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: Deepen new relationships with Cerenity Senior Care, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department; nurture ongoing partnerships with other organizations. The MPO's partnerships were strengthened by this project, judging from the increased number of attendees at Nicollet Island and Elliot Park. Special efforts were made to communicate with all project partners during the weeks immediately prior to the performances. Unfortunately the performance at Cerenity was cancelled by Cerenity staff, because of extreme heat and humidity. We were in close communication with Cerenity and the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department about the dangers of this heat wave for seniors, and believe the correct decision was made. We look forward to the 2014 Cerenity concert, and will again work closely with all project partners. 2: Real or perceived barriers to participation are identified and addressed: Three barriers to participation: economic access, physical access, and transportation. Free concerts, accessible venues, transportation provided. All identified barriers to participation were successfully addressed. Feedback from senior group leaders and seniors themselves, high attendance counts, observation of buses and vans bringing seniors to concerts, and observation of the use of many mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers) and other indicators of disability were very clear. Audiences were uniformly large and enthusiastic, comments on affordability were a large part of audience feedback, and many volunteers helped seniors with refreshments and finding their seats.