A giant jigsaw measuring 10 feet across is set to bring together 110 artists from care homes across Swindon when the finished artwork is unveiled next month.
The unusual project has seen artists from 20 Swindon care homes each create their own piece of a collaborative jigsaw, resulting in 96 individual pieces which will finally be assembled into one spectacular work of art.
Until now, the artists have only seen their own contribution. That will change at the Arts in Care Homes Grand Finale, when all 96 pieces are brought together for the first time.
The event takes place at New College, Queens Drive, Swindon, at 2pm on Tuesday, 27 October, with the Mayor of Swindon attending to officially open the celebration.
There will also be live entertainment and refreshments, with volunteers helping to make the afternoon a fitting finale to a project which has been about rather more than producing a large picture.
The jigsaw has provided 110 residents with an opportunity to get creative, meet and talk with others and, importantly, have their work recognised and celebrated.
It has also created a tangible connection between 20 care homes, turning dozens of individual contributions into one shared piece of artwork.
More than a jigsaw
The project forms part of Arts in Care Homes, which uses creative activities to bring art, enjoyment and opportunities for connection into care settings.
Local company Wentworth Puzzles has also become involved, transforming the finished artwork into a dementia-friendly jigsaw which will be donated to hospitals and care homes.
The company said the partnership was particularly appropriate given the longstanding connection between dementia and jigsaw puzzles.
“We’re excited to be part of this project, particularly given the strong connection between dementia and jigsaw puzzles, and the growing evidence that puzzles can help support cognitive wellbeing and ease some symptoms of dementia,” the company said.
“It feels like a natural partnership and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity and individuality of residents across the participating care homes.”
For those involved, the finished jigsaw represents months of creativity and conversation, but also the simple idea that an individual’s contribution can become something much bigger when brought together with everyone else’s.
Ninety-six separate pieces will become one 10-foot-wide work of art – and after seeing their own creations in isolation for so long, the artists will finally discover exactly what the bigger picture looks like.
The project is supported by Arts Council England.
The Arts in Care Homes Grand Finale takes place at New College, Queens Drive, Swindon, at 2pm on Tuesday, 27 October.
