The arts, in a wide variety of guises, reflective, interactive, participatory and creative, act as an ideal complementary companion to reminiscence work both as a means of stimulating activity and as a medium for expression of emotional and imaginative experience.
As therapy, as decoration and as entertainment, the arts have long had a place in our hospitals and old people's homes, but now, more than ever before, not only do the arts offer possibilities for enriching the lives of participants, the memories and stories of ordinary people who have had extraordinary lives are beginning to be perceived as able to enrich and transform the arts themselves. Artists, of all kinds, have found the care setting a fulfilling and stimulating environment to work in, finding older people willing and intriguing companions on a journey of exploration and discovery.
The arts have become, in some areas, and to one degree or another, an integral element of care provision. Established organisations especially promote creative endeavour by artists amongst people working, living in and undergoing treatment in healthcare and, to a lesser extent, residential settings. Health and social services provision represents an increasingly significant source of funding and arena for creative arts activity.
An artist working in a care setting may act as:
* an enabler
* a therapeutic resource
* a therapist
* not a therapist
* a teacher
*a catalyst
* a decorator
* an advocate
* a designer
* a mirror
* an entertainer
*a playmate
* an activities organiser
* a stimulus for reminiscence
* a context for self expression
* a context for social interaction
* a bridge to the wider community
and, if they are lucky,
*an artist.
There can be advantages associated with involving people who: are from 'outside'
who:
* work creatively and to a social model of disability
* do not have other duties to perform
* can concentrate specifically on social/ emotional issues
* have more time to pay attention to individuals
* can introduce activities that staff cannot
* have special expertise
* can share skills with and work alongside staff
* have access to a range of resources
A co-ordinated arts and reminiscence project can:
* attract resources
* improve staff skills and confidence
* stimulate creative, expressive and reflective activity
* refresh
* offer high quality activities
* offer insight into emotional needs of clients
* create a context for social activity
* support staff initiatives
* improve the physical and social environment of care
* offer a context for volunteers
* take student placements
* improve morale
* offer a fresh approach
* bring in special expertise
* attract outside resources
* make links with outside groups
