Reading the message below reminded me that artist-run spaces and
organizations have also been doing interesting activities of this kind
for many years.  The National Association of Artists' Organizations
(NAAO) will be putting out an updated version of its member directory
over the summer, I think.  The listings will include descriptions of the
organizations, so that if you want to locate groups doing this kind of
programming, you should be able to find them.

NAAO
918 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-6350

--Helen Glazer
Goucher College
Baltimore, MD USA
[log in to unmask]

Andy Finch wrote:
>
> I've heard of some very interesting programs -- for example, there's a
> center for the homeless in South Bend that tries to provide for "the
> whole person" at its site -- it requires clients who stay for more than
> two weeks to enrol in a program that is designed to move them,
> eventually, into their own housing.  Besides providing health care,
> counseling, etc., on-site, it also has established a program with the
> local art museum.
>
> Three weeks into the six-week program, clients spend a day at the
> museum.  They get studio art work; lunch; and a guided tour...
>
> The point being, I guess, that social service and an art-related mission
> *can* be closely linked.