We're all in this together: improvisation, relational dynamics, and dementia (workshop)

Description

Improvisation is a “complex phenomenon with unique psychological features” (MacDonald and Wilson, 2014), widely applied as a therapeutic and creative strategy across dance, music, and theatre. As a practice, a process, and an ethic of making and doing ‘in the moment’, improvisation offers a unique environment for generative and exploratory co-creation which is rooted in the here and now. For people living with dementia, facilitated improvisation sessions (such as in musician-led group improvising) can offer opportunities for self-expression, for connecting with others, and for exploring creativity through playful, performative interactions (Dowlen et al., 2024).

In this session, Dr Robyn Dowlen and Dr Henry McPherson will introduce some of the affordances of improvisatory methodologies, framed within the context of dementia and person-centred practice. Through discussion, and through practical participation, the presenters will explore four key ideas underpinning spontaneous creativity: acceptance (what is happening is happening), emergence (what is happening is changing), agency (we are all part of what is happening), and connection (we are all part of it together). The session will close with a reflection on the relational dynamics of improvisation within the context of dementia care, and a series of questions/provocations for future research.

Period	24 Jan 2025
Event title	Dementia Futures
Event type	Conference
Location	Manchester, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Local