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Art and Dementia Research

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An Art Gallery Access Programme for people with dementia: ‘You do it for the moment’

In 2007 the Gallery established its internationally acclaimed Art and Dementia program with the support of a now widely influential research project conducted by researcher, Sarah MacPherson, clinical psychologist Dr Mike Bird et al at the Australian National University.

Psychophysiological Responses in People Living with Dementia after an Art Gallery Intervention: An Exploratory Study

In 2018, the Gallery collaborated with University of Canberra doctoral candidate Nathan D’Cunha to study salivary cortisol levels, a primary marker of stress, for participants of the program. D’Cunha’s ground-breaking study demonstrated that attendance of the Gallery’s Art and Dementia program provided a range of benefits including improvements in quality of life, wellbeing, and cognitive performance, and a reduction in depressive symptoms for people living with dementia.

Taking art and creativity online, Australian Journal of Dementia Care

Adriane Boag and researchers from the University of Canberra share the story of how the National Gallery’s popular Art and Dementia program successfully moved online during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021 – offering insights for other arts and cultural organisations looking to develop similar programs for people living with dementia.


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For people with disability

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Each quarter people with disabilities and their families and carers can join a small group tour of major exhibitions or the national collection.

For people with access needs

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We provide a range of free programs that are designed for and with people with disability and access needs.

For People with Dementia

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

Art Weekends

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Kick back with the National Gallery and enjoy your weekend in style with art, film, storytelling and special accessible events.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing

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

For people who are Blind or with low vision

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A suite of access programs for people who are Blind or with low vision.

Yuuma, Gurruburri

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

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Opening Acknowledgment of Country

The National Gallery acknowledges the First Peoples of this land and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country

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Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
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