Participatory Commission - Working with people with dementia to create an archive-inspired artwork.

The M&S Company Archive is full of objects that can spark memories and inspire reminiscence, which in turn can inspire the creative process. Working with the M&S Archive Outreach Officer we want you to lead on a creative project, using food themed archive-objects, to help care home residents create their own collaborative artwork.

The project will take place over 6-8 weeks on the following dates: 2pm on 4, 11, 18, 25 Feb and 4, 11, 18, 25 March. The hour-long sessions will be held in the residents' lounge at the care home in Leeds, with a group of around 5-8 people. The Outreach Officer will bring archival objects for a short reminiscence session before each creative session begins. 

We'd like participants to create something at each session, that can then be brought together to create a collaborative piece at the end of the project. Ideally we'd like to have an element of photography in the project, though there are limitations as to the mobility and capability of the participants. Participants will need to remain seated throughout each session.

The artwork will be displayed temporarily at the M&S Company Archive, before being permanently housed at the care home. Photographs will be taken to document the project, and it may be filmed.

We've undertaken similar projects in the past with successful results. Participants enjoy the reminiscence as well as the creative elements, we have found that they grow in confidence as the project goes on. Participants learn new skills, meet new people and are able to express themselves in a new way. For info on a previous project, see our film: https://vimeo.com/203293637

Please see attached images for examples of the type of food-related archive objects we hold. You can find out more in our food timeline here: https://marksintime.marksandspencer.com/ms-history/themes

The M&S Company Archive in Leeds runs a varied programme for older people and people with dementia including memory boxes and a memory cafe: https://marksintime.marksandspencer.com/community

Budget and Payment: The maximum budget for the project is £2000, to include materials. The successful artist will be set up as a supplier on the M&S payment system, full instruction on submitting invoices will be given. Please include all fees including material costs in your proposal.

The deadline for this opportunity is Friday 23rd November, and we'll notify the chosen artist the following week.

Please get in touch if you have any queries.