| Central to the HAI
concept is performing for people in facilities such as nursing
homes, mental health facilities, hospitals and group homes.
New York is a mecca for artistic talent and HAI benefits from
the vast number of dedicated professionals. Artists are selected
to perform On-Site based on their talent and ability to communicate
with HAI audiences. In the past, prominent personalities such
as Whoopi Goldberg, Big Bird, Roberta Flack and Chaka Khan have
expressed their support for the program and its goals by giving
special HAI On-Site performances. Today, the program has an
active artist roster of over 200 individuals and ensembles who
present over 2,500 performances annually at health and social
service facilities. |
| On-Site
Program |
Music
That Heals |
| Year
Began: 1969 |
Year
Began: 1997 |
| Presents
dancers, musicians, circus artists, folklorists, storytellers
and more at health and social service facilities throughout
New York City. The program enriches the lives of frail elderly
and chronically ill mental health consumers, and helps alleviate
the boredom so often associated with institutional life. |
Conceived
by performing artists Kathy Lord and Susan Weber, promotes
health and wellness among seriously ill children and those
with limited cultural exposure. Performances are adapted to
the needs of the various audiences and take place in hospitals,
AIDS treatment facilities, hospices, homeless shelters and
at a patient's bedside. |
 |
 |
| Mary
Yuen and Wang Jun Ling bring their Chinese dance and zither
performance to the Visiting Nurse Service and Adult Day Center.
Photo: Lynn Padwe
|
|
EchoArts |
|
Year Began: 1997 |
EchoArts,
HAI's corporate arts initiative, continues to expand to provide
competitively priced live performances to the health and social
service sector as well as to private organizations. Through
this program, HAI is furnishing the entertainment for Jazzmatazz,
a fundraising event held each year by the New Rochelle Public
Library Foundation. For this event HAI has booked several
artists including Carolina Slim, blues singer and guitarist;
Natalie Douglas, this year’s MAC award winner for best
female vocalist; as well as Lord and Weber.
EchoArts, a revenue generating enterprise, helps HAI to
build a sustainable funding stream to support its mission.
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|
HAI Performances Delight District 75!
Through collaboration with New York City Department of Education's
District 75, the On-Site Program has scheduled 40 live performances
during the spring semester to give students the opportunity
to enjoy a cross-cultural array of live arts events.
"We absolutely loved the multicultural
flavor of the performance! The music was not only exciting
and interesting, but was very tangible for the students and
staff."
-- Jennifer Pringle, Arts Coordinator and Teacher at P.S.
162M, after an Exodus Supreme concert
"We have found that music
is a medium that elicits responses from our students. The
performers engaged and motivated the students with musical
repertoire and audience participation. The students were given
opportunities to play instruments and join the musical group
on stage. Everyone had a spectacular time!"
-- Elema Talamo Mirabal, Assistant Principal of P.S. 176X,
raving about a Rummba Y Fuego performance
"Our students face many challenges.
The disabilities of the participants range from moderate mental
retardation to severe learning disabilities. Few, if any,
have the opportunity to attend concerts or dance with live
music. During the performance the students practiced appropriate
audience behavior and good listening skills. Let's not forget
the intrinsic magic and rewards that are embedded in giving
our students a genuinely good day."
-- Barbara Silverman, P.S. 753K
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