Tauranga artists and Alzheimers Tauranga/BOP are collaborating to exhibit a collection of art works for World Alzheimers Month.

“We are delighted to be working alongside The Incubator Creative Hub to showcase the power of art created alongside and with people affected by dementia in The Artful Mind exhibition, which opens at the end of this month,” says Alzheimers Tauranga/BOP general manager Glenn Bradley.

Glenn says Tauranga is witnessing a rise in individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia due to its aging population.

“In response, the local Alzheimer’s Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all those impacted by these conditions.”

The impact of art and other creative outlets has been shown to offer significant benefits for individuals with dementia, including mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and overall enhancement of well-being.

This is precisely what the Artful Mind Collaborative Exhibition aims to showcase, opening on Wednesday, August 28 at The Incubator Creative Hub and running to September 21.

The Alzheimer’s Tauranga team have developed this project, which was the vision of geriatric psychiatrist and artist, Bronwyn Copeland, to help maintain functionality, a sense of purpose and worth and to enrich the lives of people with dementia through the creation and exhibition of their artworks.

Local artists have collaborated with and empowered individuals living with dementia to engage in cognitively stimulating and creative activities, offering them a sense of purpose and self-expression.

Their collective works will be displayed throughout World Alzheimers Month at The Incubator Gallery.

“This initiative also aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma often associated with dementia,” says Glenn.

Artists involved in this impactful project include Jan Evans, Jacki Barklie, Ana Hancock, Damien Kurth, Cordula Taiwo, Merilynn Crean, Stephanie Harlan, Bronwyn Copeland, and Alzheimers Tauranga Artful Mind Group.

The public is warmly invited to the opening preview at 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 28, at The Incubator Creative Hub, located in The Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Tauranga.

The Artful Mind exhibition will run from August 29 to September 21, 2024, and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm, in observance of World Alzheimer’s Month.