ARTZ Philly: A Beacon of Hope and Healing
At the heart of Philadelphia lies an organization that has touched the lives of many through the transformative power of art. ARTZ Philly, this year’s featured charity at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference in 2025, exemplifies the profound impact that creative expression can have on individuals and communities.
Founded with a mission to engage, enliven, and empower people living with dementia and their care partners through art-centered experiences, ARTZ Philly has become a sanctuary of hope and healing. This organization provides a vital service, offering opportunities for connection, expression, and joy in the face of the challenges posed by dementia.
ARTZ Philly’s programs are designed to create inclusive, supportive environments where participants can explore their creativity, share their stories, and foster meaningful relationships. By partnering with museums, care facilities, and community centers, ARTZ Philly brings the arts to those who might otherwise be isolated or overlooked. Their initiatives include museum-based programs, community arts workshops, and intergenerational projects that bridge the gap between young people and elders.
An integral part of ARTZ Philly’s mission is to educate future healthcare providers by fostering connections between students and individuals with dementia. In these programs, students spend time getting to know people with dementia and their care partners, who serve as their mentors. Through shared experiences looking at and discussing works of art in local museums, these relationships are formed. Mentors share their lived experiences, guiding students and providing invaluable insights into what it means to live with dementia.
At the core of ARTZ Philly’s philosophy is the belief that art is a powerful tool for enhancing quality of life. This belief resonates deeply with the principles of occupational therapy, making ARTZ Philly a fitting partner for the AOTA Conference. Occupational therapy practitioners understand the importance of holistic, person-centered care, and ARTZ Philly’s work is a shining example of how the arts can be integrated into therapeutic practices to achieve remarkable outcomes.
As we gather in Philadelphia for the AOTA Conference, we celebrate ARTZ Philly’s contributions to the community and the field of occupational therapy. Their dedication to enriching the lives of those living with dementia serves as an inspiration to us all. By supporting ARTZ Philly, we are not only championing the arts but also advocating for a more inclusive, empathetic, and connected society.
In recognizing ARTZ Philly as this year’s charity, we honor their unwavering commitment to making a difference through creativity and compassion. Let us embrace this opportunity to learn from their experiences, support their mission, and continue to explore the boundless potential of the arts in fostering healing and well-being.
AOTA does not make donations to any of the charities. All donations are optional and are not part of conference registration fees. 100% of the donations are given to the charities at the conclusion of AOTA INSPIRE | 2025 Annual Conference & Expo.
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The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.
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