A Transformative Program
Based in New York, NY, The Creative Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated “to bringing the creative arts to people with cancer, chronic illnesses, and through all stages of life.” This program is invaluable. According to the Creative Center Hospital, “Patients and staff quickly discover that they are more than their disease as they begin to explore art-making, some for the first time in their lives.”
On a daily basis, The Creative Center holds creative arts workshops in literary, visual, and performing arts. These classes are available to everyone who is receiving treatment for, or survivors of cancer or other chronic illnesses. Registration (by phone) is required. The classes are offered either as all-day workshops or can be taken in a series of four evening classes. All class venues are ADA compliant.
Staff Also Receives Gratification
The hospitals derive many benefits from offering the creative services. Nurses and support staff receive the gratification that they are offering something special to aid in the patient’s well-being. In many cases the hospitals provide exhibition space for the patients’ artwork providing a sense of pride and increased satisfaction for everyone who comes in contact with it.
Artists: How to Apply to AIR
Careful consideration is given prior to being selected and trained in the Artist-In-Residence program. Once approved artists receive support and on-going supervision by The Creative Center staff. The art programs in the hospital environment are customized to each patient and depend on the specific health care setting. As a responsible member of the hospital team participating artists commit to a minimum of one year of work, working one day each week.
If you are an artist who wants to apply for an AIR position you are asked to send a resume, letter of intent, and two references to Robin Glazer.
Online Art Gallery
The Creative Center has an online art gallery that represents artists who are either in treatment for, or survivors of, illness as well as their caregivers, and those working in the healthcare field. Artists are encouraged to visit the website to determine if their artwork is a good fit and then submit their portfolios for review.
Purchases of the art are encouraged which helps support the mission of The Creative Center. On the website you can browse art by artist name or medium; art by artists living with illness, and artists who are participating in the AIR Program. Here is a link.
Visit The Creative Center website http://www.thecreativecenter.org/
Visit the blog AIR Waves to read about case stories and project instructions.
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