FAIRBANKS RESOURCE AGENCY
Art Supply Project
This project seeks to fund art supplies for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Inspired by a nationwide movement to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in contemporary art, Fairbanks Resource Agency’s Discovery Center is developing a Progressive Art Program which allows time, space and resources to participants, freeing them to develop their artistic vision. The program is not considered art therapy, rather it is the supported development of art practice as a career opportunity.
The Progressive Art Program is in the early stages of development and currently there is no budget to fund the program. Artists use materials from the Discovery Center’s general use arts and crafts supplies. Most of the materials have been donated or purchased from a local grocery store. The Progressive Art Program would benefit greatly from access to quality art materials. With funding from Our Two Cents the program would purchase the necessary supplies to sustain the program for a long time while other funding is developed.
More about FRA:
FRA is a leading provider of employment support services that help adults with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) find employment opportunities and achieve the independence that accompany meaningful employment. Family Services provides essential support services to children and adults with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD), Children with a Complex Medical Condition (CCMC) and Adults with a Physical and Developmental Disability (APDD). Supports such as respite care, in-home habilitation, supported living and day habilitation allow individuals to thrive in their family home and access community settings. Residential Services offers a range of services and choices in a variety of settings designed to meet the needs of an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Services include community-based living, healthcare, recreational activities, nutritional support, social development, transportation services and other aspects of daily living. FRA Senior Services offers home and community-based services to adults with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related dementia, and seniors experiencing frail or disabling conditions.
Established in 1967, the goal of Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA) is to assist individuals and families to achieve their highest potential where they live, learn and work. FRA is dedicated to creating a community where every ability belongs. The Discovery Center’s Progressive Art Program is in alignment with FRA’s mission.
FRA’s Mission Statement: Fairbanks Resource Agency is a non-profit Alaskan corporation dedicated to assuring that Interior Alaskans with disabilities and their families have equal opportunity to be fully included in the community where education, employment, housing, recreation and family support services are available in the same places, at the same times, and with the same respect afforded any member of the community.
Fairbanks Resource Agency has a goal of inclusion and true belonging for people with disabilities. A progressive art program supports this goal, by creating an opportunity for self-taught artists to develop true peer relationships with neuro-typical artists and members of the larger community. This not only enriches the self-taught artists, by providing a career in the arts, building self esteem and working towards true belonging; it also gives the larger community an opportunity to see people with disabilities in a new light, which thereby validates and supports the inherent dignity and value of people with disabilities.