fund these two programs that promote access, representation, and participation of people with disabilities in arts and culture.
As a long-time supporter of Connecting and Creating through the Arts, GWCF funding enhances access to the arts and arts education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injury supported through our ASPiRE! Day Support Programs. All programming is offered in person at the Worcester Arts Museum (WAM) where WAM faculty prepare weekly plans with questions and prompts to guide participants in an exploration of the museum and lay out clear instructions for an art activity that directly connects to a piece within the museum collection. This drop-in “Art Unlocked” opportunity is available year-round and is open to all ASPiRE! participants who come from various ASPiRE! Day Program sites in groups of ten. Additionally, a weekly “Elements of Creation” class is offered to 15 participants who desire a more immersive experience that includes 36 weeks of art classes culminating in the opportunity to showcase their completed work in an exhibit at the Open Door Gallery.
New funding was received this year for the Open Door Gallery and the Worcester Arts Museum and will allow us to strengthen this disabled-led accessible, inclusive and welcoming space that showcases the work and stories of disabled artists and invites the disability community and the larger community to engage in a collective experience that inspires dialogue. The goals of the project are to showcase the work of disabled artists, ensure people with disabilities lead the vision and operations of the gallery, ensure exhibits and related events offer reliable and extensive accessibility features and services, and create a space that fosters a sense of belonging for the local disability community.