Michelle Weiner

“More workshops? Please don’t think me greedy when I say, I’ll definitely have another helping!” - Richard, Age 81

Hello. I'm Michelle Weiner. I am passionate about the transformative role art can play in the lives of others. In my wonderful role as Community Engagement Manager at London's, Dulwich Picture Gallery, I am focused on measuring the impact meaningful creative experiences can have on the young, the elderly, the isolated and even those who have never experienced anything 'arty' before! With my team, I design and produce creative art engagement programmes, every week of the year, and I've seen first-hand how forward-thinking cultural and heritage organisations can offer so much more than just interpretation for visitors.

Art empowers creativity, it fosters new friendships & it encourages personal growth - transcending boundaries of age, ability and knowledge. With consistency in programming, quality in delivery and care and empathy in hospitality, even the most skeptical take part and - after a single session - are eager to return.

Art and 2 Sugars is a space where I, with friends, colleagues and fellow artists, discuss and make the case for the arts for people in later life. It's a platform to share experiences, celebrate achievements and challenge skepticism around this work. Most of all, this blog aims to dispel the myth that art has an age limit - at all stages in life, high quality artistic experiences are profoundly impactful.

If you've got any thoughts, questions or ideas, I look forward to hearing from you!

Oh, and I live in Forest Hill (South East London) with my husband, Steve, and our naughty Siberian cat, Audrey Pickles.