Crucial Views at MISA, St James’s Hospital: Dementia and the Arts

Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, a world-leading research hub in ageing, will host Crucial Views this March, exploring dementia through an academic and artistic lens, and through those with lived experience.

The event will include a keynote by Professor Sebastian Crutch (UCL Institute of Neurology), a special showing and Q&A of the award-winning film Don’t Forget to Remember with filmmaker Ross Killeen and street artist Asbestos, and an opportunity to take part in an “Interactive Slow Looking Art” experience facilitated by Sundara O’Higgins from IMMA.

This event is a collaboration between MISA Creative Life, DSIDC (Dementia Services Information and Development Centre), and Education & Training.

Who is this event for? 
This is a public event, open to artists, healthcare professionals, students and anyone who wants to learn more about dementia.

Programme

Keynote Lecture: Professor Sebastian Crutch (UCL)
Sebastian Crutch is Professor of Neuropsychology at the Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology. His research focuses on rare and young onset dementias, exploring topics including dementia-related visual impairment. He directed the Created Out of Mind dementia and arts residency at The Hub, Wellcome Collection (2016-2018) which aimed to shape and enrich public and professional perceptions through collaborations between artists, scientists and people living with dementia. He currently co-leads Rare Dementia Support and leads the ESRC-NIHR research programme.

Panel Discussion
Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny will chair a panel discussion with Professor Sebastian Crutch and guest panelists.

Interactive Slow Looking Art with IMMA
An optional lunchtime activity, Interactive Slow Looking Art will be facilitated by Sundara O’Higgins, Curator of the Horizons art and health programme at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. During a Slow art session you will be led through an unhurried exploration of an artwork, encouraging you to engage your senses and unravel the stories contained within, making time for reflection and creative connections. This inquiry-led technique provides an opportunity to deepen connections with art, hone your observational skills and cultivate a more mindful approach to viewing.

Don’t Forget to Remember: Documentary with Q&A
This award-winning documentary follows the artist Asbestos as he learns to cope with his mother’s fading memories. While the memories are fragile, the essence of their bond remains steadfast. In collaboration with Asbestos, the film opens an honest conversation about the delicate nature of memory. Through the artist’s process, we establish that even though Alzheimer’s brings elements of disintegration and destruction, we can never truly lose a loved one if we hold on to our collective memories. The Q&A will provide a fantastic opportunity to discuss the documentary with the filmmaker and artist.

Book your place