Arts in care showcase: strengthening partnerships between care settings and creative organisations in Leeds

100% Digital Leeds is hosting an event for activities coordinators and managers working in a care setting showcasing the wealth of arts and culture activities on offer across the city for the benefit of care recipients. Care settings could include: care homes, hospitals, day services, supported living, Recovery Hubs, and hospices.

The event will take place on Friday 19 May, starting at 10am at Leeds Central Library. Free tickets are bookable on Eventbrite.

“The encouragement and excitement to use more digital resources in creative ways benefits not only residents’ connections with the community and their families, but digital inclusion also for staff increasing their motivation and confidence with digital resources. Having the support of 100% Digital Leeds has been fantastic for our care homes.”

Iria Cunha, Wellbeing Development Manager, Springfield Care Villages

The event will feature free interactive taster sessions from arts organisations

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a range of arts and creative activities delivered by arts organisations looking for opportunities to build partnerships with care settings, focussing on highlighting opportunities for digital arts participation.

In Mature Company taster session from Yorkshire Dance

In Mature Company brings dance and music into care homes across Leeds, to improve physical activity levels and reduce boredom and loneliness for older adults living with dementia. This practical workshop supported by a dance artist and live musician will be an opportunity for care staff to experience the programme.

Launch of the Arts in Care Homes Digital Arts Programme 2023

100% Digital Leeds will introduce the Arts in Care Homes Digital Arts Programme 2023 which will be taking place the week of the 25 September. The programme will be a series of free arts and creative events and activities with a digital element delivered by arts organisations and available for care providers. This session will be an opportunity for care staff to feedback about last year’s programme and help shape the offer for 2023.

The Creative Ageing Treasury of Leeds

Pick up your copy of the Creative Ageing Treasury of Leeds which contains 15 step-by-step arts activities contributed by artists and organisations who deliver outstanding work for, by and with older people.

The event will also feature sessions from Leeds LibrariesRJC Dance and other Leeds-based organisations. The Eventbrite page will be updated as content is confirmed.

Arts and culture participation is beneficial to care recipients

Improved access to arts and culture programming has been shown to support people’s improved health and wellbeing. The Baring Foundation (2011) report An Evidence Review of the Impact of Participatory Arts on Older People summarises some of the benefits:

  • Improving mental wellbeing, increased confidence, and increased self-esteem.
  • Embracing new and positive aspects to their identity and life role.
  • Counterbalancing the mental wellbeing difficulties associated with periods of loss which can increase the risk of low mood, anxiety and social isolation.
  • Improving cognitive functioning, communication and memory.
  • Increased sense of pleasure, enjoyment of life, and creative thinking.

The Baring Foundation published Every Care Home A Creative Home with the purpose of making the case for care home residents being able to access creativity and culture whenever they want, including increasing access to digital channels and tools.