An inspiring exhibition featuring photography and poetry produced by two people living with dementia will be coming to Pocklington Arts Centre between Tuesday 23rd May and Friday 16th June.
The People with Dementia Can exhibition combines photographs taken by the bestselling author, Dr Wendy Mitchell, and poems composed by former head teacher, Bob Long.
It began its tour at Market Weighton Town Hall, where it was attended by local dignitaries, people living with dementia, researchers, and other sector experts, and is now heading to Pocklington Arts Centre and other venues across the region.
Dr Wendy Mitchell said “My message is always to see the person, not the disease. Dementia is so misunderstood by society. I hope our work helps more people appreciate that people living with dementia are all different and can still achieve remarkable things.”
Damian Murphy from York-based dementia support group Minds and Voices said: “First and foremost this is a joyful exhibition of outstanding photography and talented poetry. Projects like this are helping us improve our understanding of how best to support people living with dementia. Celebrating and showcasing the talent and stories of Wendy and Bob will serve as an inspiration to others.”
Director of Pocklington Arts Centre, Angela Stone, said “We are delighted to be welcoming People with Dementia Can exhibition of photography and poetry by Dr Wendy Mitchell and Bob Long to Pocklington Arts Centre.
The essence of breaking the old views of dementia, bringing rights, hope, creativity and potential into light underpins our commitment to create safe and inclusive opportunities for everyone in our community to express themselves in our supportive and welcoming space.
We are grateful to our friends at Dementia Forward for delivering dementia awareness training to our staff and volunteers to help us better understand how to create engaging, inclusive activities, including our weekly Singing For Fun sessions (every Thursday morning) and the forthcoming Smashing Mirrors production of Mike & Millie Go To The Seaside (an interactive workshop for those living with Dementia) on Thursday 8th June.
We are inspired and honoured to share such an important body of work.”
The exhibition can be visited during Pocklington Arts Centre’s opening hours: Tuesday (10am – 4pm), Wednesday (10am – 4pm), Thursday (10am – 5pm), Friday (10am – 4pm), and Saturday (10am – 1pm).