Creative expression for dementia well-being

forthcoming

The Arts4Care project responds to the growing challenge of dementia across Europe by enhancing the capacity and well-being of formal and informal caregivers through artistic expression. The project introduces a creative, non-clinical care model that integrates five art forms—storytelling, visual arts, music, theatre, and photography—as tools to foster emotional connection, cognitive stimulation, and social inclusion for both caregivers and people living with dementia. To support this model, Arts4Care will develop two key digital resources: a multilingual Creative Care e-book and a user-friendly Needs Identification Tool, enabling caregivers to tailor activities to individual abilities and preferences. These tools will be piloted and validated across three countries—Romania, Greece, and Portugal—ensuring both practical usability and cross-cultural relevance. Through transnational workshops and curated public exhibitions, the project not only builds caregiver skills but also raises awareness and challenges the stigma surrounding dementia. By promoting the visibility and agency of people living with dementia through co-created art, Arts4Care contributes to a more inclusive and empathetic society. The project addresses Creative Europe’s Objective 2 – Innovation and actively contributes to EU overarching priorities by promoting gender equality (caregivers are predominantly women), advancing the digital transition (through accessible online tools), supporting EU greening efforts (via following sustainable practices in its implementation), and fostering international cultural cooperation. Arts4Care offers a replicable, scalable model that bridges culture and care—empowering communities and transforming dementia support through the arts.