In all classrooms, students represent various spectrums of ability, but teaching artists may not the have experience or training necessary to adapt lesson plans to meet all needs

Similarly, many artist live full, creative lives with neurological disabilities but may often encounter curators not sensitive to their specific needs. Or think of all the theaters, venues, and galleries lacking accessible ramps. These situations can quickly lead to feelings of frustration and isolation; they deny art’s full potential to create community.

As the next phase of our work towards increasing equitable cultural services and production, Staten Island Arts has begun exploring how Richmond County residents with a variety of abilities and needs experience art – and how the cultural sector is able to support and respond to individual needs. The dialogues and actions we seek to create are not just about inaccessible buildings, listening devices, or large-print event programs. We’re looking at representation and access to cultural resources for artists with disabilities, broadly. It’s about listening and understanding—about everyone doing their part to ensure access and foster inclusivity.

Help us by filling out our questionnaire, assessing what services are available for Staten Islanders with disabilities.

The conversations about how the disability community and the cultural sector can intersect are ongoing. We’re being guided in this work by consultant Cheryl Green Rosario, Founder of CGR Consulting, whose experience and expertise is helping us to learn more. We want you to be a part of that dialogue. As our action plan takes shape, we hope you’ll be a part of the upcoming training workshops, focus groups, and learning experiences. For more information, be sure you’re signed up for our emails. You can also email Executive Director at exec@statenislandarts.org.

Staten Island Arts is grateful to the funders making our accessibility work possible through their generous financial support: The New York Community Trust, the Altman Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.