Our vision is a community where meaningful, interactive arts activities are part of daily life for people living with dementia.
A BIT ABOUT US
Joyful Arts Movement and Song, or JAMS as we like to be known, was formed in 2012. We are a group of talented and passionate artists committed to creating joy with elders and those living with dementia in care and in the community. We are committed to bringing appropriate, meaningful, high-quality participatory arts experiences to all (regardless of age or ability, race, or financial status).
HOW WE HELP Every day JAMS artists witness the power of participatory arts to connect, uplift, and support well-being. We believe that everyone has the right to be comfortable in their own skin and to form meaningful relationships. Our theory-based practice, sensitive approach, enjoyable, and accessible arts experiences help make this a reality. Our mission is to make the arts accessible to all, promoting well-being and modelling good practice through effective artistic facilitation, training and mentoring and performance. We work closely with staff to ensure the best experience for everyone.
ONE COMMUNITY SESSIONSJAMS' artists have been lucky enough to work with
One Community visiting 2 venues in the Eastleigh Borough where we had the absolute pleasure of engaging with 24 elders and 6 of their staff. We introduced them to their weekly activity and offered movement song and dance as a way of reminiscence and enjoyment of the arts. The sessions ran for 12 weeks and we also gifted them resource boxes.
We would dearly love to be able to continue to provide these sessions with these groups as the attendees were delighted with the inclusivity of the sessions and were sad that they had ended. The staff were equally delighted and surprised at how some clients, who normally don’t join in, engaged with the JAMS activity!
Director Louisa White says;
“Although we can’t get too close to elders at the moment, there are plenty of ways to connect that really work, such as through eye contact, shared laughter, mirroring and repeating. We are still able to build important and vital connections and relationships, without physical touch.”
PICTURES OF YOU
Pictures of You is a joyful mini-film inspired by JAMS’ 8-year artistic practice and created with, by, and for the older dementia community and beyond. It boasts an excellent original music score, delightful choreography, and is full of nostalgic images and sounds to engage and uplift any audience. Artistic Director Louisa White wanted to produce a piece of theatre, which was: accessible to all; celebrates JAMS’ wonderful, colourful work, and was inspired by the incredible people met and the stories shared.
Find out more about our Pictures Of You film
GARDEN PERFORMANCE
We’ve recognised that zoom isn’t the right medium for busy care homes and that live, non-contact performances, offered in a safe environment such as a garden is preferable. Inspired by our Pictures Of You film we wanted to expand on it and create a live summer garden performance, based on the experience. The performances will be created to connect, delight and surprise our audience members. There will be an opportunity to participate in songs, dance and co-create a joyful journey. Sensorily the show will be stimulating with nostalgic soundscapes, magical puppets and props. With catchy tunes and dance moves to get everyone swinging, this show will be an experience to inspire and remember.
Find out more about our Garden Performances.YOUR SUPPORTAny donation, however small, is very gratefully received. It will enable us to keep running JAMS and continue to develop innovative work and push for creativity in care. If you would like your donation to support a particular Care Home that we work with, do get in touch and we can sort that out.
