Programs
Arts & Healing
Creating spaces for connection, creativity, and well-being through hands-on arts experiences, exhibitions, and community-centered projects.
About the Program
Creative expression that fosters connection and well-being
Riverside Arts Council’s Arts & Healing programs use creative expression to foster connection, confidence, memory, and personal well-being. Through hands-on arts experiences, exhibitions, and community-centered projects, participants are encouraged to explore their creativity, share their stories, and engage with others in meaningful ways.
Our programs are designed to meet participants where they are, creating welcoming and supportive environments that honor individual experiences while strengthening community connections.
Impact
Every person has a story worth sharing.
Through creative expression, Arts & Healing programs help participants build confidence, strengthen connections, celebrate their experiences, and discover new ways to engage with their communities.
Who We Serve
Creative care across communities
Seniors
RAC partners with senior centers, community organizations, and residential facilities to provide artist-led sessions one to two times per month. These programs support social connection, self-expression, mental health, and well-being through the healing power of the arts.
Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Process-based art experiences can help spark memories, encourage communication, and create moments of joy and connection. Participants are invited to engage at their own pace while strengthening connection with caregivers, family members, and peers.
Veterans
Creative expression offers space for reflection, storytelling, and community building. Workshops and collaborative projects invite veterans to explore artistic practices that encourage personal expression, connection, and belonging.
Youth in Care
RAC works with youth-serving organizations to provide creative experiences that support self-expression, confidence, and personal growth while giving young people opportunities to explore identity, creativity, and story.
Program Areas
How Arts & Healing comes to life
Senior Center Workshops
Artist-led visual arts sessions at senior centers and partner sites provide creative engagement one to two times per month, supporting self-expression, social connection, and mental well-being.
Cards of Encouragement
Local artists create original artwork for birthday cards and cards of encouragement, which are then shared with youth in care and care workers as small moments of recognition, care, and connection.
Community Exhibitions
Participant exhibitions celebrate creativity, amplify individual voices, build confidence, and invite communities to engage with participant stories and perspectives.
Creating Supportive Spaces
RAC connects artists with DPSS facilities to create original artwork, dimensional quote pieces, and other creative elements for refreshed children’s services spaces, helping make them more welcoming, calming, and supportive for youth and families.
Why It Matters
Creativity can be a resource for healing and connection
Creative expression can help strengthen social connections, support emotional well-being, encourage lifelong learning, and create opportunities for individuals to share their experiences in meaningful ways.
By providing accessible arts experiences across Riverside County, RAC helps ensure that creativity remains a resource for healing, connection, and community.
Community Partners
Built through collaboration
Arts & Healing is strengthened through partnerships with organizations that serve older adults, veterans, youth in care, families, caregivers, and community members across Riverside County.
Connect with RAC about workshops, community projects, exhibitions, and creative care programs.
02 Explore ProgramsLearn about RAC programs supporting artists, youth, public art, and community access.
03 Get InvolvedVolunteer, support, sponsor, or help sustain creative programs across Riverside County.
04 Support the WorkHelp fund arts experiences that support connection, dignity, creativity, and well-being.
Help create spaces for healing, creativity, and connection
Your support helps RAC bring accessible arts experiences to seniors, veterans, youth in care, caregivers, families, and community partners across Riverside County.