September 19, 2023 at 5:55 a.m.
Rhinelander selected as one of 18 Arts for EveryBody communities
Inspired by the 1936 Federal Theatre Project where 18 cities and towns presented their own interpretations of the anti-fascist play “It Can’t Happen Here,” the Arts for EveryBody project will bring together people and communities in 18 cities and towns across America — including Rhinelander — to simultaneously premiere an array of large-scale, site-specific participatory art projects on July 27, 2024.
Responding to the prompt “No Place Like Home,” each art project seeks to reflect the unique voice of its community, and through participation, impact the overall health of the community, according to a press release announcing the project.
In Rhinelander, ArtStart, a community arts organization, is working with area healthcare providers and social service organizations on their 2024 project: youth mental health and isolation. They are working with local youth to co-design and build a new skatepark with integrated art elements, providing an ongoing oasis of gathering, creativity and support for teenagers. They are also working with the counties Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) on art programs for adults with memory loss. Both projects are creating ongoing opportunities for art creation as a space for connection and social cohesion. The project will culminate in the July 2024 public event, seeking to change the conversation about life in rural U.S. communities today.
“The space that is created through artmaking together builds connections at a time when connecting can feel tenuous. It also provides a space to process, relax, and step away from the struggles of everyday life,” said Melinda Childs, community & cultural development director at ArtStart. “We’re proud to partner with Arts for EveryBody on this national campaign to bring people from our community together.”
Arts for EveryBody is co-directed by national arts leaders Lear deBessonet, Nataki Garrett and Clyde Valentin and seeks to bring about a new awareness around the value arts can have on the health of people and their community.
Garrett, deBessonet and Valentin see Arts for EveryBody as a breakthrough moment in the relationship between the arts and health in the U.S. America.
“Arts for Everybody aims to create an electric new awareness around the value arts can bring to the actual health of people and their community. Our hope is that the Arts for EveryBody experience will spark emotions that connect participants to their communities and each other,” said the co-artistic directors of Arts for EveryBody.
Existing research has confirmed that taking part in the arts:
• Lowers one's risk of dementia by 63%
• Offers health benefits comparable to weekly exercise
• Improves physical and mental health
• Can significantly reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease
Arts for EveryBody has commissioned a series of new research studies to further examine the connection between arts participation and the health of a community.
To learn more about Rhinelander’s project and the entire Arts For EveryBody initiative, visit www.artsforeverybody.org.
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.