Ann Vernon facilitates an African American poetry workshop at Broad Creek Community Center

Throughout the Hampton Roads area, tens of thousands of people live in isolation, confined in institutions or otherwise unable to go out into their communities. Tidewater Arts Outreach seeks to bring creative, talented performers to institutions so that isolated individuals can take part in artistic experiences designed to uplift, entertain and inspire.  These performers and artists will engage their special audiences in music, performing arts, or visual arts experiences.

Through creative self-expression, we are able to learn more about ourselves.  Unfortunately, too many people with special needs lack exposure to basic arts experiences.  Our artists, musicians and performers see the value in sharing their joy of the arts with special populations.  The large majority of the facilities and programs we surveyed said their arts budget was inadequate to meet the needs of their clients.    Artists are frequently asked by the residents to “come back real soon,” and “don’t forget us.”  Our goal is to involve more community people with those who are institutionalized, by matching artists with opportunities, teachers with recital venues, youth groups with eager audiences and volunteers with events.

Citizens Committee to Protect the Elderly  reports there are more than 35,000 persons in the seven Hampton Roads cities living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.  And that number will grow, as the population of Virginians age 60 and over will grow from 14.7 percent of the total population in 1990 to almost 25 percent by 2025 when there will be more than 2 million Virginians in this age group.  

The number of Virginians age 85 and older will increase dramatically between 1990 and 2025 – five times faster than the state’s total population growth.  Virginia's older population also is growing more racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting the growing racial and cultural diversity of the Commonwealth and the nation.

Tidewater Arts Outreach general information can be accessed at Guidestar.

To see a list of the homes, hospitals, shelters, facilities and programs we serve, click here.