Partners in Arts Participation
ACHF Arts Access
Partnerships are developed between social service organizations and arts organizations to better serve underserved communities. More Minnesotans are able to participate in the arts. Social or human service organizations use arts to help achieve their service goals. Perceived or real barriers to participation are addressed. Our process of evaluation includes quotes, photos, and surveys.
Senior participation included residents who used walkers and wheelchairs; some with hearing aids; most with glasses; and some with memory impairments. Despite the physical or cognitive "limitations" the Kairos teaching artists and Ebenezer staff were educated and experienced on how to address these factors in order to provide quality experiences for the participants. The staff and Kairos team discussed these barriers prior to the partnership, and planned sessions prior to each month. Our observations and surveys found that the participants were actively engaged, socially involved with their peers, recalled past memories and songs, and learned something new. One person even stated "Who knew we could all do this? The time just goes by so fast in here. I'm just so happy to be here". (Lillian A.) Barriers in our senior living community for this large group program included: 1) Visual impairments and Hearing Impairments - many seniors’ care plans indicate need of glasses or hearing aids, and/or having moderate to severe visual and/or hearing impairment. Staff and volunteers assisted in helping a smaller group within the large group setting - the close proximity of one staff person to approximately 5-8 older adults allowed them to actively follow and experience the teaching artists’ techniques. 2) Physical Impairments - Whether using a wheelchair, walker, or cane - all participants’ physical abilities were understood via their care plans, and asked to use movement styles best for their individual needs and ability levels. Movement was focused on body brain exercises, warm ups, breathing exercises, dance choreography, and full body approach to creative expression - meaning any body part can become expressive. 3) Memory Impairments - Participants recalled personal history and songs. 2: The partnership provided us with a multi-dimensional framework for focusing on wellness through the arts with seniors at our site. Through dance, movement, breathing exercises, guided imagery, storytelling, poetry, and music - we were able to creatively engage seniors as active participants in their senior living community. Ebenezer will continue its focus on Life-Long Learning and creative arts programming for seniors. Ebenezer continues to employee the Life-Long Learning and Intergenerational Program Coordinator at Ridges to focus on sustaining and improving quality creative arts and wellness programs to create a culture of "living life to the fullest" and "process not product" approach. Continue to include creative arts programs in annual budget, and apply for additional grants to supplement funding. Ebenezer representatives and Kairos leaders continue to work together in the local and national levels through ArtsAge, National Center for Creative Aging, Society for the Arts in Healthcare, Midwest Arts in Healthcare Network, and Generations United to work together to serve the senior population and creative aging component of health care.