Arts Access
ACHF Arts Access
Arts organizations build relationships with members of, or organizations that serve, groups that have traditionally been underserved by the arts or by the applicant organization. Real or perceived barriers to participation are identified and addressed. To evaluate these outcomes, we used informal head counts at each performance, written audience surveys, and personal conversations and communications with partner organizations. These conversations continue through the autumn months as we evaluate the success of this program and how to keep Free Concerts for Seniors viable and attractive to these groups.
The Minnesota Pops Orchestra expanded Free Concerts for Seniors to a new venue in St Paul, Cerenity/Humboldt, and began developing new partnerships with Cerenity and organizations serving the surrounding neighborhood. We also experienced a significant increase in attendance at two of our four Nicollet Island performances, indicating that our mission of serving low-income seniors with disabilities is being met through partnerships with many organizations that serve this population. Free Concerts for Seniors serves low-income seniors with disabilities. This community was selected because the Minnesota Pops Orchestra has a long-standing connection and commitment to these seniors. We have built relationships with many senior activity centers that serve disabled seniors, and each year they ask for more performances. We began offering this series in 1984, and it has expanded as the number of interested seniors has grown. Free Concerts for Seniors is an excellent match for this group, judging from the full houses at every performance at Nicollet Island, high attendance at other venues, enthusiastic applause, and positive comments on surveys as well as at performances. Strategies for relationship-building included e-mail invitations, close contact with Cerenity staff, and responsiveness to feedback from seniors. 2: All six performances were held as planned, and a total of about 2,800 seniors attended. Personal observation indicated the attendance of many with disabilities using walkers or other mobility devices. Attendance was estimated by taking counts at each performance, and transportation barriers were addressed with rental buses and transportation provided by senior activity centers. Three primary barriers to participation were identified: economic, transportation, and physical access. These barriers were identified by the seniors, their group leaders, and organization partners. Strategies have been developed and refined over the years to address them. All performances are free of charge. Four rental buses provided transportation to Nicollet Island, in addition to many buses and vans provided by individual care facilities. Park police assisted with drop-off and pick-up at Nicollet Island. At Elliot Park and Cerenity, performances were held near (or at) the facilities, so audience members could walk, wheelchair, or listen from their rooms or porch. Concerts were held at accessible spaces, and many seniors used wheelchairs and walkers. Volunteers also helped many seniors to their places. Large-print programs and sound amplification assist those with sight and hearing disabilities. All strategies were successful.
Other, local or private