When it comes to community engagement, programs and activities should be designed with several enticing components to attract an expansive audience.
This philosophy is at the core of our development process of Artfull Aging programs and has shown to engage participants that would otherwise dismiss the program.
To reach a wide variety of participants, Artfull programs are created with multiple entry points. This means that our programs appeal to people for different reasons and can be adapted to best support the participant’s unique experience levels, interests, and individual priorities.
There are a multitude of reasons why someone may want to attend an art program. Here are the three most common over-arching reasons; each is a program ‘point of entry’.
1. Social: They seek to build relationships with their peers through a shared art experience.
Meaningful social engagement can lead to improved mood and self-confidence, as well as lead to increased participation in community programming.
2. Skill Development: They have a thirst for lifelong learning, want to further develop their artistic abilities and/or master new techniques.
An appetite for personal growth can lead to improved self-efficacy and an increased sense of purpose.
3. Self-Expression: They desire to explore and evaluate ideas, thoughts, and emotions through visual means.
Creative exploration can lead to moments of self-discovery, an improved understanding of oneself, and an enhanced ability to communicate ideas and feelings.
While some people pursue art programs for one of these three reasons, others may attend a program for all of the reasons listed above. Regardless, we thoughtfully design all Artfull programs to support participants no matter their initial motivation.
Our philosophy can be applied to all types of programming and community engagement. By creating programs with multiple entry points, we can reach a larger audience, increase participation, and hopefully improve the overall programming experience.
For questions about this article or Artfull Aging programs please email us at ask@artfullaging.com or visit www.artfullaging.com.
