"Art Is…In"

https://thememorycenter.uchicago.edu/artisin/

The Memory Center at The University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL

“Art Is…In” is a technology-free, professionally curated art-at-home program that aims to engage and encourage meaningful creative expression for caregivers and individuals living with dementia who cannot participate in virtual activities or those with limited access or ability to use a computer or internet. To date, “Art Is…In” has distributed over 1,200 free art kits to individuals with dementia and their caregivers of diverse backgrounds in partnership with The Memory Center at The University of Chicago Medicine.

The weekly art kit contains two images focusing on dementia-related themes (i.e., sleep, food, music), text (poetry or song lyrics), and discussion points that allow caregivers and people living with dementia to share stories, strengthen relationships, and improve the overall quality of life. One participant said, “You can tell this is so much more than a mere art project. This program is uniquely captivating…the curriculum that includes thoughtful and provocative guided questions truly ‘lit up’ [my husband] and unlocked his engagement and enthusiasm.” Apart from receiving an art kit participants receive a 20-minute weekly check-in call from a student volunteer, many of whom are in the medical field and interested in the health and wellness of the aging population.

“Art Is…In” is an award-winning at-home adaptation of the “Art Is…” program, an in-person art class for persons with dementia and their caregivers, celebrating 10 years of partnership between GoldMind Arts and The Memory Center at UChicago Medicine.