Mission Statement
Artists for Alzheimer's™ (ARTZ) is a 501(c) (3) initiative of the Hearthstone Alzheimer's Foundation, founded in 2001, with the purpose of enhancing the cultural and creative life of people living with Alzheimer's disease. ARTZ draws on the support and collaboration of artists and cultural institutions, as a collective resource, to share, educate and inspire.
The ARTZ mission is:
"To enrich the cultural life of people living with Alzheimer's disease, enable them to express their inner-selves, and lessen the stigma that often accompanies a diagnosis."
ARTZ has developed Alzheimer's-specific cultural access programs with some of the worlds most renowned and respected cultural institutions, which include: the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Kohler Arts Center in Wisconsin, and the Tribeca Film Institute, among many others.
ARTZ was born in Boston, heavily influenced by the theories and research of sociologist and author, John Zeisel, Ph.D. The program has grown rapidly over the last five years, enabling thousands of people living with Alzheimer's disease to have greater access to cultural opportunities and artistic experiences. Thanks to the Alzheimer's-friendly tools and professional training we have developed, cultural institutions, for the first time, have the opportunity to provide research-based, Alzheimer's-specific programs for their membership and the general public. ARTZ has organized and promoted over 200 community events, encompassing more than 2,000 people living with Alzheimer's and related dementia.
Description
We are seeking artists to volunteer their special talents to make a difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease. Are you a musician? Do you have a co-worker with a gift for playing the violin? A fellow student who is a professional dancer? How about that neighbor who teaches art history at the university? These are the people we are looking for to enhance the cultural life of people with Alzheimer's disease. Volunteers can be any kind of artist: vocalists, musicians, painters, storytellers, writers, actors, professors, photographers, chefs ---both professionals and amateurs are welcome!
Each participant's creativity represents untapped energy and opportunities for caring, empathy, and personal growth. Creativity engenders generosity. Your participation in this worthwhile endeavor will inspire not only others, but yourself as well.
We are asking each volunteer to contribute one hour or one visit this year. If you or someone you know is interested in making a commitment to people with Alzheimer's disease, please contact us by clicking the "Get Involved" button above so that we may include you in our annual calendar of coming attractions.
