A lot of us take access to the arts for granted. When we want to see a show, a concert, a performance, we go online, order up some tickets and wait for the big day.
Unfortunately, there are some road blocks for a number of people when it comes to accessing our culturals. Limitations include financial constraints and transportation issues. Thankfully, for a second year running, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York (ASI) is coming to the rescue. The organization’s Arts Access program helps to make the arts in Buffalo more readily accessible by providing free and low cost tickets via an initiative called Arts Access.
“ASI envisions a community where arts and culture are not only recognized for their impact on Western New York’s quality of life, economy, tourism, education, and our region’s renewal, but are open and accessible for all residents to enjoy,” ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. “We are very proud of the initial year’s success and look forward to increasing our outreach and offerings as we expand the program in the future.”
During its initial year, the program allowed over 400 eligible residents/families to attend shows that they would not have otherwise seen thanks to the Arts Access Pass (30 arts and cultural organizations participated and over 100 shows were made available).
“We want to remind Arts Access Pass holders that they need to renew their pass for season two, encourage all SNAP recipients to sign up for the pass, and encourage everyone to go to the website for great free and low cost cultural opportunities open to all,” Arts Access Coordinator Elizabeth Borngraber concluded.
Currently, the program is in the midst of adding additional opportunities, including improved transportation options.
“Now that I am old, somewhat disabled, and especially because I am on a fixed income, I appreciate the Arts Access Program more than you know,” said one program member, who spent 30 years of her life volunteering for six theaters.
For more information on the program, check out www.arts-access.org.