For People with Dementia

Photograph of two women standing by and gesturing to case with round objects

The Gallery’s Art and Dementia program connects people living with dementia and their care partners with art and the world in enriching and life-enhancing ways.

For over a decade, the Gallery has been a leader in programs for people living with dementia through research, symposia and an extensive outreach training program that has established a nation-wide network of galleries delivering high-quality, socially engaging and intellectually stimulating programs for people living with dementia.

Programs

Other Programs

Designed with you:
Discussion Tour

Dementia care providers and community support organisations are invited to organise a group of 4–6 people living with dementia to share a discussion based tour of 3 to 4 works of art with Gallery staff.

Program details

  • All ages and abilities
  • Free (bookings essential)
  • Groups can include up to 6 participants
  • Single visit or a series of up to 6 weekly or fortnightly tours
  • Please provide 4 weeks' notice

Contact groupbookings@nga.gov.au or call +61 2 6240 6519

Designed with you:
Outreach Training Workshop

Join the growing network of galleries delivering high-quality socially engaged and intellectually stimulating programs for people living with dementia with the Gallery’s Art and Dementia Outreach Training Workshop. Regional and metropolitan galleries and dementia care facilities can request the Art and Dementia Outreach Training Workshop to be delivered on site or as an introduction online.

The two-day on site workshop provides hands on training, including the facilitation of arts and health partnerships for sustainability and communication techniques demonstrated in a tour on each day of the workshop.

Program details

  • For staff working in galleries, museums and dementia care facilities.
  • Fees apply and vary according to distance from Canberra.
  • Groups can include up to 25 participants.
  • Please provide 12 weeks' notice.

Contact Adriane Boag, Program Producer Access & Inclusion for more information.

Art for Dementia with Dementia Australia

In partnership with Dementia Australia trained Gallery staff deliver regular discussion-based tours and art making workshops. For more information contact Dementia Australia on +61 2 6255 0722.

Related

For people who are carers

a group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide

Join with carers from across the region to spend a social hour engaging with art through tours and art making activities.

For people who are autistic, neurodiverse, or who have social anxiety

Photograph of two women laughing and making art at a table.

Sensory Sunday welcomes teens and young adults, their families and support people to the Gallery on the first Sunday of each month.

Getting Here
Accessibility

Visitor in wheelchair observing art in Monet: Impression Sunrise

The National Gallery has Access services available for all visitors.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Photograph of group in front of artwork

Each month join an Auslan sign-interpreted tour of major exhibitions or works of art in the Gallery’s collection.

For people who are recovering their mental health

a man and a woman sit on opposite sides of an easel set up in a gallery space

Start a creative journey through discussion and art making to support wellbeing and social confidence.

Visit

Photograph of woman sitting on black seat looking at artwork

The National Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day). Free entry ticket is required.