I became aware of Tidewater Arts Outreach while attending their fundraising event the Sea Level Singer Songwriter Festival. As much fun as the festival was, as great as the promotion of local musicians is as a resource to promote, the discovery of the true mission of TAO grabbed my attention, and inspired me to be a supporter.
Tidewater Arts Outreach brings the arts to members of our community who cannot otherwise experience live music, poetry, and visual arts. My Mom was a nursing home resident, so I know what it means to have someone visit and share a smile, music, or some of life's beauty we all take for granted.
This mission is so important. Results from TAO's efforts are so meaningful. I hope you will learn more about this fine organization, and support them in any way you can.
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- EIN 68-0583526
- (757) 965-5155
- 809 Brandon Ave Ste 300 Norfolk VA 23517-1676 USA
- tidewaterartsoutreach.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Arts Services, Human Services
Mission: To bring joy to older adults and those living in isolating circumstances and enhance their well-being through creative engagement with the arts.
Results: Pre-2020, TAO averaged about 5,000-6,000 participants per year. In 2021, we reached over 10,000 through 56 partner agencies, in 2022 a little over 19,000 through 90 partner agencies, and 2023 closed with about 26,000 participants served through 103 partner agencies. The rapid growth post-pandemic indicates a 1) voracious appetite from the community for this programming 2) an efficient business model that uses partnership to reach as many individuals as possible and 3) an effective method for investing in and deploying the rich cultural assets of our region. TAO currently averages over 100 program hours per month.
Target demographics: older and isolated adults
Direct beneficiaries per year: 26,000 older an disolated adults
Geographic areas served: Hampton Roads
Programs: Our programs, usually 55-70 minutes long, are led by talented artists who specialize in interactive music, performing arts, literary arts, and visual arts (with an almost endless variety of genres and mediums represented). We've carefully chosen these disciplines based on research that shows their positive impact on the wellness of older and isolated adults. Artists undergo an application and interview process (including background check) prior to joining the roster. They receive ongoing training and continuing education in program delivery to our participants. All artists are compensated financially for their programs. Partners include senior living (including assisted living and memory care) communities, day support providers, hospitals, shelters, volunteer-led community groups, parks and recreation departments, libraries, and healthcare providers (e.g. rehabilitation or skilled nursing). All programs are brought to the partner organization where participants already receive services or other programming (or transportation is facilitated). Participants never pay to participate in a program. Partner agencies are case managed by our Programs team. Each program hour is designed to meet the needs of both partner and participant, including integrating with care plans or making accommodations to process or material to ensure participant success. Program staff essentially matchmake artists and program material with the partner agencies contracted programming hours, ensuring a meaningful and effective experience for partner staff, participants, artists, and other stakeholders (e.g. caregivers). It is not uncommon for the same artist to execute the same program material in a completely different manner to meet the needs of the participant group. We encourage funders to schedule a site visit or view the program calendar on our website to understand the variety of programming available more comprehensively and how it is delivered to various partners.