Stitch it for Dementia: A research-art project

Between two University of Technology (UTS) buildings hangs a cloth banner stitched with the words “Care is a relationship not a role.” At first glance these seem like simple words yet they hold a deep message about the importance of carers and the meaning they attribute to and gain from the care they provide.

Stitch it for Dementia, a research-art project by SPHERE’s Knowledge Translation Strategic Platform brought together seven carers of people with dementia, over a series of five online workshops with artist, Michele Elliot, to convey their experiences on cloth.

From the ups and downs of the dementia journey depicted as a game of snakes and ladders to climbing roses forming an archway, each carer’s craft embodied the intricate layers of their experience.

Over the course of the workshop, each person expressed the difficulties they had faced or were facing in their experience of dementia care, from stigma and isolation to a lack of support or insight from health professionals, the care sector and society at large, all issues that are calling for recognition and change.

The Stitch it for Dementia works will be shown as part of ‘Care is a Relationship’, an exhibition at the UNSW Library Galleries from 5th September to 17th November. The exhibition launches on the 5th of September from 5-7pm. To register for the event go to: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/care-is-arelationship-exhibition-openingtickets-662175273067

Michele will also be leading free stitching workshops to contribute to a new collaborative artwork – all welcome: https://www.eventbrite.com/ cc/crafting-care-workshops-2366249