{"id":11888,"date":"2025-07-14T13:55:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T13:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/?post_type=resource&#038;p=11888"},"modified":"2026-02-19T21:21:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T21:21:04","slug":"5-tips-for-connecting-your-arts-programming-to-wellness","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/resources\/guides-tools\/5-tips-for-connecting-your-arts-programming-to-wellness\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Connecting Your Arts Programming to Wellness\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Did you know that the arts can help <a href=\"http:\/\/1 https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf\">reduce isolation and loneliness<\/a>? Arts programming can be a powerful tool for community wellness, strengthening social connections, fostering belonging, and supporting collective resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arts Midwest&#8217;s <a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Arts-and-Wellness-Guidelines-FY26.pdf\">GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness<\/a>&nbsp;is a new grant opportunity that offers up to $15,000 for organizations of any budget size to offer artist-driven community wellness programming. Funds may support performances, workshops, creative aging programs, artist residencies in healthcare settings, efforts initiatives that engage veterans, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what does connecting arts programming to wellness actually look like in practice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are five tips\u2014and inspiring examples from organizations across the Midwest\u2014to help you dream up your own arts and wellness program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-1-identify-your-target-audience-nbsp-nbsp\">Tip 1:\u202f Identify your target audience&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arts and wellness programming can benefit everyone, but targeting your work toward a specific group can help deepen its impact. Consider focusing on:<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"wp-block-rich-list  col-start-2 col-span-1\">\n      <ol\n      class=\"main-col my-12 list-none\"\n    >\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              1\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Older Adults \n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"356\">Older adults are deep wells of wisdom and lived experience, but they can also face increased isolation, health struggles, or memory loss. Arts programs can support their wellbeing by fostering connection, encouraging creative expression, and honoring their stories.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p data-start=\"1589\" data-end=\"1863\">In Indianapolis, Castleton United Methodist Church partnered with a professional storyteller to host six creative sessions for seniors. Participants shared personal memories, wove them into stories, and performed for the community.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>In Minneapolis, Minnesota <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\/\"><strong data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1897\">Giving Voice<\/strong><\/a> supports a network of choirs for people with Alzheimer\u2019s and their caregivers. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\/giving-voice-toolkit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free open-source toolkits<\/a> help other communities start dementia-inclusive singing groups that celebrate memory and connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              2\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Rural Audiences \n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"445\">Rural communities can face limited access to resources that support health, connection, and creativity. Arts and wellness programming can help fill these gaps, strengthening both individual and community wellbeing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In small town Granite Falls, Minnesota, JJ Kapur, a theater performer turned psychology PhD student, invited participants to explore vulnerability through <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/practicing-the-art-of-love-one-letter-at-a-time\/\">writing love letters<\/a> and sharing them on stage. \u201cI\u2019m interested in how groups can heal together,\u201d he said. \u201cHow is the theater therapeutic and how is therapy kind of a form of theater?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              3\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Veterans \n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"124\" data-end=\"380\">Veterans may experience unique challenges to their mental health, sense of connection, and creative expression. Arts and wellness programming can offer space for reflection, storytelling, and healing, supporting the wellbeing of those who have served.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"446\">In North Dakota, <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\/\"><strong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"282\">Arts for Vets<\/strong><\/a> offers a welcoming space for veterans to create art in a community setting, finding healing at their own pace.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              4\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Patients\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"306\">Patients navigating illness or recovery often face stress, isolation, or uncertainty. Arts and wellness programming can provide moments of comfort, creativity, and connection, which in turn support healing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p data-start=\"3064\" data-end=\"3336\">At Oyate Health Center in South Dakota, a new building became home to a <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/oyate-health-tribal-art\/\">permanent art collection <\/a>that seeks to support physical,\u00a0 mental, and spiritual health, with images that resonate with the clinic&#8217;s largely Native American patients and staff.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              5\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Caregivers\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p>Caregivers often focus so deeply on supporting others that their own wellbeing can be overlooked. Arts and wellness programming can create space for rest, reflection, and creative expression, helping caregivers reconnect with themselves and their communities.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"523\">Through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caregiver.va.gov\/support\/Art_Journaling_Caregivers.asp\"><strong data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"207\">VA Caregiver Support Program<\/strong><\/a>, caregivers can participate in virtual art journaling workshops designed to reduce stress, combat isolation, and promote self-expression. These low-pressure sessions blend offer caregivers a chance to reconnect with themselves and support their own wellbeing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n          <\/ol>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div \n   \n  class=\"wp-block-image mt-14 col-start-2 col-span-1 max-w-prose mb-14\"\n  data-block-index=\"0\" style=\"z-index:6;\"\n>\n  <figure class=\"\">\n          <div class=\"relative\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1695\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11.png\" class=\"w-full\" alt=\"A crowd of people wearing white shirts and purple scarves clap, raise their hands, and hold books.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 960px) 896px,\n                        (min-width: 640px) calc(100vw - 4rem),\n                        calc(100vw - 2rem)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11.png 1695w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11-300x142.png 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11-1024x484.png 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11-768x363.png 768w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-11-1536x726.png 1536w\" \/>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute left-3.75 lg:left-4 bottom-3 lg:bottom-4 z-10\">\n          <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Courtesy Giving Voice<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n              <figcaption class=\"text-xs leading-5 font-serif mt-5  \">\n          <span class=\"\">\n            Giving Voice&#8217;s toolkit on how to start a choir like this has been downloaded over 200 times. Giving Voice choirs support anywhere from 25 to 100 singers each.\n          <\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n      \n    \n  <\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-2-think-creatively-about-partners-and-settings-nbsp\">Tip 2:\u202f Think creatively about partners and settings&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve decided on a target audience or two, it\u2019s time to start brainstorming about how you will turn your ideas into reality. Odds are that you have some great partners already in close proximity! Consider having a conversation with leaders from the following types of organizations to pool your resources and bring the community together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"wp-block-rich-list  col-start-2 col-span-1\">\n      <ol\n      class=\"main-col my-12 list-none\"\n    >\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              1\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Libraries \n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Studies show that reading for pleasure reduces stress, heightens empathy, improves students&#8217; test scores, slows the onset of dementia, and makes us more active and aware citizens.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:312}\"> L<\/span>ibraries make excellent partners for creative literary programs that invite reflection, learning, and connection.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"642\">Consider collaborating on programs like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"1049\">\n<li data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"761\">\n<p data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"761\">A zine-making series led by local artists that invites participants to explore what health and wellness mean to them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"761\">\n<p data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"761\">A guided writing circle led by an author, where participants use personal storytelling to explore themes like healing,\u00a0 gratitude, or growth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1226\">Want more inspiration? Check out how one NEA Big Read grantee co-created a <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/a-gratitude-inspired-mural-brought-this-community-together\/\">joyful community mural<\/a> rooted in Ross Gay\u2019s <em data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1226\">Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              2\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Community Centers \n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"558\">Community centers are vital gathering spaces that offer familiarity, and built-in trust, making them ideal partners for arts and wellness programs that feel accessible and welcoming.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"560\" data-end=\"600\">Consider partnering on programs like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"785\">\n<p data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"785\">A pop-up portrait studio led by a visual artist, where community members are photographed and interviewed about what wellness means to them, culminating in a public exhibition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"786\" data-end=\"970\">\n<p data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"970\">A community quilt or textile project led by a fiber artist, where participants stitch together pieces that reflect personal stories around wellness, culminating in a shared artwork for the space.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\">Want more inspiration? <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW112473380 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flutesatdawn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW112473380 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Flutes at Dawn<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\"> from Milwaukee, says working with a community-based space afforded them more freedom and flexibility in terms of setting up the space and meeting the audience where they are at.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Because our performance is as rooted in education as it is in entertainment, it felt good to empower young people and engage with their families during rehearsals and <\/em><em><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW112473380 BCX0\">the performances<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\">. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\">I think this<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\"> brought out more people who <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\">wouldn&#8217;t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112473380 BCX0\"> otherwise come to a theater\/performing arts center.&#8221;<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              3\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Third Spaces\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"1096\">Third spaces\u2014places that aren\u2019t home or work\u2014offer unexpected opportunities for arts and wellness engagement. From yoga studios and <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/a-chicago-cafe-that-brews-creativity\/\">coffee shops<\/a> to parks and <a href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/wash-mosh-an-unlikely-home-for-all-ages-diy-music\/\">laundromats<\/a>, offering programs in informal gathering spaces can lower barriers, reach new audiences, and create a sense of comfort and belonging.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1253\" data-end=\"1290\">Consider partnering on programs like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1871\">\n<li data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1871\">\n<p data-start=\"1681\" data-end=\"1871\">Storytelling circles led by a spoken word artist in barbershops, creating discussion around mental health, masculinity, and healing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1871\">Pop-up sound baths led by a local musician in local parks, designed to bring calming, immersive experiences and give others the skills to lead their own sound meditations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Want more inspiration? <a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW45456289 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perceptionsyoga.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW45456289 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45456289 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness and Art<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW45456289 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45456289 BCX0\"> in Vernon, Indiana <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45456289 BCX0\">turns their art gallery into a yoga studio depending on the event schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW45456289 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:312,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n          <\/ol>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div \n   \n  class=\"wp-block-image mt-14 col-start-2 col-span-1 max-w-prose mb-14\"\n  data-block-index=\"1\" style=\"z-index:5;\"\n>\n  <figure class=\"\">\n          <div class=\"relative\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"w-full\" alt=\"Two students paint art on a wall outdoors\" sizes=\"(min-width: 960px) 896px,\n                        (min-width: 640px) calc(100vw - 4rem),\n                        calc(100vw - 2rem)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image_50783489-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" \/>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute left-3.75 lg:left-4 bottom-3 lg:bottom-4 z-10\">\n          <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Jennifer Bowman<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n              <figcaption class=\"text-xs leading-5 font-serif mt-5  \">\n          <span class=\"\">\n            Students taking part in the Pennyroyal Arts Council Art Camp add to a mural inspired by  \u201cA Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude\u201d. \n          <\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n      \n    \n  <\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-3-bring-in-the-arts-and-wellness-experts-nbsp\">Tip 3: Bring in the Arts and Wellness experts&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every arts organization has wellness expertise on staff, and that\u2019s okay! Partnering with subject matter experts (SMEs) can add depth, care, and credibility to your programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs can help ensure your work is trauma-informed, accessible, and supportive of participants\u2019 emotional and mental health needs. Be sure to partner with individuals who are appropriately credentialed for the type of support they\u2019re offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few types of licensed professionals to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"wp-block-rich-list  col-start-2 col-span-1\">\n      <ol\n      class=\"main-col my-12 list-none\"\n    >\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              1\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Art Therapists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"1150\">Credentialed art therapists (ATR, ATR-BC) are trained to help people express themselves creatively while improving emotional and psychological wellbeing. Find certified practitioners through the <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atcb.org\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1149\">Art Therapy Credentials Board<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              2\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Dance\/Movement Therapists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1402\">Registered with the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA), these professionals use movement as a form of healing and self-expression, especially helpful for trauma processing, stress relief, and embodiment. Find certified practitioners through their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adta.org\/find-a-dmt#\/\">search tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              3\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Music Therapists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1625\">Certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), they use structured musical activities to support emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal connection. Find a therapist <a href=\"https:\/\/my.cbmt.org\/cbmtssa\/f?p=CRTSSA:17800:7831456312096:::17800::\">in their online directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              4\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Drama Therapists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"1629\" data-end=\"1874\">Registered Drama Therapists (RDT) use role-play, improvisation, and storytelling to support self-awareness, healing, and behavior change. They are credentialed by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA). Find a therapist using their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadta.org\/find-a-drama-therapist#\/\">search tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              5\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, or Psychologists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"2207\">These professionals can serve as collaborators or advisors on program design\u2014ensuring content is trauma-informed, age-appropriate, and responsive to participants\u2019 emotional needs. Look for those with state licensure (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or PhD\/PsyD).<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                      <span class=\"absolute flex items-center justify-center -left-12 sm:-left-16 h-8 w-8 sm:h-10 sm:w-10 rounded-full text-xs sm:text-sm border border-light-purple leading-none pt-1 -top-0.5 sm:-top-1.5\">\n              6\n            <\/span>\n          \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Certified Peer Specialists\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2490\">Often credentialed through state-run training programs, peer specialists bring lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges. While not clinical providers, they offer valuable insight and support grounded in shared experience.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n          <\/ol>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div \n   \n  class=\"wp-block-image mt-14 col-start-2 col-span-1 max-w-prose mb-14\"\n  data-block-index=\"2\" style=\"z-index:4;\"\n>\n  <figure class=\"\">\n          <div class=\"relative\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1258\" height=\"883\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/terrylav1.png\" class=\"w-full\" alt=\"Two people talk to each other inside an art gallery\" sizes=\"(min-width: 960px) 896px,\n                        (min-width: 640px) calc(100vw - 4rem),\n                        calc(100vw - 2rem)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/terrylav1.png 1258w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/terrylav1-300x211.png 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/terrylav1-1024x719.png 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/terrylav1-768x539.png 768w\" \/>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute left-3.75 lg:left-4 bottom-3 lg:bottom-4 z-10\">\n          <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Kimberly Forness Wilson Instagram<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n              <figcaption class=\"text-xs leading-5 font-serif mt-5  \">\n          <span class=\"\">\n            Woodworker and veteran Terry Lavallie (left) runs Diamond Willow Gallery in the Arts for Vets building.\n          <\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n      \n    \n  <\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-4-keep-accessibility-in-mind-nbsp\">Tip 4:\u202f Keep accessibility in mind&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>True wellness programming makes everyone feel welcome, included, and safe to participate. That\u2019s why accessibility should be a core part of your planning. When you center access, you\u2019re also supporting community care, reducing barriers to participation, and affirming that wellbeing belongs to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few ways to expand access in your arts and wellness programming:<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"wp-block-rich-list  col-start-2 col-span-1\">\n      <ul\n      class=\"main-col my-12 list-none\"\n    >\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                                    <span class=\"absolute -left-8 sm:-left-12 h-2 w-2 rounded-full bg-purple top-2.5\"><\/span>\n                      \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Meet people where they are\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p>Bring your programming into community\u2014libraries, senior centers, parks, or third spaces\u2014to reduce transportation and comfort barriers.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                                    <span class=\"absolute -left-8 sm:-left-12 h-2 w-2 rounded-full bg-purple top-2.5\"><\/span>\n                      \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Offer virtual or hybrid options\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p>Online programming can support people who are immunocompromised, homebound, or caregivers. Your GIG Fund grant can be used toward equipment and licensing to make virtual access possible.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n              <li class=\"list-item relative ml-12 sm:ml-16 md:ml-20 lg:ml-32 mb-14\">\n          \n                                    <span class=\"absolute -left-8 sm:-left-12 h-2 w-2 rounded-full bg-purple top-2.5\"><\/span>\n                      \n          \n                      <h3 class=\"font-normal text-xl leading-7 mb-1\">\n              Design for a range of access needs\n            <\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"prose\">\n              <p>Use plain language in materials. Allow people to participate sitting, standing, or lying down. Offer sensory-friendly environments, visual instructions, or quiet zones. Include aids like ASL, captions, and translation to meet the needs of your specific community.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to learn more about designing accessible programming? Visit the <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/resources\/accessibility-center\/\">Arts Midwest Accessibility Center<\/a> for tools, guides, and checklists made to help. <\/p>\n\n\n<div \n   \n  class=\"wp-block-image mt-14 col-start-2 col-span-1 max-w-prose mb-14\"\n  data-block-index=\"3\" style=\"z-index:3;\"\n>\n  <figure class=\"\">\n          <div class=\"relative\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-scaled.jpg\" class=\"w-full\" alt=\"Four older women around a steel drum.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 960px) 896px,\n                        (min-width: 640px) calc(100vw - 4rem),\n                        calc(100vw - 2rem)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-ORMACO-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" \/>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute left-3.75 lg:left-4 bottom-3 lg:bottom-4 z-10\">\n          <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Thomas Sigel<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n              <figcaption class=\"text-xs leading-5 font-serif mt-5  \">\n          <span class=\"\">\n            Seniors trying out a steel drum at an event put on by ORMACO in Homerville, Ohio.\n          <\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n      \n    \n  <\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tip-5-check-out-other-arts-and-wellness-resources-nbsp\">Tip 5: Check out other Arts and Wellness resources&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to start from scratch. Use research, case studies, and toolkits to inspire your work and build awareness of the arts\u2019 impact on health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few great places to start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wisconsin Arts Board\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/artsboard.wisconsin.gov\/Pages\/Arts&amp;MentalHealth.aspx\">Arts &amp; Wellness resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Kennedy Center\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kennedy-center.org\/whats-on\/festivals-series\/arts-and-wellbeing\/\">Arts and Wellbeing hub<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The National Endowment for the Arts&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arts.gov\/impact\/arts-and-health\">Arts and Health hub<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div \n   \n  class=\"wp-block-image mt-14 col-start-2 col-span-1 max-w-prose mb-14\"\n  data-block-index=\"4\" style=\"z-index:2;\"\n>\n  <figure class=\"\">\n          <div class=\"relative\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1365\" height=\"974\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7_FRO_SC_2024-e1744310556621.jpg\" class=\"w-full\" alt=\"People perform on stage wearing costumes.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 960px) 896px,\n                        (min-width: 640px) calc(100vw - 4rem),\n                        calc(100vw - 2rem)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7_FRO_SC_2024-e1744310556621.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7_FRO_SC_2024-e1744310556621-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7_FRO_SC_2024-e1744310556621-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7_FRO_SC_2024-e1744310556621-768x548.jpg 768w\" \/>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute left-3.75 lg:left-4 bottom-3 lg:bottom-4 z-10\">\n          <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Debra Kern Workman<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n              <figcaption class=\"text-xs leading-5 font-serif mt-5  \">\n          <span class=\"\">\n            Kenzi Hartman plays Anna in Frozen Jr. in a 2024 production at LifeScape Center for the Arts, a partner with Black Hills Playhouse&#8217;s Expanding Stage Program.\n          <\/span>\n        <\/figcaption>\n      \n    \n  <\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-tip-apply-for-gig-fund-arts-and-wellness\">Final Tip: Apply for GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have a vision for a program in your community? Apply for the GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness to receive up to $15,000 to bring your idea to life<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This opportunity is open to organizations of all budget sizes with projects that center both creative expression and community wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<section  class=\"wp-block-image-cta bg-light-green lg:relative \" data-block-index=\"5\" style=\"z-index:1;\">\n    <div class=\"lg:content-4-col-grid flex flex-col\">\n\n        \n        <div class=\"lg:row-span-1 lg:row-start-1 relative min-w-0 flex items-center order-2 lg:order-none col-start-2\">\n            \n            <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 lg:hidden\">\n                            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"px-4 sm:px-8 lg:px-0 pt-7 sm:py-24 lg:py-36 pb-11   lg:pr-16\">\n\n                                    <h2 class=\"text-midnight text-3xl sm:text-5xl leading-none mb-4 sm:mb-9\">Read the GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness Application Guidelines<\/h2>\n                \n                                    <p class=\"text-midnight mb-6 sm:mb-20 text-base\">Intent to Apply due: September 15, 2025\r\n<br> \r\n<br>\r\nFinal applications due: September 29, 2025<\/p>\n                \n                                    <p>\n                        <a class=\"inline-flex items-center transition-colors text-sm leading-6 z-20 relative pt-2.5 pb-2 px-10 rounded-xl border text-dark-sky border-dark-sky hover:bg-white\/20 active:bg-dark-sky\/5\" target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/get-support\/gig-fund\/applying-arts-and-wellness\/\"\n  \n>\n  \n      <span class=\"relative\">\n      Learn More\n    <\/span>\n  <\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n                    <div\n                class=\"lg:col-span-2 lg:row-span-1 lg:row-start-1 min-w-0 overflow-hidden relative lg:right-0 h-96 sm:h-[32rem] lg:h-auto\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-1024x683.jpeg\" class=\"absolute w-full !h-full object-cover inset-0\" alt=\"Female dancer looking to the left and pointing with a feather against a black background.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" style=\"object-position: 50% 50%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GIG-Fund-Kanopy-Dance-Theatre-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" \/>\n\n                <div class=\"absolute w-full h-full\">\n                    <div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"hidden sm:block relative w-full h-full bg-hero-gradient \">\n                    <p class=\"absolute text-white text-right w-16 text-xs leading-3 right-6 md:right-10 lg:right-20 xl:right-24 bottom-52 translate-y-8 lg:translate-y-4 xl:translate-y-0\">\n                Kanopy Dance Theatre<\/p>\n                    <p class=\"absolute text-white text-right w-16 text-xs leading-3 right-24 md:right-32 lg:right-36 xl:right-44 bottom-36 translate-y-8 lg:translate-y-4 xl:translate-y-0\">\n                Madison, Wisconsin<\/p>\n                    <p class=\"absolute text-white text-right w-16 text-xs leading-3 right-6 md:right-10 lg:right-20 xl:right-24 bottom-24 translate-y-8 lg:translate-y-4 xl:translate-y-0\">\n                GIG Fund<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"absolute left-5 bottom-8\">\n                    <div class=\"px-2.5 lg:px-3 py-1.5 lg:py-2 rounded-md bg-dark-sky\/50 flex items-center text-white\">\n    <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"w-3 lg:w-3.75 h-3 lg:h-3.5 mr-2 text-current fill-current\" width=\"15\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_335_1811)\">\n<path d=\"M7.49831 2.97534C5.15467 2.97534 3.25024 4.9504 3.25024 7.37285C3.25024 9.79529 5.15819 11.7704 7.49831 11.7704C9.83844 11.7704 11.7464 9.79529 11.7464 7.37285C11.7464 4.9504 9.83844 2.97534 7.49831 2.97534ZM7.49831 10.5919C5.78362 10.5919 4.38868 9.14785 4.38868 7.37285C4.38868 5.59784 5.78362 4.15383 7.49831 4.15383C9.213 4.15383 10.6079 5.59784 10.6079 7.37285C10.6079 9.14785 9.213 10.5919 7.49831 10.5919Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<path d=\"M13.208 2.16784H12.5088C12.2277 2.16784 11.9852 1.96051 11.929 1.6768C11.7428 0.705638 10.9136 0 9.95784 0H5.04216C4.08644 0 3.25369 0.705638 3.07098 1.6768C3.01476 1.96051 2.77231 2.16784 2.49122 2.16784H1.79199C0.804638 2.16784 0 3.00078 0 4.02286V12.2723C0 13.2253 0.748419 14 1.66901 14H13.331C14.2516 14 15 13.2253 15 12.2723V4.02286C15 3.00078 14.1954 2.16784 13.208 2.16784ZM13.7843 12.2723C13.7843 12.5305 13.5805 12.7415 13.331 12.7415H1.66901C1.41954 12.7415 1.21574 12.5305 1.21574 12.2723V4.02286C1.21574 3.69187 1.47576 3.42634 1.79199 3.42634H2.49122C3.34856 3.42634 4.09346 2.79345 4.26212 1.9205C4.33591 1.53494 4.6662 1.25487 5.04216 1.25487H9.95784C10.3373 1.25487 10.6641 1.53494 10.7379 1.9205C10.903 2.79345 11.6479 3.42634 12.5088 3.42634H13.208C13.5278 3.42634 13.7843 3.69551 13.7843 4.02286V12.2723Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_335_1811\">\n<rect width=\"15\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>    <span\n      class=\"text-[8px] lg:text-[10px] leading-none uppercase pt-0.5\">Photo Credit: Shawn Harper Photography<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        \n        \n        <div aria-hidden=\"true\"\n            class=\" h-[calc(100%-24rem)] sm:h-[calc(100%-32rem)] absolute right-0 bottom-0  lg:h-full lg:w-1\/2 w-full left-0\"\n        >\n                    <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore tips and examples for how to design arts programming that supports personal and community wellness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10302,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"18276,14251,4180","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"aw-author":[26,34],"content-type":[1209],"resource-topic":[818,60,1232],"audience":[1230],"class_list":["post-11888","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","aw-author-alana-horton","aw-author-joshua-feist","content-type-resource-roundup","resource-topic-arts-wellness","resource-topic-programming","resource-topic-veterans-art","audience-arts-organizations"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Tips for Connecting Your Arts Programming to Wellness\u00a0 - Arts Midwest<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore tips and examples for how to design arts programming that supports personal and community wellness.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/resources\/guides-tools\/5-tips-for-connecting-your-arts-programming-to-wellness\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 Tips for Connecting Your Arts Programming to Wellness\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore tips and examples for how to design arts programming that supports personal and community wellness.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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