Started in 2009, the South Yorkshire Dementia Creative Arts Exhibition is an annual free public event to showcase the talents of people affected by dementia (www.sydcae.co.uk). It started as a two day event but by 2016, when the event was held in Barnsley, the exhibition was displayed in 2 churches (St Mary's and St John's, Penistone), Barnsley College and Barnsley Hospital.

The key to this event is partnership and reciprocity, or quid pro quo. Everyone who takes part gives something valuable and gets something valuable back. For example:

- Local people affected by dementia share their talents, and get the opportunity to see their work in a public exhibition
- Members of the public take the trouble to view the exhibition and maybe think again about what life means with dementia
- College students compete to create the exhibition poster image, and get their work gets publicised - such as the 2017 winner Nadheer Jasim (@Nadheer_Jasim - see image on this page)
- University of Sheffield students volunteer to staff the exhibition and gain valuable experience

Anyone affected by dementia can submit creative artwork for the 2017 public exhibition - the theme next year is 'Places and Times'.

The exhibition does not have a budget - it never has. In previous years there have been modest but significant financial contributions from the University of Sheffield (where I work), and a grant from the South Yorkshire Community Foundation. Most contributions are measured in terms of time and talent.

However, there are some costs which need to be met in 2017, and these fall into 3 areas:

- Transport: The cost of hiring a small van for the week-long duration of the exhibition. The van allows us to pick up artwork and return it - as well as move equipment around
- Refreshments: offering visitors drinks and biscuits
- Display Board hire and printing: Boards are needed to display work and posters and exhibition brochures need printing

Please help if you can.