ARTZ Philadelphia is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. Our evidence-based programs connect people with dementia and those they love with artists, cultural organizations, and each other. We help to build caring, supportive communities that restore and preserve the self-esteem and dignity of our constituents, regardless of their color, culture, where they live, or their economic resources.

Our programs are especially for people living with dementia and their care partners. This includes *all* care partners – former and current – because we believe at ARTZ Philadelphia that there is no such thing as “unliving” the experience of caring *for* and *with* someone you love. If you are not a care partner or someone living with dementia but would like to observe one of our programs, please contact us directly.

Yes! We welcome people at all points in their journey with dementia. Our programs are diverse and versatile to accommodate the needs of all different types and stages of dementia. Our facilitators are highly trained to find ways to make everyone feel welcome and included. No matter where you are in your journey, we are confident that we can find a way to forge a meaningful connection with you.

All of our programs are led by warm, welcoming, and highly-trained facilitators.

Our programs take place online via Zoom or in person at local museums and art centers. If you look at the registration page of the event you wish to attend, you will be able to see whether it is an online or in-person program. If the program takes place in person, the registration page will provide the location address. In-person program pages will also contain information about accessibility and transportation to the venue.

All of our public programs are free to any individuals who would like to join!

Check out this page on our website: https://www.artzphilly.org/participate-in-a-program/

Most of our programs are about one hour long.

We try to keep our programs small and intimate so everyone will feel comfortable and receive the attention they deserve. Online programs are capped at about 6-8 people living with dementia and care partners. In-person programs are capped at about 15-16 people living with dementia and care partners. Programs specifically for care partners are flexible in size.

Contact Shane Farrell, our Director of Programs. He can be reached by email at farrell@artzphilly.org or by phone at 484-796-1105

We make every effort to accommodate any special needs you might have. Our new participant questionnaire has space to fill out information about specific needs. You can also contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns.

All of our in-person events require both. Please make sure to bring them. We always want to make sure our events are as safe as possible for all of our participants.

You can participate as much or as little as you like! Share your thoughts with us, or just sit back and listen. Whatever you are comfortable with!

“Conversation” can consist of many different ways of connecting, including communication through facial expressions or gestures. Many of our participants over the past decade have enjoyed our programs despite their challenges around verbal communication. We also offer hands-on art-making and music-making programs where verbalization can take a back seat to creating. There are so many different ways we can express ourselves, and we welcome them all!

You have no obligation other than to try it out. If you enjoy it, keep enjoying it! If it’s not for you, you have no obligation to do anything more. There is absolutely no commitment required. You can sign up for one program at a time. You are free to experiment and drop in and drop out if needed.