Author: Hospital Audiences

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This handbook is based upon the experience of conducting a project funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging in which HAI provided 1,251 arts performances, lecture/demonstrations, and workshops to the impaired elderly in 33 nursing facilities in the New York City area from 1976 to 1979. Such a breadth of experience naturally yielded a good deal of knowledge about what works and what doesn't; the handbook is HAI's method for detailing this knowledge so others may design and implement the specific components of successful arts programs in nursing homes.

Abstract:

This handbook is based upon the experience of conducting a project funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging in which HAI provided 1,251 arts performances, lecture/demonstrations, and workshops to the impaired elderly in 33 nursing facilities in the New York City area from 1976 to 1979. Such a breadth of experience naturally yielded a good deal of knowledge about what works and what doesn't; the handbook is HAI's method for detailing this knowledge so others may design and implement the specific components of successful arts programs in nursing homes.

The handbook is arranged to present information from the different vantage points of community participants, artists, and facility staffs. It details the many specific functions necessary to provide a successful arts program including: communication, scheduling, space preparation, promotion, and locating resources, as well as the all-important process in which artists, residents, and staff exchange information about their needs, expectations, and the special realities of the venture in which they come together.

We hope our experience and advice will reach those people who rejoice to see the human spirit uplifted, who are committed to sharing the priceless gift of the arts with those for whom it would have great meaning.

CONTENTS
Editor's note.
Introduction.

For everyone: 
     Prescriptions.

For the community:
     The role of the community.

For the nursing home: 
     Why the arts?
     Successful arts programming.
     Locating professional artists.
     Selecting artists.
     Planning with artists.
     Scheduling the arts program.
     Managing the program.
     On presentation.
     Sustaining the arts program.
     Conclusion.

For the artist:
     Why present your art in a nursing home?
     Presenting effective arts events.
     Making contact with nursing homes.
     Planning with the nursing home.
     On presentation day.
     Artist's examples of successful programs.
     Conclusion.

Appendices:
     A. Background and description of HAI/AoA project.
     B. Atypical characteristics of a New York City Nursing Home Arts program.
     C. Guidelines for evaluating a nursing home's arts program.
     D. Aids for managing the arts program. 
         Introduction.
         Artist's checklist.
         Tech sheet for nursing home.
         Nursing home checklist.
         Performing and lecturing artist's tech sheet. 
         Workshop artist's tech sheet.
         Written agreement.
     E. State arts agencies. 
         Regional arts organizations and Arts Service organizations.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Participation, Accessibility