This paper was first presented in 2012 to the University Network of the European Capitals of Culture 6th Annual conference, Slovenia.

It presents the work, ethos and impact of Collective Encounters, a professional arts organisation specialising in theatre for social change. Particular attention is given to the Collective Encounters’ Third Age Theatre (3AT) programme, set up in 2005 in response to the identified local need that there was no long term arts provision for older people in north Liverpool.

This paper also discusses findings from the 3AT project from 2011 “Reciprocity: Now and Then” which was developed as an interactive theatre piece in order to explore the experience of people with dementia and their carers, and to raise awareness with health care students and professionals.

Thornton S. (2012) The Reciprocal Benefit of Culture and Ageing: Giving and Taking in Collective Encounters’ Third Age Theatre. Liverpool: Collective Encounters