Stubborn Optimism: Social Arts Co-Creation and Positive Change in Community Contexts

Partners: Bright Shadow CIO (Herne Bay, England) and Raum der Künste e.V. (Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg)

Image © Bright Shadow, Jen Holland

“At Raum der Künste, our long-standing work in intergenerational projects inspires us to explore creative practices in the context of dementia. We find Bright Shadow's 'Zest' methodology highly transferable and in line with our open, co-creative approach. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to share insights through workshops, artist exchanges and reflective sessions, paving the way for a sustainable, long-term partnership. Together we aim to develop innovative, high-quality artistic models that bridge disciplines and reach diverse communities.” Janet Grau, Artist and Raum der Künste member

“At Bright Shadow, our practice is deeply rooted in connection, collaboration, and experimentation and so the opportunity to work with Raum der Künste feels incredibly enriching and purposeful. We are excited to learn from Raum der Künste about their approach to intergenerational co-creation and about their model of support for their artistic community. We hope that this exchange will form the foundation of a cultural partnership with the potential to have an impact ripple effect in our communities.” Clare Thomas, Creative Director

About the partners

Raum der Künste e.V. is a non-profit organization dedicated to artistic creation and cultural exchange. We are a diverse collective spanning dance, theatre, visual arts, and music, embracing transdisciplinary and intergenerational practices. Our passion for cultural education reaches all ages and communities, underpinned by our commitment to artistic expression. We empower freelance artists and educators, fostering a vibrant environment for community-driven cultural projects. Through participatory and receptive approaches, we offer opportunities for individuals to engage with and contribute to cultural life, affirming that everyone has a right to artistic expression. Our mission is to inspire joy, personal growth, and self-discovery through co-creative programs. We work in schools, community centres, public spaces, prisons, and traditional venues across the Rhine-Neckar region and beyond, ensuring that art is accessible to all.

Bright Shadow CIO is an innovative arts organisation. Our mission is to use the power of creativity to help people living with or affected by dementia thrive. We aim to bring exceptional arts and culture into mainstream dementia care. We use person-centred cultural practice to enrich the lives of people with dementia and their carers providing expert creative sessions for all ages at home, in care homes, and in the community. Our policy and practice are shaped by collaboration between professional artists, people with dementia, and stakeholders – i.e., through co-creation in sessions and our regular Open Forums. Through action learning, research and development, data-driven monitoring and evaluation, and partnerships across the arts, health, care, HEI, and local partners, we improve quality and widen participation for this underserved community. Strongly committed to inclusion, we deliver at least 75% of our work in the most deprived wards of Kent & Medway.