A Kampala-based creative initiative is set to host a public event aimed at opening up conversations around brain health, memory, and ageing through art and community engagement.
The Art & Memory Café: Creative Minds, Healthy Brains, organized by Kiggundu Art Studio in collaboration with the Memory Mosaics Initiative, will take place on May 17 at Era92 Hub in Lungujja, Kampala.
The one-day event forms part of global celebrations marking 10 years of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and seeks to use creative expression as a way of making discussions about brain health more accessible and relatable to communities.
Organizers say awareness about brain health and memory-related conditions in Uganda remains limited, with many conversations often shaped by stigma, misinformation, and misunderstanding, particularly around ageing and cognitive decline.
The event will bring together artists, caregivers, health professionals, students, and members of the public in what has been described as a relaxed café-style setting designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and participation.
Activities lined up include short talks by experts, hands-on art and memory workshops, as well as a collaborative “Memory Wall” where participants will share personal reflections and experiences related to memory, care, and wellbeing.
“Memory is not only a medical issue. It is deeply cultural and emotional,” said Rodney Erismas, founder of Kiggundu Art Studio and the Memory Mosaics Initiative.
“This event creates a space where people can engage with brain health in a way that feels human, creative, and connected to everyday life,” he added.
Rodney, who is also an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health from Uganda and a GBHI alumnus, said the initiative is intended to bridge the gap between care, science, and community through creative engagement.
The event will also mark the official launch of the Memory Mosaics Initiative, a long-term programmer that aims to use art to explore themes of memory, identity, ageing, and wellbeing within communities.
According to the organizers, the initiative seeks to translate global brain health conversations into locally relevant and culturally accessible experiences that resonate with communities across Uganda.
“Through creative practice, we hope to make complex topics more approachable and inclusive,” Rodney said.
Kiggundu Art Studio is a Kampala-based creative space focused on art education, mentorship, and community engagement, while the Global Brain Health Institute works with international partners to address challenges affecting ageing populations and brain health worldwide.
Globally, conversations around dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and mental wellbeing among ageing populations have increasingly highlighted the need for community-based awareness and early engagement. Organizers say initiatives that combine creativity, culture, and health education can help reduce stigma while promoting empathy and understanding.
According to the organizers, the event will run from 10am to 5pm and entry will be free to the public.
