In 2022, Masterpieces emerged from an art therapy project at MiCare Prins Willem Alexander Lodge. This project was presented in a Poster format at the Federation of Ethnic Community Councils (FECCA) National Conference 2024.

In Queensland, a group of residents from diverse communities and abilities was exposed to personal art therapy. This method of therapy is a contrasted to group art sessions, which do not accommodate the differing demands of those who are impaired by cognition, memory, language, trauma, or physical limitations.

Project purpose was:

1. To engage Elders from diverse cultural backgrounds in a purposeful activity.

2. For Elders to create their own masterpiece with professional and informal assistance.

3. For the masterpieces to be exhibited by the Redland Art Gallery.

4. For the public to honour seniors’ accomplishments and to recognise the richness of the culturally diverse population in the Redland community.

Participating Elders worked independently at their own pace and received support from the same volunteer during the whole painting process. All received individual emotional, communication and technical support.

The project finished with 14 Elders from 10 different countries of birth, who created 16 art masterpieces and

· Fostered self-expression, cognitive stimulation, and improved motor skills.

· Relieved stress and anxiety through a sense of empowerment.

· Facilitated the disclosure of sensitive communication and narratives.

· Exposed the Redland community to the artistic abilities of Elders from different cultural backgrounds during the exhibition at the Redland Art Gallery.

· Trained staff and volunteers for project’s repetition.

The Poster was presented by Mercedes Sepulveda, the project’s coordinator and Alison Harding, assistant manager volunteers. The presentation did showcase that the project was inclusive of residents, staff, volunteers, families, commercial supporters, and the Redland community. By sharing the project, it was expected that attending Conference delegates could replicate this project in their workplace.