Arts and Aging is a public health and arts initiative catalyzing a community-wide movement to raise awareness of dementia and its impact on individuals, caregivers and the community at large and inspiring action toward building a dementia-friendly and dementia-inclusive in Southwest Michigan.
The partnership utilizes the arts to spotlight significant issues connected to the care, diagnosis, and experience of dementia. Artistic performances and exhibitions are followed by facilitated “safe space” community conversations about themes depicted in the events building understanding and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers thereby fostering their ability to remain engaged in community and thrive.
One in eight local residents aged 65+ and one in three aged 85+ live with dementia. This is projected to increase by about 15% by 2025. Additionally, caregivers of people with dementia are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions according to the CDC.
Arts and Aging is a collaboration spanning the arts community, public health, higher-ed, philanthropy and businesses. To become an Arts & Aging Partner, reach out to Theresa Uhrich at theresauhrich@areaagengyonaging.org.
Current Projects
A Window to Our World – Fall/Winter 2024-2025
Caregivers in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties are invited to participate in an exciting public art project over the next few months.
Window to Our World will showcase what it’s like to be a caregiver in Southwest Michigan. Caregivers can pick up a kit, follow the prompts, and get creative with their care partners.
As a caregiver, your story is incredibly important. This project offers a unique opportunity to share that story through art.
It’s estimated that one in five of Michigan adults currently provide care to family members or friends. Caregivers, also known as “care partners”, can be anyone you know: spouses caring for their significant others, parents caring for their parents and children “Sandwich Generation”, grandparents caring for their grandchildren (Kinship), and more.
Art kits, including instructions and resources for caregivers, can be picked up at any of the following locations:
- South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix St., South Haven
- Cass County Council on Aging, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis
- Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph
They can also be delivered to your home by calling 269-982-7740.
In-Person Events
Want a little more guidance or community to complete your box with? Join us for a few in-person events to make your window! During these events, an artist will be available to guide you through the project and answer any questions you may have.
10a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 9 at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College (During the Senior Expo)
Please reach out to Amanda at 269-982-7740 with any questions.
Once art kits are completed, they *may* be returned to the same location, or be picked up by one of our volunteers by calling the number above. Final projects will be put on display for the public to see and experience what it’s like for caregivers in Southwest Michigan. More information on the gallery opening coming soon!
*Note: Art kits do not have to be returned, but we would love to hear about what the experience was like. Please let us know if you want to keep your Window.
Past Projects
Memory of a Dance – April 2023
“Memory of a Dance,” written by Terry Guest, and performed by local actors, tells the story of an intergenerational family in Southwest Michigan and their experience with dementia. The play was developed in part based on input from residents of Southwest Michigan who are living with a dementia diagnosis. Read the Press Release
Velocity of Autumn – January/February 2023
Read the Press Coverage
Steering into the Skid/The Remember Project
One-act plays about memory loss. Read the Press Release