On Friday 19 May 100% Digital Leeds hosted an interactive event at Leeds Central Library showcasing the amazing work that is currently being delivered in care settings by arts and cultural organisations including Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, and Ascendance.
During the session 100% Digital Leeds introduced the plans for the Arts in Care Homes Digital Arts Programme 2023 and attendees were encouraged to offer feedback and suggestions for the programme as we work towards removing any barriers to taking part and making it as beneficial and rewarding for both the staff and care recipients as possible.
“Access to culture is a human right, as much in residential care as when living in the community. The benefits to health and wellbeing of participation in arts and culture, including in older age, are well established.”
Baring Foundation, Every Care Home a Creative Home
An opportunity to sample some of the arts activities open to care homes
The event was attended by care staff who work in an Activity or Wellbeing Coordinator role and attendees took part in taster sessions of the various arts opportunities available to care homes in partnership with local arts organisations. The attendees were able to get a feel for what it would be like to experience the workshops as a participant and also had time to have further conversations with the arts organisations to discuss how they can work together in the future.
Yorkshire dance
Yorkshire Dance ran a movement to music session from their In Mature Company project which saw everyone move and stretch and tap their toes to the rhythm of the music, strengthening and warming up muscles and waking up our bodies. In Mature Company run regular online Zoom sessions allowing staff and residents in different homes to connect and share in a joyful experience with each other.
Leeds Playhouse
Leeds Playhouse introduced us to the work that they do with participants with learning disabilities, using sounds, smell, music and some very exciting props, they brought the theatre journey to life through imagination and interactivity. Leeds Playhouse also run Heydays which is the largest and longest-running arts programme for older people in UK theatre.
Ascendance
Ascendance had us up on our feet, moving to the music with some very snazzy footwork. Their mission is to provide exercise, creative and performance opportunities for individuals with neurodisabilities and those over 55, improving physical and mental wellbeing, coordination, balance and social cohesion. They are committed to supporting the digital inclusion of participants and have worked with 100% Digital Leeds to embed digital inclusion throughout their service. Read more about Ascendance’s work supporting digital inclusion.
Carousel of arts and cultural organisations
There was also the opportunity for participants to speak to other organisations about their work with Leeds’ communities, we were privileged to welcome RJC Dance, Leeds Libraries, Maria Kapsali, The Performance Ensemble and Leeds International Concert Series.
Arts in Care Digital Arts Programme 2023
This year’s Arts in Care Homes Digital Arts Programme 2023 will take place from Monday 25 to Friday 29 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, following on from the national Arts in Care Homes Day on 24 September.
If you are an organisation that would like to submit an interactive digital activity to be included in this year’s programme then get in touch with 100% Digital Leeds and book on to the webinar where we will give more information about how to get involved. The webinar will be recorded and video will be circulated to attendees after the event.
If you are working in a care setting please contact us and we will be able to give you more information about how to take part in this year’s programme.
Arts in Care Digital Arts Programme Webinar
Wednesday 28 June, 12:30 – 1:00pm
Aimed at arts and cultural organisation and any other organisation interested at submitting an activity for inclusion in this year’s Arts in Care Digital Arts Programme. This webinar is an opportunity to hear more about the proposed plans for Arts in Care Homes Day in Leeds, to find out how they can get involved and to also hear about the difference that being involved in creative activity can make to people in care.