Community Access to the Arts

CONTACT:

40 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413 528-5485
communityaccesstothearts.org

Sandra Newman, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Founded by Sandra Newman in 1993, Community Access to the Arts provides over 1,000 arts workshops annually for individuals with disabilities at healthcare, therapeutic, eldercare, educational, community and cultural settings. CATA’s mission is to use shared experiences in the arts to break down barriers of difference and disability.

Programs include: • Arts In & Arts Out: CATA participants work with CATA faculty artists in visual and performing arts workshops. • The Art Cart: A CATA artist and participant take a colorful mobile lending library of framed artwork and photographs to residents of Berkshire County nursing homes, sharing songs and stories with residents, and building ongoing connections. • Cultural Access Passport Program: This program partners CATA Participants with community volunteers to enjoy performances, art exhibitions, dance, theater, musicals and movies. • Creative Employment: CATA Participants are employed as artist assistants at workshops and with the Art Cart. CATAdirect is a creative employment program for individuals with disabilities - products include jewelry, handbags, and home furnishings. • On Tour: CATA curates visual art exhibitions and tours its performing arts companies. “CATA On Tour” has received grants to perform at schools, hospitals, and at community venues.

Please support them!

(2001: CULTURE: Arts: Community)