SCHUNCK and Sevagram Launch Art Project

Unforgettable Experiences with Art

This initiative, a collaboration between SCHUNCK and the Sevagram Verwenzorg Foundation, invites participants to engage with art in a relaxed setting and share meaningful moments together. The project aims to make a positive impact on the well-being of seniors with dementia and their caregivers, offering them a unique shared experience.

During their visit, participants took part in a calm tour of the Andy Warhol: Vanitas exhibition, where they were introduced to some of Warhol's iconic works in a safe, sensory-friendly environment. They spent time with different artworks, sparking lively conversations and unique insights. “You see art in a whole new way,” remarked one participant, and “Applause for you” was a commonly heard response.

After the tour, the group gathered in the SCHUNCK auditorium, where they could relax over coffee and a slice of pie while enjoying a beautiful view of Heerlen’s city center. This time together offered caregivers and their loved ones the chance to reflect on the impressions they gained during the visit.

The Start of a Series of Creative Workshops

The museum visit marks the beginning of a series of creative workshops that will be held in the coming months. Inspired by exhibitions like Andy Warhol: Vanitas, participants will work alongside professionals to create their own artwork. These workshops offer them the space to express themselves creatively and recall memories that can often be difficult to put into words. By creating art and sharing memories, SCHUNCK and Sevagram Verwenzorg hope to strengthen the bond between people with dementia and their caregivers, bringing them closer together.

The series will culminate in April 2025 with a festive finissage at SCHUNCK, where participants' artworks will be displayed. This special exhibition will provide them and their caregivers the opportunity to celebrate their work and share their creations with family, friends, and the local community.

Contributing to a Dementia-Friendly Society

Unforgettable Experiences with Art supports the goal of building a dementia-friendly society, where seniors with dementia feel welcome and engaged. Art can be a powerful way to activate emotions and memories, even when words may fail. Through art, SCHUNCK and Sevagram Verwenzorg aim to provide an environment where people with dementia and their caregivers can create new memories together and connect in new ways.

This project is made possible with support from the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, which is dedicated to fostering a society where everyone can participate in culture.