The time had finally come for me to observe the "Meet Me" Program at MOMA!! I was very excited and many other organisations had told me alot of positive feedback about this program - it is what other Art Organisations across the US look upto!!
As i walked into the (apparently) closed MOMA on a Tuesday - it was full of people!! I couldn't really get my head round why they facilitate the program when the gallery is closed, but it was making sense to me now. There were 6 groups of around 6-8 individuals with various forms of memory loss alongside their caregivers, (12-16 per group)...all being led by numerous trained educators. I was lucky enough to go on Francesca Rosenberg - the Director of Community and Access Programs tour around the gallery. We observed and discussed around 5 pieces of work based on the feminine firgure.
It was fascinating and gave great insight into imagination and alternate views and opinions on the Art work. We were in a group that was being photographed too - so the group was very close and comfortable - they could have been engaged for much longer and the two hours quickly dissapeared!!
In relevance to the other Programs in Art Galleries that i have observed and taken part in - i wouldn't say they were that different and use similar strategies to communicate effectively, such as repetition, short sentences and open questions to the audience.
A totally fascinating experience and i can see why MOMA is leading in Alzheimer's Access program's....
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