Hosted by the SPHERE Knowledge Translation Strategic Platform, this online series of creative workshops is designed to equip researchers with practical skills to enhance their work using techniques from design thinking, arts-based strategies, and innovative knowledge translation methods.

Join us on October 28th from 1 - 1:30pm for the next edition of our Creative Workshop series with socially-engaged dance artist, educator and filmmaker Diane Busuttil.

Then, our November 26th session with Dr Priya Vaughan shares tips and tricks for using body mapping in research.

If you're interested in attending these free workshops, secure your place by booking your spot now.

*Please note that a Zoom link will be emailed to you before the session begins.

Information on our next sessions:

Workshop 8: The Healing Power of Dance: Creating Safe Spaces for Older Adults

Presenter: Diane Busuttil

Date: October 28th, 2024

Diane's presentation examines the transformative effects of dance on the quality of life for older adults, highlighting scientific studies that underscore its health benefits. She argues that creative dance activities provide a healing platform that merges art and wellness, allowing participants to dismantle societal expectations and internal limitations associated with ageing. Safe dance spaces encourage a non-judgmental environment where constraints from age, societal norms, and past traumas are dissolved, facilitating both internal and external transformation. Ultimately, Diane advocates for dance as a catalyst for connection, empathy, and deeper emotional exploration among older adults.

Diane Busuttil's award-winning work as a socially-engaged dance artist and filmmaker has been recognised in Australia and internationally. Diane founded Creative Caring in 2018, which brings dance theatre and music programs to seniors, focusing on the union of arts and health as remedies for personal and social ills. Her collaborative community programs are regularly delivered to aged care facilities, dementia care units and at the Sydney Opera House for the monthly Spring for Seniors dance theatre sessions.

Her philosophy is that movement is a primary expressive language and a strong artistic tool that binds people, through creativity, to their community. Diane has completed various
courses through Dementia Australia and the University of Tasmania and is a qualified Dance for Parkinson’s facilitator. She is a member of AHNNA (Arts Health Network) and an associate of The CAD Factory.

Workshop 9: Body Mapping for Knowledge Generation and Sharing

Presenter: Dr Priya Vaughan

Date: November 26th, 2024

Body mapping is an arts-based research method and knowledge translation tool that can be used to surface and share embodied experiences about diverse topics. This workshop will explore body mapping as a method, and share tips, tricks, and considerations for people interested in using body mapping in research, public engagement, or knowledge translation.

Priya Vaughan is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney. She’s passionate about using qualitative, arts-based, and participatory research methods to undertake useful research and knowledge translation. Priya collaborates with diverse communities to understand social and health experiences to support positive mental health and social outcomes.

If you have any questions about the workshops or would like further information, please contact Chloe Watfern (c.watfern@blackdog.org.au).

Featured image courtesy of Diane Busuttil