Trudy Sneddon, Maree Pilling, Jill Higginbotham and Jane Farr at a workshop held at the Parry Care Centre in Lesmurdie.
Camera IconTrudy Sneddon, Maree Pilling, Jill Higginbotham and Jane Farr at a workshop held at the Parry Care Centre in Lesmurdie. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis d480183

Lesmurdie Amana Living residents get a dose of culture at first Arts Festival

Sarah BrookesMidland Kalamunda Reporter

WA’s first ever arts festival created specifically for seniors is giving participants the opportunity to have a go at everything from dance to drama.

The Amana Living Arts Festival has brought together artists, musicians, performers, writers, dancers, sculptors and art therapists to deliver bespoke sessions for Amana Living residents and clients.

At Amana Living locations in Lesmurdie, seniors have taken part in a wide range of events including art therapy, creative writing workshops, and art and design activities using recycled materials.

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There has also been special bedside harp and choir performances.

Amana Living chief executive Stephanie Buckland said the festival was inspired by creative ageing festivals Luminate in Scotland and Meander Valley Festival of Creative Ageing in Tasmania.

“Our emphasis is on helping people to truly live the second half of life and the arts have a wonderful role to play in helping older people to have fun, try different things, and meet new people,” she said.

“Engaging with the arts is also incredibly therapeutic. Health and wellbeing benefits range from combating loneliness and isolation through to alleviating depression, and improving communication and relationships.

“To our knowledge, there has never been an arts event of this size or scale created for older people in WA.

“We’re proud to be pioneering an event that we hope will become a regular feature in the state’s arts calendar.”

The Festival runs until March 25.

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