Exclusive Royal Academy event showcases artwork by people with dementia

This year's Dementia Awareness Week culminated in an exclusive evening reception held Friday 25 May at the Royal Academy of Arts. Supporters from across the Society came together to enjoy a special exhibition of artwork and recognise people living with dementia during Dementia Awareness Week.

Guests were welcomed by Beth Schneider, Head of Education and Kate Horbury, Access Officer from the Learning department at the Royal Academy before hearing about the huge sucess of Dementia Awareness Week 2012 from Jeremy Hughes, CEO of Alzheimer's Society and John Ivers, CEO of Saga Homecare. There was no doubt however that Society Ambassador Christopher Devas who lives with dementia stole the show, as he spoke of his personal experiences of Alzheimer's disease and read an extract from 'Still Alive' by Lisa Genova.

After the speeches, our new celebrity ambassador Carey Mulligan celebrity supporters Tony Robinson, Richard McCourt and Patron Britt Ekland, our corporate partners and service users took in the temporary exhibition on show. The Royal Academy's 'In Mind at the RA' programme invites people living with dementia to attend monthly workshops to study pieces from the permanent collection or create their own works of art, with this exhibition focusing on 'Remember the Person' artwork, life drawings and a special contribution produced by Helen McCourt, who died with Pick's disease in 2010. Richard McCourt, her son and Alzheimer's' Society celebrity ambassadors said:

'It's fantastic to see the Royal Academy support people living with dementia with activities such as their 'In Mind' programme. Their event to celebrate Dementia Awareness Week was very moving and inspiring, too.

'My Mum painted this modern freestyle piece whilst attending the Alzheimer's Day Centre, Ryefield Lodge in Sheffield, in 2009.

'The painting has, subsequently, been acclaimed by a number of artists for its vibrancy and fluency.  I'm proud to have been able to display Mum's painting at such a prestigious venue and to support Dementia Awareness Week.'

The event provided a rare opportunity to thank a wide range of supporters in a special and unique setting and celebrate the achievements of Dementia Awareness Week with the key internal and external partners who contributed to its success.

Dementia Awareness Week 2012 was sponsored by Saga Homecare. Together Alzheimer's Society and Saga Homecare aimed to maximise awareness and understanding of dementia across the UK. Saga Homecare - part of the larger Saga group, well known for products and services for the over 50s - provides care at home for people who want to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes.

For more information on 'In Mind at the RA', please contact the corporate team.