Creating spaces for connection, creativity and belonging

Since 2023, Snehadhara Foundation has been working with Omashram Trust, an old age home in South Bengaluru, bringing Arts Practices for Inclusion™ into the everyday lives of its residents.

The engagement creates regular spaces for residents to come together through music, rhythm, movement, theatre, play and visual arts. Through these shared creative experiences, the sessions aim to nurture social connection, encourage self-expression, stimulate memory and sensory engagement, and create opportunities for joy, participation and wellbeing.

Building Community Through the Arts

At Omashram, the arts become a way of coming together and building relationships. Residents sing familiar songs and learn new ones, explore instruments and rhythm, participate in games and movement, create through painting and crafts, and share memories connected to festivals, food, childhood and everyday life.

The sessions draw from Indian cultural traditions and familiar experiences, making participation accessible and meaningful. Music and rhythm have become particularly engaging, with residents enjoying instruments, bhajans, songs in different languages and opportunities to share songs from their own lives. Group games, simple seated and standing exercises, crafts and festival-themed activities also create spaces for participation and conversation.

Over time, there has been a visible shift in the way residents participate. Those who were initially hesitant have begun taking greater initiative, helping set up the space, leading songs, sharing their knowledge and encouraging others to join in. These small moments of participation have become an important part of building confidence and a sense of community.

Creating Space for Every Resident

Participation at Omashram is not about everyone doing the same thing. Activities are adapted to different levels of mobility, sensory needs and ways of engaging. Alongside group sessions, Snehadhara also spends time with residents who are in their rooms or are bedridden, using conversations, songs and simple creative experiences to build connection.

The intention is to create an inclusive space where every contribution matters, whether it is singing a familiar bhajan, learning a new song, playing a game, creating an artwork, sharing a memory, or simply being present with the group.

Growing Together

Through this ongoing engagement, the arts have opened up opportunities for residents to express themselves, reconnect with memories, build confidence and experience a stronger sense of belonging. The work continues to explore how creative expression and shared experiences can support wellbeing, connection and vitality in later life.