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The #MonsterArts for Seniors Program is VIRTUAL!

Want to experience FREE South Asian music, dance and art workshops online? Fill out the form below!

#MonsterArts for Seniors Program

Learn more about our expansion of the Monster Arts program below!

Started in 2018, #MonsterArts for Seniors provides the elderly with stimulating, professionally-led arts workshops in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil and more to reduce feelings of isolation. Seniors enjoy South Asian culture through workshops in Bollywood dance, Hindi and Tamil music, poetry, painting, and so on. This program fills gaps in cultural and language-specific services for seniors in the community. Seniors reconnect with their peers through free, interactive workshops led by experienced artists. The workshops are available virtually and in-person at no cost to the seniors.

Visual Arts

#MonsterArts for Seniors Visual Arts Workshops
In these workshops, seniors can celebrate the South Asian culture and heritage. Seniors are taught the techniques necessary to create their artwork, while asked to draw upon their memories and experiences for inspiration on their pieces. Seniors are then encouraged to present their work to their peers with integrity and ownership.
Dance

#MonsterArts for Seniors Dance Workshops
Experience the colourful and dynamic dance traditions from South Asia. We offer workshops in various styles of Indian folk, classical, Bhangra and Bollywood dances. A professional dancer will lead seniors through a low-impact exercise set to music they know and love. The discipline becomes a medium for sense of community and self-expression.
Music

#MonsterArts for Seniors Music Workshops
In the song based workshops, artists reconnect seniors with their roots through classic pop music from hit movies. Participants learn songs and the history behind them. Stories are shared, discussed and celebrated.

In the music and mindfulness style workshop, seniors can enjoy a live performance by the artist, interact in games, and participate in mild physical exercise that stimulates the mind and body. Sessions also feature light hearted discussions and a guided meditation to encourage a positive mindset.
Creative Writing

#MonsterArts for Seniors Creative Writing Workshop
This workshop is curated to meet the cognitive level of the seniors. Seniors will be given the opportunity to exercise their memory skills and document meaningful moments in their lives through writing, which will allow them to share their experiences with each other and their caregivers.

“One of our male participants began to tear up. He was reminiscing about something or someone from his past that the song reminded him of and someone pointed out that it was a love song. He smiled as well and let us know it was the good kind of tears. Pushpinder’s performance allowed him to feel that emotion.”

– Senior Care Worker
“What I liked about the workshop is the creativity it brings out in me and that it is expanding my mind.”

– Senior
“One client was following along to the moves in her seat and was smiling watching the others. She seemed a bit hesitant to stand up and dance, but I could tell she wanted to and encouraged her to try some moves standing. We positioned another chair in front of her so she could hold the back of it for support if she needed. She remained standing for the rest of the time. She really enjoyed that opportunity to fully participate.”

– Senior Care Worker
“Graceful, gentle exercises. Krystal spent enough time on each movement for us to pick them up. It is also nice to do exercises in a group.”

– Senior

Other Programs