Bridging Thru Arts

Bridging thru Arts (BTA) is a major expansion of our long-running Bridging thru Music program, which brings volunteer musicians into long-term care and senior living facilities to ease isolation and loneliness in these communities. With BTA, we’re broadening our reach to include theater, visual arts, poetry, film, dance, digital arts, crafts, and more.  We’re now inviting artists, students, and arts organizations to get involved as volunteer artists—sharing performances or creative experiences that bring joy, connection, and inspiration to older adults If you or if you know someone interested in volunteering please reach out to Rob Thomure.

Bridging thru Arts/Music provides both amateur and professional volunteer musicians the opportunity to share their music with residents in long term care facilities. These musical events are interactive and informal. For many residents, especially those experiencing cognitive issues, hearing music from earlier years can bring forth memories enabling them to feel connected to their past while also being present with the musicians and other audience members. Thus music can reduce social isolation more quickly than a conversation. The performers also have fun and learn to understand and appreciate older adults, and gain confidence by performing for diverse audiences.

Here is an informative Washington Post article on how music can bring back memories, even with dementia patients.