Reimagining Dementia Calgary Initiative
Taking It to the Streets - Calgary:
Taking It to the Streets is an initiative of Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice, a global movement that is creatively transforming the tragedy narrative of dementia.
"Around the world, millions of people are living with and impacted by dementia. And yet, dementia continues to be surrounded by a fear-, shame- and stigma-filled cone of silence that impacts us all." - Mary Fridley
Calgary is taking it to the streets to:
Shatter the silence about dementia &
Creatively transform the journey of dementia for everyone
Stories of Resilience, Connection, and Living Well with Dementia
We are hosting our very first event at the Little Gallery, Department of Art and Art History, University of Calgary.
Invitation to Share Your Story
We are inviting people living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners to share stories, photos, or creative expressions that reflect everyday life. While dementia is often talked about in terms of loss and decline, we know there are also stories of strength, connection, humour, hope, and possibility that deserve to be seen and heard.
What can you share?
Photos of everyday life, relationships, or meaningful moments
Short stories, reflections, or poems
Artwork or creative expressions that reflect living with dementia
There is no “right” kind of story – we welcome diverse experiences and perspectives.
What will happen with your contribution?
Your contributions will:
Be featured in a public exhibition during World Alzheimer’s Month (September)
Help raise awareness and challenge stigma in the broader community
Be shared on social media or community platforms with your permission
Timeline
Submission period: Now until July 31, 2026
Public exhibition: September 26 - 29, 2026
Exhibition location: The Little Gallery, Department of Art, University of Calgary
Appreciation
As a small token of appreciation, participants will be entered into a draw for one of six $50 online gift cards.
Interested in volunteering?
We are also looking for volunteers who would like to contribute their skills, such as:
Story and photo curation
Photography or videography at the event
Public engagement and event support
Exhibition installation and de-installation
Social media channel management … and More
About the initiative
This initiative is a collaboration between:
and is endorsed by community partners including:
Alzheimer Calgary StillMe, Dementia Network Calgary, YouQuest, Silvera Beaverdam, & Arts for Alzheimer’s Student Union Club at University of Calgary
Your Choice, Your Privacy
Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose what to share.
By submitting your work, you are giving permission for it to be included in the public exhibition.
You may choose to include your name or remain anonymous.
We may also give optional permission to share your work on social media or other online platforms.
If you provide contact information, it will only be used to:
communicate with you about this project
reach you regarding the appreciation draw
Your contact information will be kept confidential and will not be shared outside the project team.
We may also give optional permission to be contacted about future research or community initiatives related to dementia stigma reduction.
You may request to withdraw your contribution at any time before public dissemination.
We would be honoured to hear your story.
Contact
If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact:
Jasmine Hwang
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary
Advocacy, Alberta Gerontological Nurses Association
Calgary Group Lead, Reimagining Dementia
📧 jasmine.hwang@ucalgary.ca
▸ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Share your stories & photos
You can make submissions in either of the following ways.
Online Submission (Recommended)
Email Submission
Complete the submission form online and upload your files.
Email your submission(s) along with the completed submission form to Jasmine: jasmine.hwang@ucalgary.ca
▸ GET INVOLVED
▸ HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Be part of our community event. Meet your neighbours, share a story, and help us build a more inclusive city for everyone.
Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice
Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice is an international group of people living with dementia, carers/care partners, family and community members, dementia activists and allies, health professionals, advocates, artists, academics, policymakers, and others.
We share a vision of care, support, and social transformation that promotes inclusion, relationships, creativity, joy, and the possibility of growth for everyone impacted by dementia.