Intergenerational – be involved no matter
how old or how young

Dot to Dot believes that there are not enough opportunities for people of different ages to work together, so most of our work is intergenerational. Parents and children, older people and young people planning, creating and celebrating together.

Intergenerational working strengthens family bonds and increases understanding and respect between generations.

It helps to build communities as participants talk and work together. It is a wonderful opportunity to share existing skills and develop new ones. It provides a relaxed and supportive atmosphere which is enriching for participants and artists, with some trying something new and others something they haven’t done for years.

“What did I enjoy most? All of it. Interaction with my kids, very relaxing and great fun working with my children learning new skills.”
Lanterm Workshops Ventnor IOW 2002.

This commitment to intergenerational working means that many of Dot to Dot’s larger projects have a wide age range of participants – 3 years to 80 years is not unusual.

To ensure that everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities, Dot to Dot artists break projects down into achievable, accessible parts. This is designed to enable participants to work creatively and satisfyingly on tasks they can physically manage, at a time appropriate for them. When the project is finished everyone can see and value their contributions which have come together as part of a satisfying end product.

To create 4 textile hangings for Sure Start Children’s Centre in Somerstown, Dot to Dot worked with the youngest children to draw faces which were used by older children and their parents to gutta and silk paint.

“Passing on skills, that’s important”
Participant, Wymering Public Art Project 1997.

“We thought it was a lovely idea to send the butterflies back in the post, but to receive the invitation at the same time was a real treat. It was just so exciting we had to come along. Thank you.”
Museum Storytelling Tent Participant 2009.