A new intergenerational community arts project linked to Lytham Festival has just been given the go ahead this week, following confirmation of funding from the United Utilities Lancashire Community Fund, Lytham Festival organisers, Cuffe & Taylor and Fylde Borough Council.
The £26K project, called, “Dare To Be Great”, aims to foster greater awareness and understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia and will be delivered by local arts organisation, Fable Arts, in collaboration with Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and dance charity, Ludus Dance, together with staff and patients living with dementia at Clifton Hospital in Lytham.
Lytham Festival Director, Peter Taylor, said: “Dare To Be Great is an innovative project which is raising awareness and understanding of an issue that affects the health and well-being of so many local people and therefore we are delighted to welcome it as part of Lytham Festival. We look forward to seeing how the project p
rogresses over the next few weeks, and of course it will be a pleasure to welcome what promises to be a series of unique performances throughout Lytham Festival week.”
Alex O’Toole, Director of Fable Arts, said, “By bringing to life the
precious memories of those living with dementia we hope to inspire locals to seek out and pursue their own dare to be great situations and to remind people that life is there to be lived. The volunteer opportunities on offer through this project are an extension of that ethos. Twelve young people will receive a fantastic package of training and mentoring in documentary filming, dance and working with people with dementia, as well as the chance to perform at Lytham Festival. In return, they’ll be helping to restore and develop patients’ confidence and creative thinking skills by recording their life stories and memories and interpreting them through dance theatre.
And whilst movement is obviously a big part of this project, young people don’t have to be a trained dancer to apply. We want people who perhaps know someone living with dementia. We want people who are interested in a career in, or are currently working in, healthcare, social work, journalism, performance arts and community settings, because, at its heart, the project is about valuing the individual and reminding everyone that there is something great in all of us waiting to be unlocked.”
James Proctor, Community Philanthropy Manager Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, said, "The Community Foundation for Lancashire is proud to be supporting the Dare To Be Great project by Fable Arts. This is a unique intergenerational project that has great potential outcomes for both the older people living with dementia and the young people working with them to share their experiences."
Anyone interested in applying to be part of the “Dare To Be Great” team should visit www.fablearts.org.uk for the full details and to complete an online application form. The application form can also be downloaded and emailed to alex@fablearts.org.uk
The deadline for application is 9pm Wednesday 24th May.
