Thinking through your hands: Drawing process for cognitive wellness

Experience the relaxing, meditative process of using traditional and digital drawing tools of MindArt, where there is no pressure and no right or wrong way to create.

MindArt is a clinically proven creative arts centre for cognitive health, offering a nature-based, sensory drawing programme designed to reduce stress and create focus for people with neurological conditions and their supporters. Our approach is centred on the meditative and repetitive nature of drawing, where there is no pressure of a right or wrong way. It is a relaxing process of "thinking through your hands."

Our work is grounded in research and evidence, developed through collaboration with academic and health partners specializing in neurological conditions and the broader context. After 6 clinical trials in France and Aotearoa New Zealand, we have shown that 96% of people living with dementia were engaged during our 1.5-hour sessions and that an 8-week programme leads to a significant reduction in stress compared to a comparison social group activity.

These evidence-based outcomes demonstrate that MindArt can serve as a valuable addition to the kete (basket) of tools available to families and healthcare professionals, offering a meaningful, therapeutic and enjoyable activity that enhances quality of life for people with dementia.

The MindArt programme is increasingly being adopted in broader contexts to support older people, individuals experiencing work-related stress, and those living with various neurological or mental health conditions. MindArt is currently being implemented in the Mental Health Services for Older People at Dunedin Hospital, as well as in a pilot programme for stroke survivors. It has proven effective in reducing stress among nursing staff in French hospitals during the Covid pandemic. There is growing interest in extending the use of MindArt to address a wider range of neurological, trauma and mental health conditions, including anxiety and neurodiversity.

Therefore, we have divided our specifically designed programme into 2 user groups: the full programme for health professionals and specific MindArt resources from the programme for individuals at home.

A programme for everyone