Founded by the nonprofit AHRC NYC, ArTech Collective provides opportunities for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express themselves creatively and expand their practice through artistic development. ArTech enables individuals to realize their full potential as artists by providing studio spaces, art supplies, and access to an artistic community and mentorship.
Over the past year, Access Programs at MoMA and ArTech Collective artists across New York City’s five boroughs participated in an extended partnership. The group met virtually every week, learning about the ideas and processes of artists in MoMA’s collection and engaging in conversations about their own work. Between sessions, the artists were invited to create new work inspired by a theme grounded in the current moment, prompting self-reflection and observations about the uncertain state of the world as well as imagining new places and possibilities. The group’s members pushed themselves to experiment with new mediums, share their interpretations and perspectives, and support one another through a global pandemic. We checked in by asking, “How are you?” at the start of every session, making space for each person to share and build community.
Works by ArTech Collective artists are on view in the exhibition Joseph E. Yoakum: What I Saw.
The Museum of Modern Art strives to create a space for New Yorkers with disabilities to express themselves and feel seen, heard, and valued. We are committed to creating programs and resources that support participants’ unique goals, learning styles, and abilities.
For more on MoMA’s commitment to accessibility and information about upcoming programs, please visit moma.org/accessibility.
Organized by Theresa Rodewald, Assistant Educator, Community and Access Programs, MoMA; in collaboration with Pola-Ana Mora, Program Supervisor of ArTech Collective, AHRC NYC; Darinka Vlahek, Director of Program Services, AHRC NYC; and Magdalena Kosciuch, Transition Developer, AHRC NYC.
