Empowering Older Persons Through Creative Engagement: A Feasibility Study of ‘The House of Evergreen Arts’ Among Chinese Community Members in Newcastle, England

Creative engagement through arts and crafts has been increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for promoting well-being among older persons. This exploratory study examines the feasibility and experiential impact of a five-month Older Persons Art Project designed for older members of Newcastle’s Chinese community. Participants aged 60 and above were recruited through community organisations and engaged in weekly textile-based workshops. Activities included embroidery, indigo dyeing, block printing, and observational drawing. Data were collected through written reflections and semi-structured video interviews, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. The authors aimed to: (1) explore how artistic activities may support cognitive engagement and fine motor coordination; (2) examine the role of social interaction in fostering emotional well-being; (3) understand the influence of cultural heritage on identity and belonging; (4) identify challenges faced by older persons in creative engagement and strategies used to address them; and (5) offer practical recommendations for future community-based arts initiatives. Thirteen participants (aged 64–80) engaged in the programme. Five key themes emerged: learning and skill development, social interaction and community, enjoyment and satisfaction, cultural heritage and identity, and challenges and perseverance. Participants described increased confidence, a sense of achievement, and strengthened cultural connection The findings suggest that arts-based programmes can offer meaningful opportunities for older persons to engage creatively, build social bonds, and reconnect with cultural identity. While the study does not claim measurable outcomes, it highlights the potential of participatory arts initiatives to support healthy ageing through inclusive and culturally responsive design