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. More Minnesotans are able to participate in the arts.
VocalEssence built relationships with eight partner organizations through the Choral Pathways program. All activities directors surveyed agreed that the program “builds relationships with organizations serving older adults” and that they are satisfied with their relationship with VocalEssence. A formative and summative evaluation of the program was completed by an independent consulting firm. A formative evaluation was completed in December and consisted of qualitative research including observation of workshops, and focus groups or interviews with participants and activities directors. The summative evaluation was completed in March 2013. Data collection for the summative evaluation included the following components: Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, a participant survey after the WITNESS concert by 83 participants at five of eight facilities, a 20% return of spring participants, an online survey was completed by ten activities directors at participating facilities, an interview with the education manager after the concert. 2: Most of the barriers to attendance were not only identified, but also addressed effectively, according to evaluation participants. Overall, both participants and activities directors reported that the program did well at removing barriers to attendance at the workshops. 100% of Activities Directors surveyed reported that the program helped to eliminate both real and perceived barriers for participation by older adults at their facility somewhat or very well. The activities in Choral Pathways were well-suited for participants. All of the participants surveyed following the concert indicated that they enjoyed the concert, and 80% indicated they enjoyed it very much. 97% of participants indicated that the pre-concert workshops helped them to enjoy the concert more. Strategies used to build relationships with the targeted population included site visits, meetings and contact with site activities directors. Activities directors were able to provide us with valuable insight on the best ways to work with older adults.
Other, local or private