Water Memory Explores the Intersection of Art, Accessibility, and Assistive Technology
The world premiere of Water Memory (Jala Smriti) demonstrated how collaboration across the arts, research, and accessibility can deepen conversations about dementia, caregiving, and emerging technologies. Through partnerships with Georgia Tech researchers and accessibility experts, the production explored how creative expression can foster empathy, understanding, and innovation.
Water Memory (Jala Smriti), which premiered at the Ferst Center for the Arts, brought together artists, researchers, and accessibility experts to examine the human experience of dementia through opera. The production explored themes of memory, identity, family, and caregiving while highlighting the role technology can play in supporting individuals living with cognitive disabilities.
Researchers from Georgia Tech's Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI), the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society, and the A-I CARING Institute served as subject matter experts throughout the creative process, helping ensure the work reflected current research and thoughtful perspectives on dementia and assistive technology.
Beyond the performance, audience members engaged with demonstrations of assistive technologies and a post-performance discussion featuring Georgia Tech faculty and researchers. Together, these experiences illustrated how the arts can make complex topics more accessible while encouraging meaningful conversations about aging, dignity, and the responsible use of technology.
Read the full story from the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation.
