Prescription for Art is a programme, specifically designed for older people who may live alone and have age related health problems. Mary Brodrick, Coordinator for Prescription for Art at Dulwich Picture Gallery explains who and how could take part in this scheme either as participants, volunteers or professionals.
Creating something beautiful together
The programme is simple yet effective: GPs and Nurses ‘refer’ patients to Dulwich Picture Gallery to take part in creative workshops. The individuals do not need any art experience and the programme has been proven to enhance lives, combat isolation and create a new social life.
Intergenerational sessions in the past three years have been immensely popular with young and old participants alike.
Team effort
Last summer, sixty, 7 to 97 year-olds took part in a combined art project. Many of the older participants, even those who are frail, helped their child partners complete the creative task. All the children responded well and in turn their enthusiasm encouraged the older participants. One child was heard saying to an elderly neighbour with dementia, ‘well done…that’s very good’.
To break the ice, conversation was encouraged between the participants in the summer session through structured questions about hobbies, exciting experiences and future hopes. Having something pre-planned to discuss soon dissipates shyness. As one teacher said, ‘It’s so lovely – really quite moving. Look at that little chap over there chatting away.’
Helpful little hands in action
At Christmas, the children came to the Gallery with greeting cards which they had made at school, for the participants they were visiting and recited carols to the delight of their audience. When the children had left, Prescription for Art participants did what they do best, they created an artistic communal ‘Thank you’ card. Each participant made a small collaged house which opened up to reveal a ‘Thank you’ message. These were then joined together to make a panorama and delivered to the school.
At one intergenerational event a group of seven year old children were transfixed by an elderly lady singing Silent Night to them in Afrikaans and recounting tales about her school days in South Africa.
A few ten year old children listened intently as another older lady gave an account of her childhood in a Jewish family in 1930s Berlin.
One gentleman produced from his bag a colourful art portfolio to the amazement of a group of schoolboys, who encouraged others to come and admire his work.
‘They are so beautifully behaved.’
These are just a few glimpses into the interaction between children from Dulwich Hamlet Primary School and the older participants from the Prescription for Art Programme at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
The final projects
Intergenerational sessions are important, joyful experiences for the older participants, who look forward to seeing the children and enjoy their youthful company. As one participant said, ‘They are so beautifully behaved.’
The respect is mutual.
For further information on the Good Times: Art for Older People at Dulwich Picture Gallery programme, please contact Michelle Douek, Community Engagement Manager, on m.douek@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
If you are a GP who would like to find out more about Prescription for Art Referrals or a volunteer who would like to be involved in the programme then please use the contact details above.
