Albany residents encouraged to live well

14 June 2019

Albany residents can explore the silent realms of death and the art of living well through an interactive installation this winter.

Part of the national event Dying to Know Day, artists Ruth Maddren and James Gentle will run a series of hands on arts and craft workshops at Albany Public Library and Vancouver Arts Centre during June and July.

Community members will have the opportunity to get involved in the development of the installation while discussing a range of subjects surrounding living well and end of life, with the first workshop on 22nd June at Albany Public Library. The installation will then be presented to community through the City of Albany’s Vancouver Arts Centre between 5th and 31st August 2019.

City of Albany Manager Community Engagement Julie-Ann Gray said the installation was a great way to highlight the importance of discussing end of life and grieving well with loved ones.

“It’s a fact of life that we will all die or experience the death of a loved one. Starting the conversation with your family while you’re well, no matter your age is important to making sure you can have everything in place at a sensitive time for most,” Ms Gray said.

“This installation aims to break down the stigma surrounding death, encourages an early planning process, and aims to celebrate the art of living well and dying well.”

The installation was commissioned by the City of Albany in partnership with the WA Primary Health Alliance, and is part of a program delivered through the Compassionate Communities Project funded by the Brandenburg Foundation.

For more information on workshops and how to get involved, please contact the Vancouver Arts Centre by email [email protected] or phone (08) 6820 3740.

For more information on Dying to Know Day, please visit www.dyingtoknowday.org or www.facebook.com/dyingtoknowday/