A new art exhibition has opened in Dorset to raise awareness of the realities of living with dementia and caring for loved ones with the condition.  

The Art of Keeping Well, which opened on January 17 at the Lighthouse gallery in Poole, is a collaboration between local artists, family carers, charities and researchers at the University of Bournemouth.

The exhibition features a series of black-and-white portraits created by members of In Jolly Good Company, a dementia friendly organisation working to bring friendship and a sense of community to older people living in Dorset.

Titled ‘Beyond the Lines’, the series challenges the viewer to move beyond the stereotypes and recognise how older people are still vibrant, creative individuals with a rich life story to tell.

Another highlight of the exhibition is ‘Waiting Well’ ,  a collection of 112 postcards created alongside community artist Casey Brett to capture the stories, concerns, and everyday moments experienced by those affected by dementia.

Dr Natalie Djohari, from Bournemouth University’s ‘Centre for Seldom Heard Voices’, was inspired to organise the exhibition after uncovering some of the reasons why so many people living with dementia are undiagnosed.

“The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that one in three people living with dementia do not have a diagnosis,” she said.

“The research findings from our ‘Waiting Well’ project found this was often due to denial, not recognising early symptoms, difficulty seeking help, or long delays waiting for a diagnosis.

“Prior to diagnosis, family carers are supporting loved ones without support and guidance, increasing the risk of crisis-driven care, avoidable hospital admissions, and carer burnout. Our research sought to capture these early experiences and identify what support could be offered sooner.”

Dr Djohari hopes that the research and exhibition will help raise awareness for the need for improved support for families waiting for a dementia diagnosis.

She added: “Family carers play a critical yet largely invisible role in our communities. This exhibition provides an important opportunity to bring their experiences to the fore.”

The Art of Keeping Well exhibition will run from January 17 through to February 28.