By Ellie Lucas – Development Officer NAPA
We are excited to launch this year’s National Day of Arts in Care Home with the 2026 theme, Stories That Connect Us. The theme celebrates the power of creativity to share experiences, honour identity and bring people together through storytelling in all its forms.
Everyone has a story to tell, they are a part of who we are. Stories are found in memories, traditions, photographs, music, recipes, artwork and the moments that shape our lives. In care settings, creative opportunities can provide meaningful ways for people to express themselves, celebrate diverse cultures and share perspectives that may otherwise go unheard. Through creativity, individuals can feel recognised, valued and connected to the world around them.
Arts and creativity in all its forms can be especially powerful within care environments. They support communication, emotional wellbeing and social connection, while also creating opportunities for joy, reflection and belonging. A familiar song can unlock memories, a painting can express feelings without words and a shared creative project can bring people together across generations, backgrounds and experiences. NAPA’s wider Creativity and Arts Programme champions the importance of embedding creativity into everyday care and supporting care settings to become truly creative communities.
The wonderful thing about this year’s theme is that storytelling does not have to look the same for everyone. Stories can be shared through poetry, photography, dance, textiles, performance, nature art or digital creativity. You might create memory jars filled with meaningful objects, develop a collaborative story quilt or mural, use photography to capture daily life and personal perspectives or invite people to create playlists that tell the story of their lives. Even small creative moments can spark conversation and connection.
To help care settings get involved, we have created a dedicated resource pack full of ideas, inspiration and practical activities to support participation in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes.
We would love to see how you are celebrating Stories That Connect Us. Share your activities and creative projects by tagging NAPA on social media, using the hashtag #AICH2026 or emailing your stories and photographs to AICH@napa-activities.co.uk
Together, let’s celebrate the stories, cultures and creativity that connect us all.