Navigating uncertainty: A tripartite creative knowledge exchange among artists, researchers and people with lived experience of dementia – A co-created space for living uncertainty

In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, Ebb & Flow emerged as a convergence of dementia research, caregiving and artistic practice within a collaborative knowledge exchange. This article examines how uncertainty is experienced and navigated through an interdisciplinary project involving artists, researchers, carers and individuals living with dementia. Developed under the Trellis:Arbor programme at the University College London, Ebb & Flow fostered a creative and inclusive ‘humanspace’ to explore uncertainty, metaphorically guided by the unpredictability of the sea. Over three months, participants used art, writing, digital mediums and co-created resources like a digital logbook and the Ebb & Flow card deck, promoting dialogue, empathy and resilience. The project culminated in a public exhibition showcasing shared experiences and artistic outcomes. Findings highlight that integrating artistic methods into dementia care and research environments significantly enriches empathy, adaptability and collective understanding, demonstrating the transformative potential of embracing uncertainty collaboratively.