The Big Draw Team is thrilled to announce that Care UK is the official health and social care sponsors of The Big Draw Festival 2020 which this year is themed: The Big Green Draw: A Climate of Change.
For the second year running, Care UK is hosting Big Draw Festival events in over 50 of its care homes across the UK throughout October. As an organisation that leads the way in integrating arts into care homes, Care UK is well-placed to inspire other care homes to engage with the arts particularly during this uncertain time.
For The Big Draw Festival 2019, more than half of Care UK’s 123 homes teamed up with schools, nurseries and groups of young people to draw, craft and create together alongside residents as part of their Big Draw Festival ‘Drawn to Life’ activities.
Thanks to the challenges brought about by Covid-19, Care UK is exploring a more digital approach to its Big Draw events in 2020 by continuing to encourage intergenerational participation – but remotely. Activities will reflect this year’s Festival theme by encouraging participants to embrace their creative sides, get back to nature and explore environmental and wildlife themes .
Care UK homes have already come up with some exciting creative ideas – for example, Bowes House in Hailsham is preparing to take residents on a virtual safari with the help of Knockhatch Adventure Park, colleagues and residents at Larkland House in Ascot are creating an autumn scene after discussing their relationship with nature to inspire their artwork, and at Harrier Lodge in Whitstable, they are producing their interpretation of Kandinsky’s Concentric Circles.
Care UK’s dementia expert Suzanne Mumford said: “We are very proud to be the official health and social care sponsor for The Big Green Draw Festival 2020.
“The recent pandemic has shown very powerfully how important and rewarding creative activities can be to care home residents, particularly when some of the more usual trips out and visitors have not been accessible.
“The Big Draw initiative really resonates with our activity-based approach to care. As we did last year we plan to involve young people participating alongside residents in our homes. Although visits in person are not going to be possible so that we can keep everyone safe, we’ve got some cunning plans up our sleeves to use things like zoom and facebook to link with schools and other groups.
“Arts are an essential part of life in our care homes and I’ve seen first-hand how drawing and painting can bring satisfaction and pride to older people. Using art materials can also be a powerful reminiscence activity for people living with dementia – prompting long forgotten skills and bringing into focus memories of a person’s earlier life.
“After last year’s life drawing class, I can’t wait to see what our teams and residents come up with for their Big Green Draw Festival celebrations this year. “
Director of The Big Draw Kate Mason said: “Care UK has a history and track record in supporting individuals to feel fulfilled, active and supported in their environment – often through challenging times for them and their families. The Big Draw charity shares Care UK’s approach around the focusing on the nurturing of an individual to help them unleash new (or rediscover forgotten) talents, fresh curiosity or interests that make them happy and feel connected to those around them. Curiosity, play and creativity are what make us human and help maintain vitality of body, heart and soul – whatever our age or stage of life.
Kate added: “ I visited Sherwood Grange (Care UK home) for a Big Draw event in 2019 which proved to be a truly life-affirming and uplifting experience. The commitment from all involved – and quality of artwork produced was a delight to witness. An added benefit was to have the opportunity to chat with some of the artist residents and hear a little about their own stories and adventures.
“The Big Draw has always championed the power of lifelong learning and the positive impact of creative participatory activities for ourselves and the planet. For The Big Green Draw Festival 2020 we will explore sustainable methods of engagement and rediscover the ways in which we do, and do not harmonise with nature. We look forward to supporting new digital methods of engagement with the arts and drawing this year.
“Care UK – like The Big Draw – values and embeds opportunities for creative engagement across its national portfolio of care homes- seeing first-hand the impact that little things can have. Small things can often lead to big things and act as a positive catalyst for an individual’s quality of life and increased self-confidence. Like The Big Draw, Care UK are also able to share the stories of normal ‘everyday’ people who do extraordinary things and continually surprise those around them with their invention, tenacity and energy.
“With all the above in mind, we are delighted that Care UK has agreed to be the official health and social care sponsor for The Big Green Draw Festival 2020: A Climate of Change. Care UK shares our ambitions, passion and core values around quality of life and the right for everyone to be respected and express themselves creatively. We are looking forward to what we know will be a fruitful and dynamic partnership.”
