Art-Reach

As consultants we love to see amazing examples of access and highlight the awesome things our clients already do to create inclusive experiences. There is always more to do, but we stop and celebrate these wins - and try to utilize positive examples as pathways for improvements. Being out in the field with Brand-I Curtis is a joy beyond measure. Thanks to Maggie Brennan at Art-Reach for the video and for joining us on our many adventures! Video description: Brand-I and Dani demonstrating and explaining tactile displays found in a museum exhibit.

Art-Reach Disability Equity Forum Discussions continue in 2025!?Join the next session on Thursday, February 20 from 10:30am – 12pm (Eastern Time). Do you enjoy participating in cultural events and the arts? Are you a person with a disability or a person who provides care for a person with a disability? Join us on Zoom for an opportunity to share your feedback! ASL Interpreters and Zoom auto-captions provided. Zoom pre-registration is required. Visit this link to pre-register:?https://lnkd.in/epShUSrD. To join the Disability Equity Forum Discussion, use the Zoom link in the confirmation email after completing registration. Can't make it next week? Art-Reach will be hosting Disability Equity Forum Discussions quarterly -- please join us for the next one in May 2025. If you have any questions about the meeting, feel welcome to contact Art-Reach via email at [email protected]. Image Description - At top, dark blue text on a white background promoting Art-Reach's Disability Equity Forum Discussion in February 2025. At bottom, a picture of a group of people engaging in discussion with one another. One person with their back to the camera holds a microphone up to a person seated in a power wheelchair, who is mid-speech.?

We've got news as big as a Galapagos Tortoise to share: the Philadelphia Zoo is now a member of the ACCESS Program!?Starting today, February 5, ACCESS Cardholders can purchase $2 tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests to visit the Philadelphia Zoo during General Admission hours. “Philadelphia Zoo is proud to partner with the Art-Reach ACCESS Program,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Through this partnership, economic barriers to visit the Zoo are reduced, providing opportunities for families to connect with our animals to inspire action for wildlife and habitats.?We look forward to welcoming Philly to their Zoo in 2025.” “We’re so excited to have the Philadelphia Zoo participate in the ACCESS Program,” said Art-Reach Director of Programs Alex Boyle. “We know that our community has been eager for this, and the Zoo’s participation is going to make a world of difference for families who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of tickets.”? Tickets can be purchased online for quickest entry (visit https://lnkd.in/dyFswyxA). Cardholders must show their valid ACCESS Card along with photo ID to enter. The ACCESS discount is not valid for select special events or exhibitions and may not be combined with other offers. Credit or debit card is required for purchase.? Image description - At top, white background with blue Philadelphia Zoo logo. At bottom, a photo of guests visiting the African Plains Exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo.?

Art-Reach took on the Big Apple last week! Staff members Nae Vallejo and Dani Rose had a blast at the INTIX Conference in New York City presenting "Let's Raise the Woof: Service Animals and Customer Service." This session explores obligations and best practices for welcoming service animals at live events, featuring a demonstration of some tasks and skills from Nae's service animal, Roady.? Image Description: a photo of Nae, Dani, and Roady standing in front of a sign with the day's conference schedule at INTIX. Nae smiles at the camera and holds Roady, who is standing on his hind legs and looking at Dani. Dani points to "Let's Raise the Woof" on the schedule and smiles at Roady.?

The second episode of NOTABLE is live! Check out Adrienne's conversation with Bailey Gamberg, an emerging leader and museum educator in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Click here to watch: https://lnkd.in/e3jQsJnA You can also find NOTABLE on Spotify here: https://lnkd.in/e2ZQQ_XY

The first episode of our new podcast series, NOTABLE, is live on YouTube! Join host Adrienne Beckham as she talks to leaders with disabilities about their work as board members and access champions. Episode 1 features a conversation with Nico Meyering about his path to leadership, advocacy, and community engagement as a disabled man. Click here to watch: https://lnkd.in/e_ggpiP8

2025 is off to a great start: Art-Reach is a contender on the Philly Favorites Poll!?Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorites for the "Best Of" in everything that makes Philadelphia great. Vote for us once a day until January 19th at this link:?https://lnkd.in/epAzmqG4. Head to Services > Nonprofit Organizations, and cast your ballot! Photo by Ashley Smith at @WideEyedStudios. Image description - At top, a photo of Art-Reach staff smiling in front of a tree with bright purple blooms at Longwood Gardens. At bottom, dark blue text on a white background that reads, "Cast your vote once a day until January 19, 2025!" with black Philly Favorites logo and black Art-Reach logo.

Season's Greetings from the Art-Reach Team! We'll be out of office from December 23, 2024 to January 6, 2025 for our Winter Break. We're so excited to ring in a new year of arts accessibility for all in Philadelphia! Image Description - the Art-Reach team seated around a long table at a restaurant, smiling at the camera.? From left to right: Munashe Mhlanga, Adrienne Beckham, John Orr, Maggie Brennan, Alasia Destine-Defreece, Nae Vallejo, Brand-I Curtis, Dani Rose, Alex Boyle, Blue Park, and Tony Derrico.?

#GivingTuesday is coming up on December 3 -- that's just one week away! Art-Reach is a unique nonprofit where your donation directly fuels our grassroots advocacy and initiatives to make Philadelphia's arts and culture more accessible. For the next week, when you donate to Art-Reach you'll receive an exclusive piece of Art-Reach Merch as a 'thank you' gift! There are options to support us ranging from $12 to $75, featuring designs that represent what we stand for: a belief that Art Is a Human Right. Check out our Giving Tuesday 2024 donation page at this link:?https://lnkd.in/e7kbn38z This merch is not available any where else any other time, so...don't wait! Support a mission that puts people first. Let's keep breaking barriers together.? Image description - a photo of Art-Reach merchandise arranged in flat-lay style on a white background. From left to right: canvas tote bag, black metal tumbler, black beanie, blue notebook, black backpack, canvas zip pouch, white tumbler with straw, and black foldaway nylon tote bag.?

We're providing Strategic Accessibility Plans to 76 arts and cultural organizations across the Greater Philadelphia region by 2026. Here's how YOU can get involved! Join us on Thursday, December 5 at 10:30am EST for a virtual information session about Project 76. The Art-Reach Consulting Team will share information including findings from five recently completed pilot projects. Attendees will learn how your organization can participate, what to expect during the process, and how our Strategic Accessibility Plan can supplement other strategic planning initiatives within your organization. We'll also share community feedback and data from our recent Disability Forum Discussions, as well as updates about our Philadelphia Agreement and NOTABLE initiatives. Share this event with others at your organization who may be interested in attending, including leadership! RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eTgK_F7b (Photo by Ashley Smith at Wide Eyed Studios.) Image Description: A photo of Art-Reach staff leading Project 76. From left to right: Brand-I Curtis, Dani Rose, Munashe Mhlanga, Nae Vallejo, and Adrienne Beckham. The team stands in front of lush greenery and pose casually, smiling at the camera.