Tidewater Arts Outreach performances, programs or lessons typically last just less than an hour.  Programs range from music ensembles and solo work of all genres, visual arts, drumming and poetry workshops, songwriting workshops, dramatic readings and dance.  We are adding new programs and serving new audiences regularly.  Artist stipends are funding-dependent and may be available.

If your talents lie elsewhere than music and arts, you can still take part in a TAO program as a Program Host. Click here to learn more . 

For a person living in an institution, artistic opportunities create anticipation of some new experience to give a break to the day or week.  Today, he might be asked to use an instrument, join in the singing, participate in the telling of a story, paint a watercolor of a favorite childhood haunt, clap along to dancers, or just close his eyes and enjoy the sounds of a piano sonata.  Performers smile at him and shake his hand or touch his shoulder in greeting.  Performances sometimes open new worlds, sometimes bring back remembrances of other days, places and people, and almost always evoke feeling, emotion, happiness and even joy. 

Performers, artists, and TAO supporters and volunteers have the pleasure of knowing they are creating memories that last long after the performances are over. They are rewarded in many ways by the audience’s involvement, sincere appreciation and enjoyment. There is a very real feeling of satisfaction upon leaving a home or center after an arts program, knowing that a special gift has been given and enthusiastically received. 

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