The Valise Project for Seniors
The ICA’s senior outreach programs bring the joy of art directly to seniors, offering enriching and engaging experiences that foster creativity and social connection through our longstanding Valise Project initiative. Through interactive visits to senior centers and residential communities, teaching artists lead participants in exploring a variety of art forms, from discussions of contemporary artworks to hands-on creative activities tailored to their interests and abilities.
These sessions are designed to stimulate cognitive function, enhance emotional well-being, and provide a welcoming space for self-expression. By bringing the museum experience to the senior community, the program aims to make art accessible to all, while also promoting lifelong learning and a sense of community among participants.
More about the Valise Project
The Valise Project is inspired by renowned 20th century French artist, Marcel Duchamp, who designed miniatures of his works and carried them in suitcases to share with others. Each valise provides participants a complete experience: from seeing, discussing, and touching the art to creating works of their own. With curricular connections to math, language arts, social studies and science, the Valise Project offers a powerful interdisciplinary learning opportunity. Our teaching artist will bring a valise to your space (virtually or in-person) and lead a project focused on the valise in an interactive 2-hour session.