Arts Learning

This project directly resulted in an increase in the quantity and types of arts learning opportunities in the state as well as an increase in the venues that offer them. We conducted a baseline assessment at the beginning of the project to measure the quantity and types of arts learning currently available at our program site - the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center - and then conducted the same assessment at the end of the project to document the increase. At the beginning of the project period, the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center only offered one arts learning opportunity through a partnership with the Loft Literary Center. No arts learning opportunities were available to people with early stage Alzheimer's disease. At the end of the project, there had been 24 opportunities for older adults with memory loss to engage in arts learning at the Saint Paul Jewish Community Center, and these opportunities expanded to other venues such as Northern Clay Center and Walker Art Center. 2: As a result of this project 64% of participants were able to participate in arts learning opportunities that had previously not been available to them. In addition, 100% of participants reported that the environment was conducive to their learning and creative needs; 99% reported teaching artists' helpfulness when asked as excellent" or "good;" and 100% reported that teaching artists enabled participants to make their own decisions and choices about creating and learning art. These outcomes were measured through a pre/post survey method. Participants were given a pre-survey during the first session of arts learning and then given a post-survey at the completion of the program. The results from theses two surveys were then compared and analyzed."