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Public art is a powerful tool for enriching communities, sparking conversation, and inspiring individuals. Beyond its aesthetic value, public art serves as a catalyst for social change. It amplifies underrepresented voices, bringing attention to pressing issues -- such as ageism.
Art Against Ageism (AAA) is a not-for-profit organization that uses art and creativity to tackle ageism. As such, we believe that the nearly 45,000 nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, and life plan communities that exist across the country are largely invisible in the towns and cities where they stand. This invisibility is rooted in negative biases about older adults and people with disabilities.
The Aging Is Living Mural initiative is aimed at dismantling these biases by harnessing the power of public art to make more visible the people who live in and work within the walls of these buildings. Our recent work with two senior housing organizations (a nursing home in Atlanta and an assisted living and nursing home in Washington, D.C.) illustrates the power that this initiative has to draw in the surrounding community, reflect its resilience, and shine a light on the humanity inside the walls of their hosts.
How It Works The project begins with a meeting with your community's leaders to discover your goals and objectives. AAA will explain in detail how the project will work, including a timeline and costs. Where possible, we will help you raise funds and/or apply for prospective grants.
During the initial meeting, the community will be asked to establish a committee that consists of staff and residents who are empowered to work with AAA to implement the initiative. This crucial component of the project helps to ensure the voices of the residents and staff are heard and taken into account during the planning and creation of the installation.
After the Installation AAA will oversee the documentation of the project in photos and video, which will be shared on AAA's communication channels and amplified via the partnering organizations’ respective social media accounts. Built into the project will be an evaluation component to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness of the surrounding community, the people who live and work there, and in bringing more positive age beliefs to community members.
We will work with your community throughout the entire project, from guiding its implementation to documenting the work and installing the artwork.
Contact Meg LaPorte HERE for details and pricing!
Below are photos and video from two recent installations in D.C. and Atlanta. |
