News
We love to work with other museums! And we love to share what we learned together.
Artful Moments: Shared Learning newsfeed will share stories about our work with other galleries, museums, historic sites and outdoor spaces. We’ll share new experiences along with news about programs at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
Let’s continue to learn together.

Creating a Sensory Oasis
Creating a sensory oasis. Galleries and museums are often thought of as places of quiet contemplation and cultural appreciation. But for people living with dementia, they can be something even more profound: a sensory oasis. Thoughtfully designed museum environments can cater to the unique sensory needs of people with dementia,

Did You Know? Dementia and The Power of Art
Did you know? In 2011, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) created Artful Moments. Our purpose was to provide people living with dementia and their family and friend with an inclusive, engaging, and stimulating experience through art. Over the years, we have discovered some interesting facts about dementia and how

Review of Artful Moments from Dementia Trust
Artful Moments: Shared Learning was recently reviewed by Dementia Trust in Edinburgh, who called it “a must-explore programme + resource”. Dementia Trust adviser Sonia Mangan offers a compelling review of this research-based approach, that emphasises the art of the possible and encourages creative engagement. We are thrilled to have reached

Harnessing the Power of Curiosity: How Museums Unlock Creative Engagement for People Living with Dementia
Why curiosity-driven art experiences outperform traditional programming for people living with cognitive change.

Free art program becomes lifeline for Hamilton cancer patients
A room at the Art Gallery of Hamilton is alive with bursts of conversation and laughter as 20 people follow an instructor helping them navigate brush strokes for their individual still life exercises. Wendy Debicki, 71, is one of the animated painters, and she’s joined by her friend and caregiver,

Training Facilitators in Conversation-Based Approaches
From Observation to Conversation: Training Facilitators in Artful Moments’ Conversation-Based Approaches.

Change the Language, Change the Perception
Change the Language, Change the Perception: September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and as we continue supporting international initiatives to improve awareness and positive changes for people living with dementia, we consider how they are affected by how we talk to them and about them.

Art on the Body. Art in the Moment. A deeper look at what happens when we share art and connection
At Artful Moments, we believe deeply that being present in the gallery, engaging through our sense of sight, touch, conversation, memory and creativity does more than simply pass time. It connects us to ourselves, to others and to something larger. A newly published study by the Art Fund (in partnership

Celebrate Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Artful Moments — where myth, community and healing converge
At the heart of downtown Hamilton lies the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH), a place where art is not only observed but experienced, and where community meets creativity in thoughtful, inclusive ways. Today we shine a spotlight on its Artful Moments program, drawing inspiration from three recent articles that explore

Practical Tips for Planning a Successful Museum Outing with a Loved One with Dementia
In this article, we look at practical Tips for Planning a Successful Museum Outing with a Loved One with Dementia. Taking your loved one to a museum might seem daunting when dementia is in the picture—but with the right planning, it can be a beautiful,

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada. The month aims toraise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. As our communities age, we see the impact of dementia andt he stigma that surrounds it becoming ever more widespread in Canada.

How Art Triggers Memories and Conversations in Dementia Care
How Art Triggers Memories and Conversations in Dementia Care: Art has the profound ability to awaken memories and stimulate conversations, including in people living with dementia. Familiar artwork or themes often serve as powerful catalysts, unlocking recollections that may otherwise remain dormant. Through the simple act of viewing or creating

AGH Dementia Survey Results
In December 2021 the Art Gallery of Hamilton conducted an online survey of museums, galleries and other cultural organizations across Canada in preparation for a large project.

Tech and Touch: Blending Virtual Sessions with In-Person for People Living with Dementia
As our world has grown more connected through screens and devices, the way we deliver meaningful wellbeing experiences has also shifted. Virtual sessions are now a well-established part of the Artful Moments landscape and for good reason.