Art is for everyone. Art is for everywhere. This charge informs everything we do at the Lawrence Arts Center. During the past nine months the meaning of this message has come even more into focus as we tailored our programming to be sure that regardless of means or location, every person in our community would have access to performances, classes and exhibitions. We are here to meet you wherever you want to be.
Access is everything, because maintaining emotional and mental health feeds our ability to maintain physical health. In our ongoing effort to bring Arts Center programming to everyone in our community, we have joined with organizations throughout Douglas County to support physical and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Douglas County Directory of Health & Well-Being Resources
In 2019 the World Health Organization published a report showing that participation in all forms of arts — visual, dance, theater, music and literature, etc. — has a significant impact on both mental and physical health. Lead author of the study, Dr. Daisy Fancourt of University College London, said engagement with the arts supported not only health, but also ‘improved social cohesion and reduced social inequities’ – things that are more important now during times of social isolation.
Art should never be out of reach. While many of our gallery exhibitions and events are free and open to the public, we also offer financial aid making it possible for any community member with an interest in taking a class to participate Arts Center opportunities. Our generous business partners, big-hearted donors, and loyal membership continue to help us offer free events and a robust financial aid fund. This fund supports arts education for more than 800 individuals each year. From the arts-based preschool and dance, to classes and professional development workshops, we believe that anyone with an interest in the arts should have access to the programs we provide.
Whether you choose to visit our building or connect with us online, please join us at the Lawrence Arts Center to feed your mind, body and soul!
