New Focus On Art In Transition Care

Helping to restore independence and health, as far as possible, following a hospital stay is the focus of transition care for older people. While the emphasis is generally on physical recovery, the new partnership between Amana Living and the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture places an emphasis on mental wellbeing.

Transition care clients had the opportunity to take part in a portraiture workshop as part of the organisation’s Spring Arts Festival. The workshops were held at Amana Living Transition Care in Cottesloe and Mosman Park in September, taken by highly respected local artist, Leanne Pearson. Clients used a mix of charcoal and pencil to either re-create their own image or famous faces.

Emily Scarff, Amana Living Manager Enrichment and Allied Health Services, explains: “Art has been used in aged care and in hospitals to aid emotional healing but the nature of transition care means that clients are typically only with us for a few months. Understandably this means the focus has been on restorative care, such as physical therapy, to help our clients regain their health and their independence. 

“However, our partnership with the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture has allowed us to expand our arts program and provide a more holistic approach to recovery after a hospital stay. We hope our clients enjoy the healing effects of art, while either discovering a new passion or reinvigorating an existing one!”

The Black Swan Prize for Portraiture is now in its 10th year but this is the first time it has partnered with an aged care organisation and helped to deliver portraiture workshops in an aged care setting.

Tina Wilson, Executive Director of ARTrinsic Inc, said, “It is wonderful to be able to work with Amana Living to help older adults access art while they are recovering from a hospital stay. Our partnership allows older adults to try something new, challenge themselves, grow and learn, leading to a boost in self-esteem and confidence. Thanks to Leanne Pearson for creating such great experiences for Amana Living clients.”

Amana Living was recently announced as the 2016 sponsor of the $7,500 People’s Choice Prize for the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture. This will be awarded on 26 October, towards the end of the exhibition (8 – 31 October 2016) at Art Gallery of WA.   The community partnership matches Amana Living’s commitment to giving older people opportunities to participate in meaningful activities to enrich their lives.

The Black Swan Prize for Portraiture is brought to the WA public by ARTrinsic Inc – a not-for-profit organisation made up of dedicated people who are passionate about promoting and supporting visual arts in WA. 

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