Press Release:

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

Program Description:

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness supports Midwestern organizations to lead projects that connect art and wellness. These grants from Arts Midwest fund high quality arts activities such as efforts that engage veterans in the arts, creative aging programs, artists working in schools, and more. 

Quote:

“Research shows that art and creativity can strengthen community wellness. It helps people build connections, feel a sense of belonging, and access resilience. We’re honored to support these GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness grantees who are using creativity to nurture well-being across the Midwest.” Torrie Allen, President and CEO, Arts Midwest

Key Stats:

-          26 GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness grants were made across the Midwest this cycle

-          More than $256,000 was awarded, including a $4,000 grant for Forever Amber Acres VETS Program Healing Drumming Circles. 

Program Description:

Abigail Haake, DMA and Healing Drum Facilitator will lead healing drum circle groups for veterans/veterans with families using buffalo drums and auxiliary percussion instruments to build community and support participant mental health and wellness.This project will serve as an adjunct to alternative disciplines currently employed by Forever Amber Acres during our existing equine assisted mental health and wellness programs for northeast Ohio veterans and their families.

 Wellness Impact:  Drumming  in community in a healing drum circle will allow participations to connect, have fun, and heal.Science supports that drumming together creates social bonds, allows us to turn off self-judgement and self-monitoring, modulates the immune system, reduces stress and anxiety, and reduces pain, inflammation, and cortisol—all things that contribute to overall health and wellness. The goal of these drumming opportunities is find joy in community music, connect with others, and intentionally release the things in life that need releasing—all of which contribute to being of mind, body, and spirit.