated in a tour each fortnight:
What have you enjoyed about attending these tours together?
We both loved the visits to the Art Gallery as it was a very enjoyable morning for both of us because it enabled us to meet with others and enjoy viewing paintings with a new perspective and also the pictures we were given of the art viewed allowed us to continue discussions once we were at home. I found having transport provided meant less worry and concern for me thus enabling me to fully enjoy the morning.
Vicki, Residential care lifestyle coordinator, brought a group of residents to participate in the tours each fortnight:
How do you think these tours are of value to visitors with dementia who live in residential care?
It links people into the arts community. Residents have the opportunity to discuss art in a small group setting where they feel comfortable and accepted. Our residents have come away from the gallery feeling uplifted and eager for a return visit. A worthwhile project to be involved in. I have a list of residents who are now on a waiting list to attend future trips.
Following the success of the pilot, QAGOMA is offering Art and Dementia tours as an ongoing program from September 2014. The tours are designed to provide participants with an opportunity for intellectual stimulation and social engagement, and are conducted by an enthusiastic team of volunteer guides who have been trained to engage and encourage discussion.
Jan, Volunteer Guide, one of 7 QAGOMA guides trained in the pilot project:
How do you plan a gallery tour for visitors living with dementia and their carers? What do you hope your tour will achieve?
Planning a meaningful gallery tour for people living with dementia and their carers involves many of the same steps as designing a tour for other visitors. However, these tours especially aim to make art accessible through interactive discussions, and to provide an opportunity for social interaction. Typically only four pieces of art are chosen, so that there is plenty of time for relaxed viewing and enjoyment of the artwork. There is then a shared discussion about each work where the participants are encouraged to contribute their own observations and opinions. There is also the opportunity for participants to tap into their lives and experiences, and recall memories based on their connections to the art. I hope the tours provide a unique expressive outlet as well as a very enjoyable social experience.
Lasting for about an hour, the tours proceed at a relaxed pace, with seating provided in front of each artwork for the participants’ comfort. Each tour features a variety of artworks specially selected by the guides from current exhibitions or from QAGOMA’s permanent Collection displays. Following the tour, some visitors like to extend their outing at one of the Gallery’s cafes.
Jeanette, Alzheimer’s Australia representative, facilitated pilot program visits, and observed and evaluated Art and Dementia tours for Alzheimer’s Australia:
How do you think these art gallery tours address the needs of people living with dementia, and their carers?
Many individuals living with dementia do not have the opportunity to regularly enjoy cultural activities in a supportive, dementia-friendly environment. The gallery tours provide a stimulating, enriching experience in which people with memory loss can continue to enjoy art. The tours also provide a pleasant and engaging social outing, during which people with dementia and their carers can enjoy each other’s company and appreciate art together.
With almost 1 in 10 people in Australia over the age of 65 having dementia,1 this pilot program is the first step by the Gallery towards providing tailored experiences for this section of the community. It extends the Gallery’s commitment to provide access to all members of the community and complements existing offerings which include Auslan interpreted tours for Deaf visitors, audio described tours for visitors with vision impairment and tours for visitors with hearing impairment (using assistive listening devices). Art and Dementia tours are available on the first Wednesday of the month in September, October and November 2014, and from February to November 2015. They can also be arranged by request. Bookings in advance are required for this program.
For further information about the program or to make a booking, contact the QAGOMA Education Bookings Office.
E: educationbookings@qagoma.qld.gov.au
T: 07 3840 7255
Susan Rothnie is the Volunteer Guide Training Officer at QAGOMA.
Feature image: Visitors enjoy an Art and Dementia tour with a volunteer guide at the Queensland Art Gallery, viewing William Dobell | The Cypriot 1940 | Gift of the Godfrey Rivers Trust through Miss Daphne Mayo 1943 | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | © William Dobell 1940.