Eleanor Yap
Dementia is one of the most debilitating health conditions faced by Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as arts engagement, have the potential to enhance the quality of life of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
“Art with You” is an evidence-based museum programme developed by National Gallery Singapore in partnership with Dementia Singapore, which aims to foster positive and meaningful engagement that supports the well-being of caregivers and persons with dementia. Art with You, which was launched in October 2022, combines people-centred care with arts engagement to create an inclusive environment where persons with dementia are valued, respected and empowered. It is currently being featured as part of the Gallery Wellness Festival 2023 and invites participants to take part in the self-guided activity using the caregivers guide and art kit. There are three themes – food, stories and places – with three artworks and a corresponding art-making activity.
The caregivers guide provides instructions on how to locate the artworks within the Gallery for the programme, as well as prompts for caregivers to facilitate conversations with their loved ones living with dementia when they are in front of the artwork. The guide also includes instructions for art-making after viewing the artworks.
If you are an individual caregiver keen on self-guided visits, you may collect the Art with You caregivers guide and art kit at the following locations in the Gallery:
- City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education reception counters (Art with You caregivers guide and art kit are available)
- Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, UOB City Hall Courtyard and Padang Atrium, and Level B1 Concourse, Visitor Services (Only Art with You caregivers guide available)
- Level B1, The Spine Hall, Gallery Wellness Festival counter
Guided group visits are currently available only to community groups. To find out more about group visits, please contact community@nationalgallery.sg.
For more information on “Art with You”, please visit www.nationalgallery.sg/art-with-you.
Also, the Gallery is also now an official Dementia Go-To Point. To find out where are the other Go-To Points in Singapore, go to: www.healthhub.sg/directory/dementia-go-to-points.
(** PHOTO CREDIT: National Gallery Singapore)
