Tate Exchange is an ambitious ‘open experiment’ which allows other organisations and members of the public to participate in Tate’s creative process, running events and projects on site and using art as a way of addressing wider issues in the world around us. 

Open Eye Gallery is working in partnership with 8 Merseyside wide partners, local communities and 10 Photographers on a new socially engaged photographic programme Culture Shifts.

This Tate Exchange event showcases and reflects upon Culture Shift’s first collaborative project. Liverpool based photographer Tadhg Devlin is working in collaboration with the Dementia SURF (Service User Reference Forum) group, supported by NHS Merseycare. The group has a strong track record as ambassadors for those living with early on set dementia. A number of the group have been working closely with Devlin to create Photo Stories which break the stigma associated with dementia, and reflect their lives as individuals, not as a condition.

At Tate Exchange Liverpool, based in the heart of the gallery’s collection displays, Culture Shifts will showcase a series of photographic works and a creative newspaper. The newspaper acts as an artwork in its own right and as well as an alternative piece of interpretation about living with dementia and the individual stories of the SURF group members. 

Schedule of Events at Tate Exchange Liverpool

Sunday 27 November 2016

A walk in my shoes / 12pm-12.30pm & 2.30pm–3pm
Join the SURF group members as they lead you on an alternative tour of Tate Liverpool and surrounding area. Experience how they perceive the world around them.

Live musical performance by Paul Hitchmough / 3.15pm-3.45pm Join one of our SURF members Paul for a live musical performance.

Monday 28 November 2016: Arts and health critical discussion day

Drop in portfolio review sessions for photography students / 11am–12pm Photographer Tadhg Devlin and Open Eye Gallery will be offering portfolio review sessions for students interesting in showcasing their work and looking for some development support. This opportunity would be particularly suited to students interested in socially engaged arts practice.

Tadhg Devlin in conversation: An artist panel discussion / 1.30pm-3pm
Join photographer Tadhg Devlin and a host of guest speakers for a round table discussion around the current arts and health agenda, what learning and experience has come from this particular project, and what role photography played in realising a new co-authored body of artwork.

Tuesday 29 November 2016: Health & wellbeing day

A mindfulness session with Roy Foden / 11am
SURF group member Roy will be giving a personal insight into mindfulness and Dementia.

What role does art play in health & wellbeing? NHS Merseycare / 12pm

An introduction by psychologist Sarah Butchard, NHS Merseycare and film screening of ‘reflections’ -

Dealing with the difficult days / 2pm–3.15pm
An inspiring workshop for people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers by Alan Howells, Dementia Learning and Development Specialist, Community Integrated Care.

Aromatherapy hand massages / 10am-11am & 3pm-4pm
There will also be drop in free aromatherapy hand massages on offer for the health and well being day on Tuesday 29 November 2016. 

More information will be available on the Tate website from the 10th November 2016.

More information can be found here.

Photo Credit: Gina at Liverpool One shopping complex © Tadhg Devlin and the SURF dementia group, 2016.