The Feasibility Study on Cultural Participation in Care
How can the right to social and cultural participation be fulfilled for older adults in need of care? This question sparked the initiative ‘Out of the Care Home, Into the Theatre’, launched in 2022 by Bureau Ritter.
‘Out of the Care Home, Into the Theatre’ gives older adults in care homes the opportunity to experience live dance and theatre performances on Berlin stages – accompanied by preparatory and follow-up sessions held in the care facilities. This approach not only creates cultural offerings within care homes but also enables direct participation in the theatres themselves.
This unique concept has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from all involved. Building on this success, the feasibility study ‘Care in Motion’ (Bewegte Pflege) takes the next step. In close collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, it will explore the development potential for cultural participation in care settings until November 2026.
We ask: What do care facilities and theatres need in order to implement the participation project ‘Out of the Care Home, Into the Theatre’ independently and sustainably? What are systemic barriers, and which professional, organizational, and financial challenges must be addressed? And equally: What opportunities already exist, and what impact does the participation format generate?
To answer these questions, ‘Care in Motion’ brings together the expertise of participating care homes, residents, cultural practitioners, and external experts. Its goal: to provide clear, actionable recommendations for effective cultural work in care settings.
To reach this goal the findings of the study – thus the combined expertise of theatre and care professionals – will be consolidated into a publicly accessible guide. Designed to support an active and fulfilling life in older age, this guide offers clear, practical recommendations for stakeholders, practitioners, and anyone interested in culture and care. Its ultimate aim: to ensure that people in need of care can access cultural experiences – and truly make their way ‘out of the care home and into the theatre.’
Contact
Project Director Care in Motion
Laura Böttinger
T. +49 (0)30 40 20 33 21 1
l.boettinger@bureau-ritter.de
Contact for stakeholders from the arts and culture
Project Coordinator Care in Motion
Tomke Behrmann
T. +49 (0)30 40 20 33 21 12
t.behrmann@bureau-ritter.de
Contact for stakeholders from the arts and culture
In close cooperation with the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Research Associate Care
Integration & Participation
Laura Schümann
T. +49 (0)991 3615 8342
laura.schuemann@th-deg.de
Contact for stakeholders from the care sector
Scientific supervision and consultation
Prof. Dr. Michael Bossle
Professor of Nursing Pedagogy at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology
In Cooperation with:
Funded by:
