Ireland: Creativity and connection through Cuimhne Group this World Alzheimer’s Month

Kilworth artist Gillian Cussen, along with Inge Van Doorslaer, is facilitating an exhibition that highlights artwork created by members of Cork’s Cuimhne Group. This exhibition coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month and represents a collaborative effort between The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Crawford Art Gallery.

Since 2012, Cussen and Van Doorslaer have been involved in the Lonradh programme, working with individuals experiencing memory loss and their significant others. For the past two years, they have been engaging with the Cuimhne Group, which is based in Cork and focuses on individuals living with young-onset dementia and their partners. The group meets monthly to explore art in a welcoming and informal environment.

According to Cussen and Van Doorslaer, “Anyone arriving into the art sessions is welcomed, included and invited to experience art in a relaxed, informal and often humorous way. For us, it has always been a reciprocal experience of connection, sharing, and learning.”

The exhibition, titled ‘A Little Piece of Magic’, is being organized by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), Crawford Art Gallery, and Cork City Libraries. It will be officially opened at 11 am on Wednesday, 2nd September, at Cork City Library. The launch event will include a public talk on brain health presented by two dementia advisers from ASI.

Following the opening, the artwork will be on display throughout September as part of the observance of World Alzheimer’s Month. The Cuimhne Group was established by The ASI in Cork in 2023 in response to the increasing interest from individuals living with young-onset dementia who sought a supportive social environment beyond traditional clinical settings.

Initially starting as a monthly coffee gathering, the Cuimhne Group has evolved into a vibrant community that fosters friendship and peer support. Members participate in various artistic workshops, social events, and cultural outings, contributing to a sense of belonging and connection among participants.

This initiative highlights the importance of creativity and social interaction for individuals living with dementia, emphasizing the positive impact of art on mental health and well-being. The exhibition serves not only as a platform for showcasing artistic talent but also as a means to raise awareness about dementia and the experiences of those affected by it.

As part of the ongoing efforts to support individuals with dementia and their families, the Cuimhne Group continues to provide a space for creativity, connection, and community engagement. The exhibition and related events aim to foster understanding and dialogue about dementia, encouraging more inclusive approaches to care and support.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the exhibition and participate in the discussions surrounding brain health, as these initiatives play a crucial role in promoting awareness and understanding of dementia-related issues.

Source: avondhupress.ie