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THE IGNITE PROGRAMME

The Ignite Programme offers a complete package of training, resources and support to help organisations provide specialist cognitively stimulating activity for people with dementia.

​Created with the help of people with dementia, the programme improves well being and helps people remain mentally active. 

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How it Works

How does facilitating discussions about paintings by the likes of Van Gogh & Picasso open up amazing conversations between people with dementia?

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Got 10 mins spare? Fab, Watch this video.

The Art of Talking from Rachel Mortimer on Vimeo.

Short of time? Watch our 2 minute film.


The Ignite Programme is available as a license package for health & social care organisations and consists of 3 parts:

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What is an Ignite session?

Central to the Ignite Programme, an Ignite session is a combination of artworks from galleries and museums all over the world, questions about them and historical information that stimulates discussions. Previous art knowledge is not required by either the facilitator or participant.  The facilitator is a tour guide around the artworks, allowing each participant to react and contribute to the conversation.

Done on a tablet computer these sessions are very flexible - a 15 minute quick chat with one or two people or a full hour session. They can be conducted at the bedside for those unable to join a group activity and can be tailored from early cognitive impairment through to end of life. The smiles at every level speak for themselves. 


These art appreciation workshops take the focus away from what people cannot do to the satisfying emotional and intellectual experiences that are possible. In this way, differences of opinion are shared and communication within the group is nurtured, resulting in positive outcomes for participants and facilitator. Ignite sessions provide a social opportunity, even for those who have trouble communicating.

Each month a new session with a new theme is provided. There is also a further activities sheet related to the theme so that the sessions are the stimulus for lots more activity!  

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Courtesy of Getty

How can my organisation get the Ignite Programme? 

Contact us! The programme is available as a licence to care organisations. After a specialist 2 day dementia communication training course that includes The Pop Up Dementia Experience and Communicating Artfully, our technique for effective interactions at every stage of dementia, each licensee will receive monthly Ignite materials and of course ongoing support. We want to help you turn your staff into inspiring and confident communicators and support them every step of the way. 

We believe conversation and self expression should be part of everyday life, not a once-a-week activity. By training those working in care organisations, experiences are more personal and stronger relationships form.
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RESEARCH from Havard Medical School (2007)

‘‘I Know What I Like’’: Stability of aesthetic preference in alzheimer’s patients


"We conclude that aesthetic responses can be preserved in the face of cognitive decline. This should encourage caregivers and family to engage in arts appreciation activities with patients"

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art_and_cognition.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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Courtesy of The Van Gogh Museum
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Courtesy of LACMA
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Courtesy of the artist, Michael Craig Martin

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