Creative Profile: Diane Busuttil

Unleashing the Transformative Power of Creative Caring: Diane Busuttil's Journey to Merge Art and Compassion for Social Impact.

Introducing Diane Busuttil, our Inner West Creative of the Month! Get ready to be captivated by her remarkable journey and passion for using dance, theatre, and music interventions to promote physical and mental health.

From being an acrobat and a contemporary clown to working as a professional dancer across various artistic fields in Berlin, Diane's creativity knows no bounds.

Diane shares her inspiring story of returning to Sydney to care for her father, who was living with dementia. This experience led her to found Creative Caring, an organisation that combines her artistic expertise with social impact. Her programs are conducted in aged care spaces, dementia support units and in collaboration with arts and community groups that merge art and purpose to benefit society.

1. Tell us about yourself and your background? How did you come to be in the Inner West of Sydney?

I was born in Sydney, Australia and adopted by a Maltese father and an Australian mother of Irish descent. I grew up in the Western Suburbs and eventually moved to the Inner West, where I've lived in various shared houses in vibrant neighborhoods. The Inner West feels like home to me.

I worked as an acrobat and contemporary clown with Circus Monoxide in Australia, where I lived on a double-decker bus for one year, traveling slowly. Soon after, I received a scholarship to study at the International Women's University in Germany and then moved to Berlin, where I spent the next fifteen years working as a professional dancer in dance theatre, theatre, opera, and circus.

2. What inspired you to start Creative Caring, and how has the organisation evolved since its founding?

When I made the heartfelt decision to return to Sydney, Australia in 2015 to care for my aging father, who battled with dementia, I faced a profound challenge: How could I merge my vibrant artistic life with the rich tapestry of Australian culture? As I don't have an artist "off" button, I spent many days and nights pondering over how to use my life's knowledge and passion to benefit society. It was through caring for my father I came up with the idea of Creative Caring.

3. How did you first get interested in using dance, theatre, and music interventions as a means of promoting physical and mental health?

It's a no-brainer for arts workers that all artistic fields and areas of creativity have the capacity to enhance one's physical, mental, spiritual and/or social engagement. It is the job of the academic to prove this to society. It takes a scientist to prove it with academic theories.

Back in Berlin, I began working on social projects with a group called the Social Muscle Club. They now manage clubs internationally and the above-mentioned benefits are combined. I also did some work with homeless people, migrant groups, and the elderly.

I had a regular tap dance group of women over 70 years. Ten years later, there were fewer members but they were over 80 and still going strong. If only their bodies were able to keep up with the pace of their neverending humor and personalities. Through working regularly with this group, I grew a love of being around older adults.

4. Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your work with Creative Caring that highlights the positive impact of your programs?

There are many, but for me, it's the little moments that matter: when someone comes up and tells me that my dance session is the highlight of their week or that after numerous visits to the osteo to fix aching neck pain, their pain has evaporated after one of my classes. To me, these comments are powerful and prove the definitive power of the arts to heal personal and social ills.

5. How can Inner West Creative Network’s members collaborate or work with you on your Creative Caring programs? Could you share some details on the opportunities that are available for members to get involved?

This year, we're launching a dynamic training program to engage and empower facilitators in aged care. Currently, we have two successful programs running: dance and theatre. We also have an exciting new program brewing, but it's a surprise for now. Keep an eye out for updates!

I am also interested in creating a community of like-minded artists who either already work in the health sector or would like to. I invite like-minded people to reach out to me with their area of interest in this field. I’m also keen to find a studio space in the Inner West. Does anybody know of a permanent artist residency? I'm awaiting a response from a funding round to initiate this sharing of minds and exchange of ideas within the arts and health sector.

Learn More about Diane and Creative Caring