Arts Charity Dean Clough: Anita Cormac OBE on opening up art to everyone
Brightside Arts Café gives people living with dementia the chance to make art in a relaxed and welcoming setting at Dean Clough. The monthly sessions now have 48 active members, with their work regularly displayed in the galleries.
After Arts Charity Dean Clough was shortlisted for the Arts & Culture Award at this year’s Community Spirit Awards, we spoke to Executive Trustee Anita Cormac OBE about Brightside and what it has come to mean to the people who take part.
What first inspired you to start Brightside Arts Café?
I have a background in food and had run a major food education project, but becoming an Executive Trustee of the arts charity gave me the opportunity to respond to something quite unexpected.
A couple came to visit us at Dean Clough and the lady was living with dementia. She came into the building and was amazed by the artwork on the walls.
I thought about it afterwards and wondered whether we could run sessions for people living with dementia who might not have had much experience of art before, where they could come and make something themselves.
We talked about it as trustees, applied for funding and started working with people living with dementia and those who care for them.
We now have 48 very active members and they produce the most amazing artwork.
It was important from the beginning that we listened to people too. Members told us they did not want cheap biscuits and plastic cups, so we made sure the whole experience felt welcoming and properly thought through.
Did you ever imagine it would grow into what it is today?
No, I do not think I really thought that far ahead.
Originally, we were looking at around 24 people. After the first session we were offered more funding, which allowed us to add another session on the same day.
That meant we could welcome twice as many people, which was brilliant.
What keeps you motivated on difficult days?
With Brightside, the members are so appreciative and they become genuine friends.
We have the odd difficult moment, but we always get through it. Seeing everybody enjoying themselves more than makes up for anything else.
It is probably the high point of the work we do.
“They have created something themselves and they genuinely think it is fantastic”
Is there one person or moment that has stayed with you?
There is one gentleman who first came with his wife. He has dementia, but when he introduced them he told me that his wife was the one who had dementia.
He started making artwork at Brightside and since then I have bumped into his wife a few times around town. She told me that he now draws all the time.
He is always drawing and talking about what he has created. It might not necessarily be something that she recognises, but he does.
We keep everybody’s artwork in their own folder. We recently held an exhibition of the work at Dean Clough and some of the members looked at pieces they had made and said, “I don’t believe I did that.”
Their carers could say, “Yes, you did.”
Even if somebody reaches a point where they can no longer come to the sessions, that folder of artwork is still theirs.
What has Brightside taught you about people living with dementia?
I think the biggest thing is humility.
Every person who comes to us has lived a full life and then dementia changes things dramatically.
Brightside has taught me a lot about living well with dementia. People are still people. They are still your mum or dad, or somebody else you love. They may not be able to do everything they once did, but that does not change who they are.
We absolutely love welcoming them to Brightside.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of setting something up that seems to mean a great deal to other people.
As trustees we are volunteers, and being able to offer something free to people living with dementia feels very worthwhile.
Brightside is probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my career.
If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I would help everybody access the arts.
There are so many ways to be creative, and we want to reach people who might not otherwise feel those opportunities are for them.
One of our main goals is to get out into the community and make sure people know they are welcome. You do not have to arrive knowing anything about art. You can simply come into the galleries and look.
Art is not something posh that belongs to somebody else. Everybody can appreciate it.
Why do creativity and culture matter?
Creativity is part of who we are. People get pleasure from making art and from seeing what other people have created.
It can inspire you too. You see somebody make something and think, “I could do that.”
The arts enrich people’s lives and I think we would feel the absence if they were not there.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Get in touch and find out what is involved.
Brightside runs once a month, but consistency is important. We need people who want to engage with our members and help where needed.
Sometimes that means practical things. Sometimes it is sitting and talking to somebody without patronising them.
We are also interested in volunteer musicians. We have gentle keyboard music during the sessions, which adds a lovely atmosphere.
What do you hope people feel when they come to Brightside?
First of all, we want them to feel relaxed and supported.
People sometimes arrive feeling nervous or thinking they will not be able to do something. We encourage them to have a go without putting pressure on them.
They keep coming back, which probably tells you quite a lot.
What creative moment always lifts your mood?
It is when somebody says, “Look what I’ve done today.”
They are so proud of what they have achieved because it is proper artwork. We are not sitting there with colouring books.
They have created something themselves and they genuinely think it is fantastic.
Quick Fire Questions
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise.
Favourite place in Calderdale?
Norland Moor.
One word to describe community?
Everyone.
Best advice you have ever received?
Listen to people. If you really listen, you get far more out of anything.
Hidden talent?
Clothing design.
Favourite comfort food?
Chips.
What makes you smile instantly?
My husband.
