Collaging as a means of community connection

10 January 2025

Collaging is more than a creative passion for Magda Myszkowski, an Associate and Interior Designer at Deicke Richards—it’s a transformative practice she uses to foster connection, well-being and storytelling within diverse communities. From aged care settings to intergenerational Polish cultural workshops, Magda’s collaging sessions offer participants an opportunity to connect, express themselves and celebrate shared experiences through art.

Magda speaks more about the impact of her collaging workshops below.

I have found that my workshops have been particularly impactful in aged care and senior living settings, where art becomes a medium for storytelling, memory evocation and social interaction. These sessions help participants improve motor skills, spark joy and foster camaraderie. The process encourages focus and creativity while providing therapeutic benefits for individuals with dementia and other cognitive challenges.

In conversations with a number of lifestyle coordinators, who lead activities in aged care settings, I have heard about the positive impact of the workshops. They have told me that the workshops have inspired reminiscence and meaningful conversations, helping participants feel accomplished and engaged. The growing demand for these sessions reflects their success in creating vibrant, inclusive environments where art transcends its medium to touch lives.

An important part of my identity beyond my work as an interior designer and as an artist is my Polish heritage. I have dedicated my expertise to supporting the Polish community, reconnecting with my heritage. In my spare time I am committed to active leadership, organizing workshops that explore cultural themes and unite participants across generations. These initiatives pair youth groups such as scouts with seniors to share experiences, nurture empathy, and deepen mutual understanding.

For younger participants, the sessions inspire creative confidence, while seniors are provided a safe and welcoming space to reminisce and share their stories. These shared artistic experiences celebrate Polish cultural heritage, foster stronger community bonds, and leave a lasting impact on all involved.

My ongoing research in designing environments for dementia care further underscores the transformative power of art. The collaging workshops demonstrate how art can evoke emotions, spark memories, and build connections for individuals living with dementia.

In affordable housing settings, collaging has been used to bring residents together, encouraging storytelling and forging new relationships. At Benevolent Living, workshops inspired by Central Queensland’s natural beauty revealed art’s ability to engage the senses and stimulate positive neurological responses, even in challenging transitions.

In my workshops I emphasize a non-competitive, lighthearted approach, where there’s “no right or wrong way” to create. I believe in fostering an environment that encourages participants to embrace their intuitive selves and enjoy the creative process.

Testimonials from participants reflect the deep impact of these sessions—not in the perfection of the art created but in the stories shared and connections made. The workshops are a reminder that art can transcend paper, becoming a catalyst for healing and community building.

Why This Work Matters

Research continues to affirm the significant benefits of art for cognitive function, memory enhancement, and emotional well-being—benefits that are especially crucial as we age. Communal artistic activities boost mood, stimulate curiosity and nurture empathy.

Magda’s dedication to her craft exemplifies the broader mission of Deicke Richards to create spaces and experiences that enrich lives. By fostering creativity, connection, and inclusion, her workshops highlight the profound role of art in building stronger, more compassionate communities.