Creative Brainwaves built on a previous project Framing the Senses, was informed by the needs of local artists, activity co-ordinators, carers, and by research and best practice. The programme contained four strands of activity, with four distinct areas of focus. This included:

• A workshop facilitated by Professor Ian Robertson for 10 artists experienced in working with people with dementia, alongside a sharing day for 40 healthcare professionals and artists interested in dementia inclusive arts practice.
• A series of 5 Creative Dementia Inclusive Awareness Raising public workshops and talks in partnership with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), co-ordinated by Karen Meehan from the GBHI and including leading neuroscientists, researchers and creative artists who specialise in this area. A total of 364 people attended these talks.
• A series of one-to-one creativity and arts sessions with 4 people living with dementia and carers together in their homes, supported by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and led by the Living Well with Dementia programme.
• And 6 multisensory arts-based workshops led by artists Claire Halpin and Orla Goodwin for people living with dementia in two residential care settings, with 9 in attendance per session.

The range of programmes that this funding supported has increased awareness and has enhanced practice in the area. The overwhelming feedback from Creative Brainwaves is that people need and want more information about the impacts and benefits of creativity for people living with dementia.

The programme was made possible through a strong partnership approach, this included Creative Ireland, external partners Living Well with Dementia, Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, Dalkey Community Unit for Older People, St. Joseph’s Shankill (dedicated care setting for people living with dementia) and The Global Brain Health Institute, and internally members of the dlr Culture Team including representatives from the  dlr Healthy Ireland Programme, dlr Age Friendly Programme, dlr Library Service and dlr Arts Office.