Tracy Kennan is the Curator of Education at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). In this podcast, Tracy describes Artful Minds, NOMA's innovative cooperative pilot program with Poydras Home retirement facility. Poydras Home is a venerable New Orleans facility that provides independent living and assisted living services. The facility also provides care for residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Through Artful Minds, NOMA and Poydras Home have teamed up to offer a special program to specifically engage these individuals who suffer from cognitive impairments. Ten individuals will participate in the three-month pilot program. Artful Minds participants will visit NOMA six times over a period of three months, accompanied by family members and specially-trained docents and staff who will guide these guests through the museum. The goal of the program is to use art, visual stimulation, and social interaction to enhance the quality of these patients’ lives. Tracy notes that NOMA’s website contains comprehensive information about Artful Minds, including when NOMA might offer a second Artful Minds schedule.
Listen to the podcast here.