A photograph can bring back a memory. A piece of music can take you somewhere you haven’t thought about in years. A familiar object can start a conversation that becomes a story shared with someone else.
For older people who find it difficult to visit cultural spaces, those opportunities for connection can become harder to access.
Jewish Museum to You: Bringing Stories, Culture and Connection to Older Adults, will bring the Jewish Museum of Australia into Jewish Care’s aged care residence, creating opportunities for residents to connect with culture, share their stories and spend meaningful time together.
For residents at Jewish Care, that connection will come directly to them.
The project is proudly funded through Southside Community Foundation and Weaving Connections, a nationwide initiative on ageing well facilitated by community foundations with the support of the JO & JR Wicking Trust.
Jewish Museum staff will use objects, photographs, music, stories and creative activities to encourage conversation and reflection. Residents will be invited to share memories of family, migration, traditions, celebrations and resilience, recognising their rich experiences that form part of our community’s story.
Naomi Ryan, Head of Learning and Engagement at the Jewish Museum said the support would help remove some of the barriers to cultural participation for older people:
“The funding will help us create meaningful cultural, social and wellbeing outcomes for older adults living at Jewish Care’s aged care residence. Via group discussion, storytelling and shared creative activities, residents will be encouraged to connect with one another, reflect on common experiences and build a stronger sense of belonging.”
The program will include object storytelling, cultural programs exploring family traditions, Jewish festivals, food, music and identity, creative workshops, and conversations where residents can share their memories and experiences. Where possible, residents will also be supported to visit the Museum itself.
Those stories have value beyond each session. Residents’ reflections will help deepen the Museum’s understanding of local Jewish histories and strengthen connections between the Museum, Jewish Care and the wider community.
The project also shows what can happen when local ideas are connected with the people, organisations and resources that can help make them possible.
Through Weaving Connections, there will be more opportunities over the next three years to support local ideas that help older people across Southside remain included, connected and able to participate in community life.
