Performing arts with people with dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the cultural value of performing arts with people living with dementia
IRAS ID
260097
Contact name
Chloe Simone Charlotte Bradwell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 16 days
Research summary
The aim of this research is to understand what type of relationships can the arts facilitate between people living with and without dementia. I will analyse the work of Entelechy, a participatory arts company who collaborates with people from marginalised and excluded communities. I will focus on their programme Walking through Walls at Tower Bridge Care Home. This project involves the creative collaboration of older adults in care, including people living with dementia, and three professional performing artists (a dancer, a drama practitioner and a singer). The programme is divided in two parts; in the morning the artists facilitate one-to-one session with people who have deep cognitive and/or physical impairments. In the afternoon, they facilitate group sessions with residents whom impairments are less restrictive in order to create small performances. I will observe 12 sessions (including both morning and afternoon) over a period of three months (26 September to 19 December 2019) and ask the following questions:
- What are the social relationships and creative connections forged by the artistic process?
- Which techniques are used by the artists to facilitate such connections?
- What do the participants think are the benefits and disadvantages of the programme?This project is a social and cultural analysis, not a medical response to dementia. The methodology I will use to analyse my case study will be informed by qualitative and creative evaluation in arts and dementia and socio-political analysis of dementia I will use a triangulation of subjective experience, interactional environment, and sociocultural context to evaluate this project. Mixed research methods will be used. These will include participant observations and semi-structured interviews. It will also involve creative methods to analyse the opinions of people with dementia who might not be able to communicate through standard interviews. These methods will be tailored to the needs and abilities of individual participants in the respect of a person-centred approach.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
19/IEC08/0029
Date of REC Opinion
30 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Unfavourable Opinion