Digital adaptations to arts programme delivery for people living with dementia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Learning from the challenges and successes of online arts delivery during the pandemic is crucially important for considering long-term sustainable solutions that enable people living with dementia to remotely participate in meaningful activities. Methods: Twenty-eight arts workers responded to an online survey exploring i) the meaning of face-to-face arts activities that were replicated online, ii) perceived motivations to attend, iii) successes and challenges in adapting arts for online/socially distanced setting. Results: Responses described arts giving structure and purpose to people living with dementia and their carers, a sense of community, and a way to reduce physical isolation. Success on digital delivery of arts depended on how inclusive practices were in relation to different abilities, technology experience and support levels. Conclusions: Despite challenges, the range of interactions across activities demonstrated various ways for people living with dementia to make a contribution, feeding into the feelings of purpose and belonging in the online/digital community.