Exploring intergenerational arts with people with dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of The Cultural Value of Intergenerational Arts with People Living with Dementia
IRAS ID
244065
Contact name
Chloe Simone Charlotte Bradwell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 21 days
Research summary
Can intergenerational art programmes identify people living with dementia as active subjects of society and create broader meaning for participants engaged in these programmes?
Studies have primarily focused on the potential of intergenerational initiatives to increase the wellbeing of dementia participants. Such analysis risks discriminating against people with dementia by only representing them as passive recipients of welfare. Furthermore, there is a lack of theoretical and methodological understanding of intergenerational practices. This could be damaging, as it shows that art practitioners do not fully understand the impact of their work. My goal is to contribute building this framework and help address the discrimination of people with dementia. I will analyse Magic Me' s arts project between the residents of Hawthorn Green Care Home and Year 4 pupils from John Scurr Primary School. Eligible research participants will be the care home residents and pupils involved in this specific project only. The research will take place at Hawthorn Green Care Home in London. This project is a social and cultural analysis, not a medical response to dementia. The methodology I will use will be qualitative and involves me to observe the participants during the project. I will also use semi-structured interviews and creative methods to reach people who cannot use standard verbal communication. This study will last 10 weeks. This research aims to directly benefit the participants involved by providing information which will help improving the work of Magic Me. It will inform the broader field of intergenerational arts with people with dementia by proposing a framework with can inform the work of practitioners worldwide. This project also aims to benefit people living with dementia, even outside of the art sphere, by paying a close attention to their opinions and addressing discrimination by highlighting their value and strengths rather than their weaknesses.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
18/IEC08/0014
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion