A research group on the elderly has recommended that an arts programme launched by Dulwich Picture Gallery be extended nationwide.
The Oxford Institute of Ageing (OIA) has praised the programme, Good Times: Art for Older People, which was introduced at the London gallery in 2005 to combat isolation among older people.
Forty partnership sites were established in day centres, hospices and sheltered-housing units, with sessions involving gallery visits plus painting, crafts, art appreciation and storytelling.
OIA director professor Sarah Harper said: “We think that Good Times is a model that should be explored across the museum and gallery sector.”
The report found that more than half of participants had not been involved in art since their school days, and said the benefits had been felt by the caring professions, as well as the participants.
It was noted that the gallery had been “overwhelmed” with demand from health-care providers, suggesting that they were “very satisfied” with the project.
The Clore Duffield Foundation is funding the project for the next two years. Last year, it handled more than 2,000 clients at a cost of £9.96 each.
The OIA report added: “The question must also be asked why museums and galleries fail to offer long-term, consistent, regular, core creative programmes specifically for the elderly, with their varied health needs. It is clear that the Good Times model should not be exclusive to Dulwich.”
Dulwich has a coordinator working two days a week on the art project.
“In 10 to 15 years, this will hopefully be the norm,” said Dulwich Picture Gallery community programme manager Clare Ferdinando. “I’d like this programme to become a core part of the gallery and museum world, rather than an add-on that lasts for six weeks,” she said. “There is a massive need for this.”
