Art of Connection with the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

Inspired by “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds” an ABC program addressing Australia’s loneliness epidemic, Mandurah Performing Arts created a 10-week program called ‘Art of Connection’, designed to bring local children and seniors together in a safe, welcoming space to connect through art and creativity.  

This was an opportunity for young children (pre-school age) to work with a trio of local, experienced and talented artists to develop artistic skills and benefit from the wisdom of their older residents within the Mandurah community. The program blended art and craft, music and drama skills with genuine connections with older members of the community.  

As it was held during COVID, many participants particularly grandparents, were isolated from their extended families. The project gave these people someone else to connect with locally. The impact that the project has on social, emotional and physical wellbeing was unexpected. As a result, the ‘Art of Connection’ project has developed into the ‘Art of Wellbeing‘, a research project with the University of WA to try and prove the positive impact that arts can have on health and wellbeing.