A Manifesto for the Individual Narrative: Visual Art as More than a Therapeutic Tool

Citation

Palmer L & Fleming P (2021) A Manifesto for the Individual Narrative: Visual Art as More than a Therapeutic Tool. In: Mateus-Berr R & Gruber LV (eds.) Arts & Dementia: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Berlin: De Gruyter, pp. 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110720556-003

Abstract
A discourse exists within dementia care that establishes visual art as a psychosocial therapeutic tool to aid memory, communication and behaviour, and self-expression. The application of art therapy for people living with dementia is wide ranging, with several studies reporting improvements in social skills, increased self-awareness, reduced anxiety and agitation. In this chapter, we seek to widen this discourse and to explore the application of art – specifically visual art – and the adoption of evidence-based art as a medium to deepen our understanding of dementia and to encourage transdisciplinary practice and knowledge exchange.

Keywords
Art; dementia; visual art; therapeutic tool; design; narrative