Since February Engage Here, has run weekly art workshops at the Pearls Meeting Centre, part of the Library at Willesden Green in Brent. Some of the 120 artworks created were displayed at ‘Art, Poetry and Bad Behaviour’ an exhibition spearheaded by Ronald Amanze.
Across 35 workshops, we explored how creativity enhances personal well-being, especially for people living with dementia. Each session blended hands-on artistic processes with mindfulness and participant-led discussions that often focused on topics like Caribbean heritage and nature. While the benefits of music for people with dementia are widely discussed, this program served to reaffirm the value of the visual arts. We highlighted its unique ability to engage carers and transcend barriers of literacy and language. Popular activities included marbling, paper-making, cyanotype printing, and mark-making using self-made brushes.
The artworks created in these sessions culminated in the “Art, Music and Bad Behaviour” exhibition at The Library at Willesden Green. The launch was a powerful blend of art and community spirit, driven by the energy of Ronald Amanze, who uses his lived experience of dementia to champion creativity and inclusion.
“
It is better than any medication. When people come together and create, share and express themselves, the joy and wellbeing that follows far outweighs what a tablet in a box can achieve.”
Dr Gina Swartz, speaker at ‘Art, Poetry and Bad Behaviour’
Rooted in the experiences of people living with dementia and their carers, the project reclaims "bad behaviour" as a valid form of resistance and self-expression. Work from our workshops was exhibited alongside other displays featuring the contributions of our participants and partners. These included: "Dementia in Dub," an organisation run by Ronald Amanze that explores the connection between memory and music; additional artworks from participant Milicent, who primarily works with Ashford Place (a local Cricklewood charity); and scrolls of drawings contributed by Elders Voice, another local charity supporting older people.
During the launch, Colin Brown, who was fundamental in the delivery of the exhibition, invited speakers to highlight the profound impact of this community-led project. This sentiment was echoed by a powerful medical perspective from neurologist Dr. Gina Swartz, arguing its benefits far outweigh what a tablet can achieve. The event underscored that investing in creative community engagement is not an optional extra but a vital tool for health, inclusion, and resilience.
The event also offered vital insights into the nature of care. Jazz Brown, CEO of Nubian Life, argued that care should not be driven by endless outcomes, highlighting that people also need stillness and "creative rest" for their brain health. This holistic view was reinforced by the closing performance from Ronald’s daughter, Malika, whose song celebrated family, heritage, and resilience. Ultimately, the project served as a powerful reminder that community-led cultural practice is a vital tool for wellbeing and should be sustained as a long-term investment.
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