"Back to the Future" project currently proposed for the Newark Art Start grant is a virtual intergenerational arts program. Students at Elliot School in Newark and the Ironbound Senior Center will meet for a duration of 8 sessions to interact virtually on zoom to explore theatre, music and art. Each session focus activity is customized to the interest and needs of participants. An outline of the project as proposed is students will be trained by Alzheimer's NJ to learn about how to work with elders who have early on set Alziemer's and Dementia. Students and elders will participate in theatre workshop with drama therapist and local Newarker, Lillian Ribeiro to engage in collection of oral histories of Newark residents and write a monologues. Followed by an portrait workshops with Newark artist, Malik Whittaker, where students and elders draw portraits of each other virtually. Music therapist, Ricardo Pena then invites students and seniors to bring their musical instruments at home to create music together. At the end of the 8 week program, a culmination celebration inviting seniors, students, participating artists and school administration to share and acknowledge the works created during program. Project will be edited for a virtual video sharing and documentation of the work.
Learn More: http://www.LillianRibeiro.com