Dementia Arts Impact Award

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The 2022 Dementia Arts Impact Awards application is now closed. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on this year’s awardees

We believe that dementia needs a new story. One of engagement, endurance and hope.

We support artists inspired to tell that story and bring joy to those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

If you are a visual or performing artist breaking new ground, creating original work that challenges our assumptions about dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, working with your community in novel ways, or inspiring creativity in those with memory loss, we encourage you to apply for this year’s Dementia Arts Impact Awards.

Creative artists of all kinds are using their talents to raise awareness, foster dignity, and provide a greater sense of belonging for those experiencing dementia. And research has shown the visual and performing arts can improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide joy for patients, caregivers and families alike.


Katie Mathews headshot

“The Dementia Arts Impact Award allowed me to bring the vision for my film Dark Moon to life with top actors and a talented crew. Beyond the financial support, Dr. Marc and the Dementia Spring team were invaluable resources on the disease which inspired additions to our script and guidance for our actors. I feel I’ve won not just a grant but I’ve also gained a community with Dementia Spring.”

— Filmmaker Katie Mathews, 2021 awardee for her short film “Dark Moon,” about a father and his daughter navigating the early days of his Dementia diagnosis. Read Katie’s artist profile

In 2023, a cohort will be selected featuring a variety of artists from across the creative spectrum. Artists may come from the visual arts (painting, coloring, sculpting, film), music (listening to, singing, and playing music) drama/movement (acting, storytelling, dance, choreography, playwriting, and expressive movement), songwriting.

The award is a partnership with the Dementia Spring Foundation. Artists will work with top experts in the dementia field with an aim to break new ground, artistically and clinically. Each awardee:

  • receives a grant up to $10,000 to advance their work.
  • helps build the Dementia Arts community through a cohort of artists and expert clinicians in the dementia field.
  • participates in one-on-one mentorship on working within the dementia community.
  • receives essential marketing technical support, including a professionally produced video and expert social media collaboration.
  • is able to partner with Dementia Spring on marketing, outreach and community engagement

Grant Timeline

March – Announcement

April – Applications Open

May – Applications Due

July – Finalists Selected

October – Recipients Notified

Nov/Dec – Grants Distributed