4,4,4&2: Rewriting the story of dementia via collaborative design

Join the RSA and Boom Saloon for an insightful event about the finale of Boom Saloon's work to rewrite the story of dementia, 4,4,4&2.

At a time when dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, the media often refuses to share any narrative outside of loss and incapacity. A flattened experience, lacking any promise, is perpetuated – often devoid of the voice of anyone living with dementia. As public perception remains clouded by fear, stigma and sensation, and those diagnosed – and the people who care for them – are often left feeling voiceless and without agency to affect change.

To propose an alternative, boom saloon's work uses creativity to inspire and empower those undertaking their dementia journeys – centring their lived experience and supporting them to share their stories to foster empathy, understanding and meaningful change. First begun in 2020, we invite you behind the scenes of the finale of this vital project – 4,4,4&2.

Mapping the life of Maggie Watson, living with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia, the publication combines personal artefacts and cherished mementoes in a ‘living cookbook’ printed using an innovative disappearing ink – using publishing as the medium to illustrate and humanise this most personal of experiences. Rebuking the misconception that individuals themselves fade away following diagnosis, instead 4,4,4&2 mimics the brain itself – revealing and concealing information in a manner never before seen in publishing, mapped to the size of the average human brain.

This special event, run in partnership with the RSA, invites you behind the scenes to hear more about the making of the book. We'll share talks and insights from colleagues and peers in the worlds of healthcare, art, architecture and design – connecting lived experience with wider society to shift the needle of dementia representation and ensure a better future for all.

The event will also include a short presentation about RSA Fellowship, an incredible global community. RSA Fellows champion new ideas, drive social change, deliver practical solutions and support the RSA mission. They are an integral part of the RSA's work towards creating a better future, and this event will be a great opportunity to be introduced to Fellowship.

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Please be aware that registrations will close two hours before the event is due to start.