Crystal Bridges, health care association launch statewide arts initiative
by March 9, 2026 10:05 am 417 views
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is partnering with Arkansas Health Care Association on a statewide arts initiative after Crystal Bridges completed its Creative Aging pilot program.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Arkansas Health Care Association are partnering to expand access to creative aging programs at the association’s member facilities across the state.
This is the first statewide expansion of Crystal Bridges’ Creative Aging model following its successful pilot phase.
Through the collaboration, Crystal Bridges will embed its creative aging curriculum into the association’s activity director certification course. The training will equip activity directors with tools to lead artmaking experiences for residents living with dementia, chronic illness, disability, sensory impairment, and limited dexterity.
“Our Activity Director Certification program prepares professionals to design and lead engaging, person-centered programming for residents,” said Rachel Bunch, executive director of Arkansas Health Care Association. “By partnering with Crystal Bridges, we are strengthening that foundation with research-based creative practices that support connection, dignity, and quality of life. We are committed to advancing innovative approaches that enhance care for our state’s aging parents and grandparents.”
The Arkansas Health Care Association represents more than 90% of Arkansas’ licensed long-term care facilities. The new initiative is expected to bring arts-based engagement to communities statewide, including rural and underserved areas where access to cultural programming is often limited.
About 90 activity directors from the Arkansas Health Care Association’s member facilities will this year participate in the certification course. As part of the training, participants will complete a one-day workshop led by Crystal Bridges vitality arts-trained teaching artists and receive resources to support programs within their facilities.
“Creative expression is not an indulgence,” said Prentis Grayson, director of community partnerships at Crystal Bridges. “It is essential to human well-being. We have seen firsthand how hands-on artmaking fosters social connection, stimulates memory, and creates moments of joy for older adults. Partnering with AHCA allows us to equip activity directors with the confidence, skills, and resources to bring these experiences into care communities across the state.”
The World Health Organization recently identified more than 3,000 studies showing that arts engagement can help prevent poor health and reduce the risk of mental illness. The new partnership builds on the growing evidence highlighting the role of the arts in supporting health and well-being.
The first workshop under the new partnership is set for March 13 in Little Rock and will include activity directors representing 18 Arkansas communities.