New podcast launched

Join choreographer Chris Stuart-Wilson and care home manager Kathy McGrath-Gunn in our latest podcast as they talk about a digital dance project that has brought fun, laughter and happiness for residents and staff of Anderson’s Care Home, Elgin, in very difficult times.

With a surprise visit from some of the residents, you’ll hear first-hand how Chris is “digitally teleported in” from Glasgow to lead weekly dance sessions.

Residents choose the theme each week – anything from Elvis Presley to the Highland Fling – and are working with Chris each week to choreograph their own dance piece.

Chris works very closely with Anderson’s staff who support all the sessions, including making sure there’s plenty of opportunity for chatting and getting to know each other, just as there would have been if Chris had been there in person.

This team work has been crucial to the success of the project. Kathy describes how participating each week has been uplifting and beneficial for both residents and staff when day-to-day life is so challenging.

This is Luminate’s second podcast exploring how care homes have worked remotely with artists during the pandemic.

In the first podcast, visual artist Tracy Gorman talks about her experiences collaborating with residents at Ancaster House in Crieff, using watercolours and pastels to produce gorgeous landscapes and seascapes.

Listen to the podcast here.

Chris and Tracy are part of a Luminate project exploring different ways that artists and older people can work together safely during the pandemic.

A publication later this year will share learning from each of the projects.