Neural Knitworks | craft a healthy brain

Neural Knitworks | craft a healthy brain

Inspiring Australia are calling out for interested enthusiasts to host a Neural Knitwork. Whether you’re a whiz with yarn, or just discovering the joy of craft, now you can crochet wrap, knit or knot and learn more about neuroscience.

 

Neural Knitworks is a collaborative project about mind and brain health. The knitworks are a creative crafting session where people gather together to create textile neurons following scientifically informed patterns that will contribute to a travelling art exhibition that kicks off in Science Week (16-25 August).
 

They are extending the invitation to communities everywhere to get involved and create some textile neurons towards this project. No knitting experience is required and people of all ages can participate.
 

At these sessions, participants will have the opportunity to:

• design your own woolly neurons
• get inspired by our scientifically-informed knitting, crotchet or knot patterns
• natter with neuroscientists and teach them a few of your crafty tricks
• contribute to a travelling textile brain exhibition
• increase your attention span and test your memory

Dr Ian McDonald from Alzheimer’s Australia told The Canberra Times that ”There’s evidence in all sorts of areas to show that using your brain is important for preventing dementia,” he said. “Knitting is one hobby, amongst reading, video games, crosswords, which are excellent activities to slow brain degeneration down.”
 

Over the past few months dozens of community Neural Knitworks have taken place place, including in Sydney, Orange, Canberra and rural Tasmania. Knitters, crocheters and wrappers have created textile neurons that will form part of a sculptural neural network that will be assembled as a travelling art exhibition to begin during National Science Week at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery.
 

If you are interested in hosting a knitwork just click through to the Neural Knitworks website for instructions. The initiative has struck a chord and is gathering community momentum with “knit ins” arranged across the country, which you can see on the Facebook group.

See also: http://www.scienceweek.net.au/neural-knitworks/