WINNIPEG, MB – People with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers are invited to participate in Art to Inspire, a new program designed to creatively engage through visual art those living with dementia. Organized by the Winnipeg Art Gallery, in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and University of Manitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Art to Inspire offers the opportunity to enjoy companionship and conversation, share stories, and explore ideas in a supportive setting. The program is run by trained art educators and incorporates lively discussions of artworks as well as art-making activities. Participants will take part in a series of interactive tours of the WAG’s permanent collection galleries and current exhibitions.

Quick facts:

• Six 90-minute sessions are organized around different themes – such as nature, the environment, art and music, and the North – and explore related artworks.
• Sessions are capped at 16 participants (eight people with dementia, each accompanied by a caregiver).
• The cost is $60 per pair of participants.
• All sessions are held at the WAG, 300 Memorial Blvd.
• Pre-registration is required at wag.ca/events.

The program runs every alternate Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

– March 8 and 22

– April 5 and 19

– May 3 and 17

The WAG is Canada’s oldest civic art gallery and is home to over 27,000 artworks spanning centuries, media, and cultures, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art on earth.

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