Aged care homes ignite residents’ creative juices
Art can stimulate the senses and provide spaces for mindfulness, as well as creating social contact.
Art can unlock memories and it can be empowering, especially for artists who have creative freedom and control over what they are creating.
Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) has been supporting more than 2,000 residents and clients over the past eight years to create original artworks for the South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA).
Its Totems exhibition celebrates cultural diversity through collaborative art. The exhibition is a series of Totem Poles reflecting the stories of the residents and clients through the exploration of symbols, pattern and design.
All residents of Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) residential aged care homes can engage in workshops creating Totem Poles.
The Southern Cross Care Community Foundation supports this program as it is a key activity that promotes social connection and reduces loneliness and isolation.
"This year, the level of participation and creativity going into Totems has been awe inspiring," the Not For Profit said.
"After the exhibition, the totems created by residents are going to become permanent installations around the state, including in residential care home gardens so they can be enjoyed by our community."
Totems is open to the public on weekdays, 9am-4.30pm, at the Bowler Family Cafe, Carmelite, in Myrtle Bank, 6km from Adelaide's CBD, until 5 September.
