Art galleries, museums and creative arts organisations have a critical role in fostering inclusivity and providing enriching experiences for all members of the community. However, people living with dementia and their care partners are often an underserved audience segment in cultural sector programming. Embedding dementia-inclusive participatory programs creates equitable access while enhancing broader audience engagement and impactful wellbeing and quality of life outcomes. 

This report explores creative engagement programs in museums that support emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing of people living with dementia, with a focus on these cites: 

• USA: Seattle (Washington State), Milwaukee (Wisconsin), New York (New York)
• Canada: Ottawa (Ontario), Hamilton (Ontario)
• Ireland: Dublin
• United Kingdom: Canterbury (England), Oxford (England), London (England) Edinburgh (Scotland)
• Denmark: Copenhagen, Aarhus. 

The report explores a variety of international program models, methodologies, and insights from leading museum practitioners in dementia programming. It identifies key similarities, differences, barriers, and opportunities across a sweep of selected museum programs to learn about effective and sustainable creative engagement approaches. 

Each case study in the report highlights the diverse approaches and innovative practices used by museums to support the psychosocial wellbeing of people living with dementia. Approaches include artwork viewing and discussion, sensory activities, music, movement and storytelling. The report also considers the role and impact of partnerships with healthcare institutions, universities, community organisations, and professional networks in delivering and sustaining quality programs.