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Supporting Accessible Art

Art

Art is essential to maintaining the health of our communities. Accessible and inclusive arts programs developed and administered by innovative organizations like Express Yourself, Cotuit Center for the Arts and Danceability are integral to supporting our focus areas. These programs encourage youth and young adults to explore new activities like sculpture, dance, theater, and more to manage stress and support mental health and well-being. Support for creative expression, whether by investing in programs or organizational capacity, expands horizons and builds confidence in young people.

In 2024, we supported Cotuit Center for the Arts’ Visual and Performing Arts Internship program for young adults who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities to impart the skills and responsibilities of theatre backstage crew members. We also supported their Accessible Art Bus outreach project with the addition of a new creative classroom to accommodate more program participants. We continued to support Danceability’s six-week summer dance program to foster a love of movement among young people to support their health and well-being.

A Closer Look: Express Yourself

Before I came to Express Yourself, I was more likely to walk with my head down. We can help kids integrate into the program [as mentors] by being kind and accepting them as they are"
Brylee, former participant and mentor, Express Yourself

Express Yourself engages more than 350 youth with mental illness and their families in Essex County through innovative arts programming. In 2024, we supported the Express Yourself staff on a professional development trip to New York City. The trip allowed the team to recharge their creative batteries.

They visited a fashion design studio, attended Broadway performances, and explored several art museums along the way. The team returned refreshed, connected, and ready to continue delivering immersive arts programming to communities that need it most.

 Read about the energizing trip to New York City.

Our staff brought the city’s creative energy to our studio to promote life-altering arts programming to youth facing mental health challenges…it’s all about inspiration, growth, and making a lasting impact!”
Paula Conrad, M.Ed, executive director with Express Yourself

See photos of their journey to provide innovative arts programming to youth and families.