Public Engagement
Reimagining Dementia
In observance of World Alzheimer's Day, we conducted a screen printing workshop at Kentish Town Health Centre as part of Reimagining Dementia’s 'Taking it to the Streets' programme, an international series of activities aimed at changing perceptions of dementia.
This project would not have been possible without the dedication of Kate White, a dementia activist and member of Reimagining Dementia, whom we first encountered at an event organized by Seiwa Cunningham from the Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) concerning the Dementia Venues Charter. Kate is also a trustee at the West Hampstead Community Centre, where we host a memory cafe. Through her own lived experience, Kate has developed a passion for reducing the stigma surrounding dementia, and we saw this screen printing workshop as an opportunity to do just that.
Screen printing has a longstanding connection with activism; therefore, we felt it was an appropriate medium to explore ideas of change and advocating for our beliefs. We gathered a group of 10 people living with dementia, along with their carers, at a regular meeting place for one of our other groups at the Kentish Town Health Centre. Using a pre-exposed screen with the Reimagining Dementia logo, we enabled people to create monoprints, learning the process of screen printing while discussing everyone's lived experience of how dementia is perceived and how we can change those perceptions.
Most participants were unacquainted, but this did not hinder their enthusiasm from the outset. Although we maintained a strong focus on the art itself, the natural rhythm of the participants' direct involvement allowed ample time for exchanges related to living with dementia. The workshop lasted nearly three hours, but the provision of drinks and refreshments created a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable and, subsequently, express themselves confidently.
Following our screen printing workshop, we displayed the prints at Swiss Cottage Library, where we invited the participants and their companions to view the work and enjoy live music from 100 Strings, performing their "Indian Ragas Full Circle" album. You can purchase the album here.
You can read more about the event at Swiss Cottage Library in this article by the Camden New Journal.
