THE HAGUE.- Art Connection invites people with dementia and their carer to spend time together in a varied and meaningful way. Research has shown that looking at and talking about art together can have a positive impact on people with dementia. It increases self-confidence and a sense of identity. A different environment and the proximity of art prompts new, positive experiences and new conversations. The focus is on having fun and interacting with each other, setting aside the care relationship just for a moment. The museum hopes that its programme will make a positive contribution to the quality of life both of people with dementia and their carers.

The central element of this new programme is emotional response to and the connecting force of art. Berlage’s museum building – designed on a human scale, and full of daylight and rhythmic lines – and the fabulous collection provide the perfect setting for meaningful encounters.

Tours

From Friday 28 June 2024 Kunstmuseum Den Haag invites people with dementia and their carer to come and take part in Art Connection. Tours will take place every last Friday of the month, from 14:30 to 16:00. Once every three months, there will be a workshop in the museum studio. Tours (in Dutch, on request in English) have capacity for 14 people (7 people with dementia and 7 carers), and can be booked ahead on the website: Art Connection | Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Art Connection tours are also available to groups of up to 14 people, from a day centre for example. Group tours (on request in English) can be booked for the day and time of your choice, Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 15:00. To book, simply visit the website: Art Connection | Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Participation will be free of charge in 2024, thanks to the sponsorship of the Debman Foundation.

What to expect:

> Welcome with tea and coffee

> Tour and assistance from a trained tour guide and a volunteer

> Looking and talking about art together

> Sharing stories, memories and ideas evoked by the art

> Enjoying a day out and making new memories together

> A different topic every month (for topics and dates, see our website: Art Connection | Kunstmuseum Den Haag )

How has Art Connection been developed?

Art Connection has been inspired by schemes at museums in the Netherlands and abroad that have gained a great deal of experience of programmes for people with dementia. The Museum of Modern Art in New York, for example, developed a successful programme called Meet Me at MoMA. Unforgettable, available at ten Dutch museums, is based on the MoMa programme.