UPSTREAM ARTS
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Mission Statement
The mission of Upstream Arts is to use the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities.
About This Cause
Upstream Arts’ interactive arts programs serve individuals from birth to 75+ with cognitive, developmental, emotional, behavioral, and physical disabilities, as well as those with visual impairments and those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. In each program, local professional artists lead multidisciplinary arts activities designed to build social/emotional and communication skills needed in the classroom, workplace and out in the community. In addition, we produce performances, exhibitions, and arts events that provide venues where individuals with and without disabilities can have shared creative experiences, and that equip audiences with new narratives and perceptions of disability and ability; and, we share creative tools for advancing inclusion through professional development and trainings on access, universal design and art based instructional strategies for diverse learners. Upstream Arts was founded in 2006 by Julie and Matt Guidry, parents who witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the arts on their son, Caleb. Caleb, who is non-verbal, was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which affects his physical and cognitive development. Caleb had few tools to communicate, until Matt, a professional theatre artist, exposed him to theatre and dance at a young age. Caleb began to use the physical movements, body language, and facial expressions he learned through the arts to engage with those around him; and out of this spirit and momentum, Upstream Arts was born. Our first program was in Caleb’s Special Education classroom in 2006. Since then, Upstream Arts has grown exponentially, drawing on field research and best practices to provide an arts-based approach to developing the social emotional and communication skills of individuals of all ages and abilities at every stage of life; and to use exhibitions, performances and trainings to equip the larger community with new perspectives and creative tools needed to advance inclusion and build communities where individuals with disabilities have voice and choice. Now, Upstream Arts’ impact has spread to 3,500+ individuals each year. Annually, we provide 10,000+ contact hours through 100+ programs, exhibitions and performances in close partnership with schools districts, disability service providers, and community organizations across the Twin Cities, in Milwaukee and beyond.