Amplifying voice, story and connection through creative expression.

An individual standing and smiling in a gallery where their artwork is being presented
Scroll down

Arts Programming within Developmental Disability Services exists to provide three main things: accessibility to the arts through exposure; creative artistic expression; and empowered interaction that brokers inclusivity, belonging & opportunity.

WHAT WE DO

Heartshare's Arts Programming primarily comes to life through Artshare, a privately funded-arts program focused on bringing both performing and visual arts to Day Programming across the organization.

Artshare's unique model focuses its activities around three main ideas:  

  1. Exposure: Participants engage with masterworks, diverse media, and various artistic methods by visiting museums and cultural institutions across New York City. These experiences broaden their artistic perspectives and inspire creative exploration.  
  1. Creation: The program provides participants with the necessary tools, instruction, and dedicated time and space to create their own art. Collaborations with teaching artists and arts organizations facilitate skill development and self-expression, empowering individuals to explore their creativity. 
  1. Exhibition: Artshare offers platforms for participants to showcase their work, including annual exhibitions and collaborations with galleries. These opportunities allow artists to share their creations with the community, receive recognition, and foster a sense of accomplishment.  

By integrating these components, Artshare not only enhances individual growth but also fosters community involvement and social skills. The program challenges societal perceptions by demonstrating the artistic talents of the neurodiverse population, promoting inclusion within the broader arts community.

WHO WE SUPPORT

Adult artists attending one of Heartshare's Day Program locations, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

WHY WE ARE HERE

Artshare exists to address the significant challenge of limited access to artistic opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Historically, these people have faced barriers such as transportation difficulties, physical inaccessibility, lack of information, communication hurdles, and financial constraints. All of which hinder their participation in the arts. We believe that creative expression is a key component to being human. Artshare allows the people in our programs to exercise their voices — whether through a dance move, a song, or a brush stroke.

Celebrate Arts & Creativity on May 8th.

15th annual artshare art show

Our largest annual art show returns to Clover's Art Gallery in May. The show will feature over 100 original works from artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opening night is on May 8th, show will run until May 18th.

Learn More
Key Elements of the program

Arts Programming within Developmental Disability Services is built around partnership and connection. Practicing teaching artists push into Day Programs to provide artist-informed performing and visual arts instruction. External organizations step in to offer addition opportunities for creativity. NYU Tandon finds ways to expand the arts to those with the most barriers to access. Collectively, they produce the magic that is Artshare.

Teaching Artist Instruction

Practicing Artists to Guide and Instruct in the Day Program
‍‍

Working artists, focused on either performing arts or visual arts, lead sessions across all Day Programs each week. In addition to their commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility, the teaching artists actively integrate themselves into the fabric of the program. They share insights, and they navigate the challenges of art instruction within the Day Program setting together. The product of their efforts not only comes to life in art shows and performances, but also through the transformation of artists in the program. They learn, they find a voice (even when they communicate without words), and they develop skills and passions that can turn into sources of income.

External Arts Partnerships

Stronger Together — Program Growth via Outside Expertise

Relationships with community partners yield opportunities and occasions for individual and collective growth, both within and outside of Heartshare. Every week, different partners push into Day Programs and bring their brand of creative practice. Through its relationships, Artshare can further shift paradigms that help shape a better, brighter, and vastly more inclusive world.

Partners include:

BROOKLYN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
BROOKLYN WATERFRONT ARTISTS COALITION (BWAC)
CO/LAB THEATER GROUP
GOOD VIBES MUSIC THERAPY
INTERTWINE ARTS
LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MoMA

Creative Technology with NYU

Using Technology to Remove Barriers and Unlock Expression

Our partnership with New York University's Tandon School of Engineering through the NYU Ability Project has been instrumental in advancing accessibility in the arts. Collaborative projects with master's fellows and undergraduate classes include the development of adaptive tools, like accessible paintbrush prototypes, and workshops focused on making art creation and appreciation more inclusive. These initiatives not only enhance the artistic experience for individuals with I/DD but also contribute to broader societal shifts toward inclusivity in the arts.

Artshare is made possible by the generous support of the following organizations:

Relevant Programs

Arts & Creativity are just one piece of programming we offer to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Education

Education

Day Programming

Day Programming

Employment

Employment

Get in touch!

You can also reach out to us directly at:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.