Additional Art Studio Information
Additional Art project information
While creative endeavors such as painting are reported to be fun and therapeutic for individuals with disabilities, an additional benefit is to provide an opportunity for participants to learn job and life skills that will guide them closer to financial, employment, and social success. Every client who is interested in the employment program will receive job, money management and customer service training, and will ultimately take home a paycheck based on their performance in the gallery. All additional revenue generated from the Studio & Gallery will benefit The Arc’s programs and services. It is imperative that adults with disabilities learn how to deposit a check, to spend/save money wisely, answer a telephone with courtesy, and communicate with others in the community so they may live independently.
Currently, The Arc is relying on our friends at the Austin Museum of Art-Laguna Gloria and Jerry’s Artarama to sustain the art classes we have been providing by lending us space and donating supplies. The support of our collaborative partners is much appreciated, yet we need our own space in order to achieve our goal of creating an employment program and generating revenue for our clients and The Arc’s services. We also see the project as a chance to create a visual of our mission in order to eliminate any misconceptions the community may have as to the ability of the population we serve, as well as to have a place where we can take current and future donors to show them the difference we are making or could be making with their support.
It is our belief that the Studio & Gallery will provide an incredible opportunity to bring increased self-esteem and self sufficiently to an under-served and under-employed population of our community. Based on research and experiences during our pilot program of the Arts Studio, and requests from our clients for employment opportunities, we believe that this type of program is needed in the Austin community.
A gift designeated to the Art project would allow The Arc to lease a space for the Studio & Gallery. With initial help, we will be able to begin generating revenue to sustain the program for years to come.
