Thanks to the generous funding and support from the Ōrākei Local Board and Ōrākei Arts, I am incredibly excited to partner with Age Concern Auckland Ethnic Communities Services. Together, we are bringing this initiative directly to local Chinese and Japanese senior groups.

Language barriers and health changes can make it very difficult for elderly to join local activities, often leading to deep isolation. This project changes that by taking art straight to them, inside the comfortable, familiar spaces where they already meet. Because art is hands-on and visual, it easily bypasses language barriers. I will collaborating closely with trusted group leaders to tailor every session to the cultural and physical needs of the seniors, ensuring they are active co-creators of a vibrant community memory. Even better, our Japanese session will be a beautiful intergenerational event where young and old can create side by side.

Science shows us just how powerful this work is: visual arts significantly improve mood and quality of life for seniors. For those living with dementia, art can stimulate untouched neural pathways, opening up new ways to connect. By offering a non-verbal channel for communication and sensory regulation, this program directly supports Auckland Council's vision for an age-friendly city.

This project is also close to my heart, as my late mother-in-law would have been deeply proud of it.