Celebrating Creativity in Every Corner: Get Involved in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes

The arts have the extraordinary ability to uplift, connect and inspire, no matter who we are or where we live. That’s why the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, now in its seventh year, is a celebration that matters. Held annually in on 24th September and proudly championed by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA), this special day shines a spotlight on the rich and meaningful role the arts can play in care settings and why everyone should be part of it.

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes is a great time to explore how creativity can enhance our lives but also celebrate the impact the arts can have year round. Whether you’re a care home resident, a member of staff, a family member or part of the local community, there are countless ways to get involved. No experience needed, just a willingness to try something new.

Why the Arts Matter in Care Settings

Engaging with the arts in care homes can be transformative. From the joy sparked by a favourite song to the quiet pride in creating a drawing, writing a poem or arranging flowers, the arts support wellbeing, nurture a sense of identity and create opportunities for expression and connection.

Importantly, the arts are diverse and inclusive. They come in many forms like painting, music, drama, storytelling, craft, dance, gardening, photography and there’s no ‘right’ way to participate. It’s not about producing a masterpiece; it’s about the experience, the process and how it makes you feel.

Creative moments can be simple: listening to birdsong, colouring in, telling a story or reminiscing with others. These everyday acts are as valuable as attending a concert or taking part in a group project. The key is finding what resonates with you and giving it a go.

How to Get Involved – Your Way, Your Pace

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes is an open invitation to celebrate creativity in your own unique way. Here are just a few ideas to get started:

• Try something new – Pick up a paintbrush, write a short poem or explore a new genre of music.
• Revisit an old passion – Dust off a forgotten skill like sketching, knitting or singing.
• Share and celebrate – Host a small exhibition, performance or storytelling session to showcase creative work in your care setting.
• Get inspired by others – Watch a play, listen to a concert or explore an online gallery together.
• Collaborate – Invite local artists, schools or community groups to join in and co-create something special.

Whether your participation is big or small, planned or spontaneous, it’s all part of a wider celebration of the creativity that exists in every care home.

A Shared Celebration of Creativity and Connection

At its heart, the National Day of Arts in Care Homes is about celebrating self-expression and fostering a sense of purpose and community. It’s a chance to highlight the incredible creative contributions happening every day in care settings and to show that the arts are truly for everyone.

This year’s theme will be announced on 2nd June, so keep an eye out for resources, activity ideas and opportunities to share what you’re planning. There’ll be plenty of ways to take part and we’d love to see how you choose to celebrate.

So, how will you join in? Will you create, perform, admire or simply appreciate the arts in your everyday? However you choose to take part, know this: your creativity is welcome, your contribution is value and you are part of something beautifully bigger.

Let the arts meet you where you are – and see where they can take you.