Educational Background/Training

Since its founding in 2004, Tidewater Arts Outreach has produced over 7,800 hours of arts outreach programs with over 280 partner agencies throughout the Hampton Roads MSA. These programs served over 187,000 participants.

About the Artist/Ensemble

Tidewater Arts Outreach leverages the healing power of arts to bring joy, enhance well-being, and facilitate lifelong learning for older and isolated adults. Arts Connect retains an artist roster of over 90 individuals/groups at any given time representing the music, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts disciplines.

Educational Program Description

Programs are delivered in one-hour blocks in either serial or standalone format. The programmatic experience is facilitated by Artists, delivered via contract with Program Partners, and case managed by Program Staff.

Artists undergo a criminal background check, interview, and application process (including submitting work samples) prior to service. Artists must also re-apply to the roster each calendar year which includes certification of continuing education in serving older adults and their own artistic discipline. All artistic personnel are compensated financially in recognition of their time and talent, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

Partners are any agency or organization already housing, caring for, or otherwise serving older and isolated adults. They include senior-living communities (e.g. assisted living, memory care), shelters, parks and recreation departments, libraries, healthcare providers (e.g. rehabilitation/skilled nursing, day support, hospitals), and other community-based programs (e.g. faith-based outreach, respite services, social clubs). Programs are delivered where participants already live or receive care and never pay to participate.

Technical Requirements

Partners are required to provide ADA-compliant space and the presence of at least one staff member from the agency throughout the entirety of the program. Scheduling is done via the Arts Connect Program Staff at least 30-60 days out from the proposed program date.

Fees

Tidewater Arts Outreach utilizes a sliding scale cost-share model to meet Partners where they are budgetary-wise. Please view the Partner Guidance linked here: https://tidewaterartsoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Tidewater-Arts-Outreach-Partner-Guidance_2025.pdf to review criteria.

A Partner staff member/volunteer should be present throughout the entirety of each program.

Audiences

• Adults