I had the opportunity to organize and lead a dementia-friendly arts workshop at the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation this past summer. The workshop was designed to create an inclusive and welcoming space for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, allowing them to engage with the arts in a way that fosters creativity, connection, and self-expression.
I’ve been with the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation for over two years as the Community Engagement Graduate Fellow. In my role, I assist with educational outreach through various workshops and events, including Lotus in the Park in the summer and the Lotus Blossoms Bazaar in the spring.
Workshop Goals and My Role in Its Development
The primary goal of the workshop was to offer participants a chance to engage in creative activities that were tailored to their needs and abilities. We wanted to provide a meaningful experience through the arts that promoted social interaction and emotional well-being. My role involved collaborating with community partners and the Dementia Friendly Arts Committee, planning the structure of the activities, and coordinating logistics. I was also responsible for communicating the significance of this initiative to all involved, ensuring that the workshop aligned with Lotus’ broader mission of inclusivity and community engagement.
Arts Administration Skills in Action
The dementia-friendly workshop was an invaluable experience for me to apply and hone a diverse range of arts administration skills. Each stage of the planning and execution required careful attention to detail, a focus on accessibility, and a deep understanding of how to tailor creative experiences to a unique audience. Accessibility was a critical consideration throughout the entire planning process, not only in terms of physical space but also in how we designed the activities. It was important to craft art experiences that could engage participants of varying cognitive and physical abilities, ensuring that each person could contribute and enjoy the workshop at their own level of comfort. For instance, we chose activities like paper fan-making that involved simple, repetitive motions, allowing participants to focus on the tactile experience without feeling overwhelmed by complex instructions. The act of folding and decorating the paper fans offered a balance between guided creativity and freedom for self-expression, which was particularly important for participants who needed a sense of autonomy in their actions. In addition, I learned how to balance creativity with structure, allowing participants the freedom to engage at their own pace.
Most Impactful Moment
One of the most memorable moments came during our paper fan-making activity. The paper for these fans was stamped with the Lotus Power of Pattern Project stamp, designed by LuAnne Holladay, at the 50+ Expo earlier in the year. At the workshop, participants folded and crafted the stamped paper into beautiful fans. Seeing how each participant embraced the creative process in their own way was incredibly moving. One participant, who had been initially hesitant, became engrossed in decorating her fan and proudly showed it to others. That simple moment of joy and engagement reminded me of the profound impact that arts can have, regardless of age or ability.
Challenges and How I Navigated Them
One of the biggest challenges was accommodating the varying needs of the participants. Some were more independent, while others needed more hands-on support. To navigate this, I structured the workshop with multiple activity stations, allowing participants to move freely between tasks at their own pace. This flexibility ensured that everyone could engage in the activities comfortably, while volunteers were available to assist as needed. Additionally, I worked with our team to ensure that the materials and environment were accessible and welcoming, creating an atmosphere that encouraged participation without pressure.
Workshop Outcomes
The workshop was a success, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect and create in a supportive setting. The hand-crafted paper fans were later featured at the 2024 Summer Night of Lotus event, symbolizing the collaboration and creativity that emerged from the workshop. The fans not only served a functional purpose during the warm evening but also stood as a reminder of the joy that the participants experienced in their creative process. Feedback from both participants and their families was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of dementia-friendly programming within the arts.
Aspirations for the Future
This workshop reaffirmed my belief in the power of the arts as a tool for connection and healing. Moving forward, I hope to continue creating and supporting programs that prioritize accessibility and inclusion in the arts. This experience has deepened my passion for working with diverse communities, and I see it as a pivotal moment in my career in arts administration. I aspire to work in organizations that share this commitment to making the arts accessible to all, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
Conclusion
Organizing the dementia-friendly workshop at Lotus was a deeply rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. It allowed me to apply my arts administration skills in a meaningful way and reinforced my dedication to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can engage with the arts. I am excited to carry the lessons I learned from this workshop into my future endeavors and continue advocating for accessibility in the arts.