…valuing continuing lives
We are independent participatory artists
based in Gloucestershire who are passionate about working imaginatively with older people.
We facilitate person-centred arts experiences
in community venues, care settings, homes, gardens and on doorsteps.
We specialise in working with people living with dementia and their supporters/carers.
Sparked by the desires, interests and impulses of participants, we engage ‘in-the-moment’ through movement, dance, drama, story-making, poetry, music and the visual arts. By offering opportunities to contribute, we want to enrich lives, build people’s confidence and affirm a sense of belonging.
“Creative and cultural participation is
the top-most contributor to wellbeing in older age”.
Age UK Creative and Cultural Activities and Wellbeing in Later Life
“Engagement in arts activities helps to overcome social isolation, acting as a protective factor against dementia”.
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing Inquiry Report 2017
“Sessions with Open Arms are always stimulating and vibrant. Withdrawn participants become animated - I see the joy the artists bring.”