Riviera Beach, Fla. (February 7, 2022) – The Arc of Palm Beach County will receive $10,000 to help people with developmental disabilities share their creativity. The National Endowment for the Arts honored The Arc with a Challenge America award to fund the MyArtLife project. The program will create virtual and in-person art lessons for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and showcase their artistic talents to the larger community.
“Access to high-quality arts and cultural activities helps individuals to thrive, providing an outlet for the expression of thoughts, emotions, and creativity,” said Kimberly McCarten, The Arc’s president and CEO. “The Arc’s mission is to change the conversation around disabilities, and we are embracing innovative ways to do just that. Art helps us to achieve an appreciation of other’s unique qualities and perspectives, building acceptance and inclusion. We are honored to receive buy-in from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of this vision.”
MyArtLife will provide professional art instruction in different mediums. The finished artwork will be shared with the public through an online art gallery. The project aims to create recognition for people with disabilities as significant contributors to the arts and society at large. MyArtLife will enrich this historically marginalized community and foster opportunities for individuals to flourish.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from The Arc of Palm Beach County that help support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “The Arc is among the organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”
The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that supports exemplary arts projects. Its funding gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creativity.
About The Arc of Palm Beach County
The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
