Abstract
Due to the ageing population, the number of people with dementia is constantly increasing. In Belgium, it is estimated at 175,000; this number will increase by 25% by 2030. Based on the broad societal role of the museum, M HKA (Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp) and WZC Immaculata work together on Museum E!. (A WZC is a ‘woon-zorgcentrum’ or residential care centre.) The project focuses on the rich emotional and intellectual experiences that artworks can elicit, and is based on the power of contemporary art to bring people closer together and to stimulate interaction, even when people are no longer able to physically visit the museum. Conceptual artist Pawel Freisler and artist Antje Majewski explore the dual nature of apples as both an object of art and a reference point in discussions about the loss of biodiversity. With their project “Apple. An Introduction (over and over and once again)” as a starting point, Museum E! invites artists and thinkers for a residence in the residential care centre to explore topics as biodiversity, our changing relationships with animals and sustainability. The people with dementia are seen as an important group to talk and philosophize about the future of our planet. They act as co-owners – through dialogue, participation and co-creation. The innovative choices made by the organisation in co-creation with residents, visitors and staff are visible in WCZ Immaculata’s entrance hall, corridors, gardens, and bar, and will become part of the exhibition at M HKA.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Intersectionality: Museums, Inclusion, and SDGs
KEYWORDS
CONTEMPORARY ART, DEMENTIA, COCREATION, SUSTAINABILITY, BIODIVERSITY
