SHINE 2Europe kicked off 2025 with the launch of MEMORABLE in Sofia, Bulgaria. This project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aims to create a dementia-friendly society, using art and culture as tools to foster meaningful connections between people with dementia and their communities.
Represented by researcher Inês Saavedra and COO Luís Dias, the SHINE 2Europe team took part in the launch meeting of MEMORABLE, coordinated by the Alzheimer Bulgaria Association. The consortium also includes organisations with which SHINE has strong partnerships, such as AFEdemy, the age-friendly environments academy (Netherlands), ISIS (Germany) and Dublin City University (Ireland).
Over the next few years, the MEMORABLE project will develop training materials aimed at volunteers, formal and informal carers, artists and professionals in the cultural sector, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting accessible cultural spaces. It will also support cultural institutions in their transition to becoming more inclusive, ensuring that their offerings are adapted to the needs of people with dementia.
During their visit to Bulgaria, the team had the opportunity to explore the city of Sofia and were warmly welcomed by the Alzheimer Bulgaria Association. The highlight was a visit to the National Polytechnic Museum, where inspiring activities demonstrated how culture can become a meeting point for people with dementia and their communities.
‘SHINE’s participation in the MEMORABLE project reaffirms its commitment to promoting a more inclusive society that is aware of everyone’s needs. By supporting the transition to accessible cultural environments adapted for people with dementia, this project aligns with SHINE’s goals of creating spaces that meet the needs of all people,’ explained Luís Dias during the launch meeting.
The MEMORABLE project reinforces SHINE 2Europe’s mission to connect people and territories through innovative and sustainable solutions. With a focus on essential areas such as the inclusion of vulnerable people, health and technology literacy, or cultural prescription as a prevention of loneliness and isolation, SHINE reinforces its mission to bring positive impact to Portuguese and European communities.