Bright Shadow artists support dementia research project
Over the summer, we’re reflecting on some of the important work we’ve been part of this year so far, as well as our exciting plans for autumn. Here we look at Support That Matters, a creative research project investigating networks of care, which was undertaken in partnership with National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
“Don’t let people say because you’ve got dementia you can’t do things. Because you jolly well can.”
– Dawn Horne, NHS Dementia Envoy and Bright Shadow trustee
This spring, we’re proud to have commissioned our Bright Shadow artists to support the development of research conducted by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Kent, Surrey and Sussex Dementia Research Fellows, Alessandro Bosco, Georgia Bell, Rasa Mikelyte, Sarah Polack and Barbora Silarova, as well as their research assistants Elle Whitcroft and Jacinta Babaian. Our professional artists, Lucy Stockton-Smith and Becky Vincer, worked with participants and researchers to develop a series of visual art workshops using the power of creativity to explore the constellations of care that surround each of us.
Artist Lucy Stockton-Smith explained that the idea for the “constellations of care” grew from the experience of looking at the night sky. “When you’re stargazing,” she said, “you have to sit back and relax to perceive the sky. You might find the North Star, some clouds, and then slowly more and more celestial bodies reveal themselves.” Lucy explained that the team drew on that same sense of gradual discovery in the workshops. Drawing inspiration from Joan Miró, 18th-century astronomy illustrations, and 19th-century zodiac diagrams, the group worked together to create visual representations of their connections to one another, mapping them against an imagined sky.
In these carefully devised workshops, held at The Hop 50+ in Hove and Thanington Neighbourhood Resource Centre in Canterbury, participants living with and affected by dementia were invited to collaborate in bringing these galaxies to life, using collage to map everybody’s unique planetary system. Each member of the group imagined, designed and painted a series of heavenly bodies, before connecting them to their unique network of support. Through this process, the groups reflected on those present in their lives, and their own presence in others’ lives, shedding light on the ways in which we are woven together through our care for one another.
Image credit: Anne-Marie Norris
This sense of presence emerged as an important concept for each group, with personal stories and portraits accompanying the beautiful artistic visualisations of our constellations of care in the touring exhibition that formed the culmination of the project. The exhibition, Support That Matters, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer’s Society, opened first at Skyway Gallery in Shoreham, before moving to Creative Space Gallery in Whitstable.
“I enjoyed the creative experience, having initially approached it with great trepidation. This excellent event gave me a renewed sense of confidence.”
– Support That Matters exhibitor
Artist Becky Vincer reflected on how the project unfolded, describing it as “a real pleasure to work on” and noting that “the artworks created by the groups are both unique and striking.” Throughout the process, Becky explained, “participants were generous and open in sharing the kinds of support that mattered most to them — often from family, friends, and neighbours — but also spoke candidly about the support they lacked, with many reflecting on experiences of loneliness.” Becky and Lucy designed the workshops to be meaningful and accessible, while also offering depth and space for reflection. “I truly feel that we achieved this,” shared Becky, “and I hope the exhibition helps raise awareness and understanding among those who come to see it.”
We were delighted that working with the researchers from NIHR ARC KSS, we were able to share Support That Matters with a wider audience through a virtual showcase, which you can experience by clicking here.
The interdisciplinary research which emerged from the project was also highlighted as part of the National Festival of Applied Dementia Research through a virtual webinar, which you can watch below:
“Art aids communication and facilitates conversation around complex or challenging experiences. Engaging in group art enhances wellbeing by fostering meaningful social connections and interaction and creating a sense of inclusion and identity.”
Dr Elle Whitcroft, interdisciplinary researcher
At Bright Shadow, we’re always looking for new ways to collaborate with our colleagues across the arts, research and health and social care. Since 2009, we’ve specialised in creating pioneering dementia-positive multi-art form experiences and galvanising citizen-led projects. If you’d like to work with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
