Note From the Founder
Hello and welcome to Spectrum Arts: The Autism Arts Network! I am very excited to share these resources I have collected regarding artistic programing for individuals on the autism spectrum.
I was originally inspired to explore the potential of artistic experiences for people on the autism spectrum after learning of the Red Kite Project at Chicago Children’s Theatre. I was amazed how this program engaged its participants while simultaneously adapting to their individual needs.
I focused on researching the impact the arts can have on young people on the autism spectrum while completing my graduate studies. I learned many ways the arts, particularly drama, can empower people on the spectrum to express themselves, build social skills, develop Theory of Mind, and improve their confidence. While I found several organizations offering artistic programming for people on the spectrum throughout the U.S., I did not find a central resource for people pursuing this field. With Spectrum Arts, I seek to fill this need, providing a single platform to provide information and raise awareness of the impact the arts can make in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
This site is very much a work in progress. The goal of Spectrum Arts and this website is to be a valuable and adaptable resource to those who use it, including individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, friends, and those professionals and organizations who serve them. I welcome your feedback regarding this website and the information we provide.
Sincerely,
Erica
I was originally inspired to explore the potential of artistic experiences for people on the autism spectrum after learning of the Red Kite Project at Chicago Children’s Theatre. I was amazed how this program engaged its participants while simultaneously adapting to their individual needs.
I focused on researching the impact the arts can have on young people on the autism spectrum while completing my graduate studies. I learned many ways the arts, particularly drama, can empower people on the spectrum to express themselves, build social skills, develop Theory of Mind, and improve their confidence. While I found several organizations offering artistic programming for people on the spectrum throughout the U.S., I did not find a central resource for people pursuing this field. With Spectrum Arts, I seek to fill this need, providing a single platform to provide information and raise awareness of the impact the arts can make in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
This site is very much a work in progress. The goal of Spectrum Arts and this website is to be a valuable and adaptable resource to those who use it, including individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, friends, and those professionals and organizations who serve them. I welcome your feedback regarding this website and the information we provide.
Sincerely,
Erica
Mission Statement
The mission of Spectrum Arts is to function as a dynamic online resource of artistic programming for individuals on the autism spectrum and to develop a cooperative network of artistic professionals and organizations serving these individuals.
Vision Statement
Spectrum Arts seeks to create a community of organizations and professionals dedicated to providing and nurturing artistic opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. We strive to foster communication, encourage the sharing of resources, experiences and expertise, and promote artistic opportunities for these individuals.
Values
- Every individual has unique, valuable gifts and strengths.
- Drama, music, visual arts, and creative play offer distinctive opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to build on their strengths while also developing their social competence and confidence.
- All individuals should have equal access to artistic programming and opportunities.
Founder's Biography
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Erica Meium, M.A. believes the arts have the ability to benefit and enrich the lives of all individuals, regardless of one’s ability or background. This belief led her to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at the Institute for Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurship at Goldsmith’s, University of London. Her dissertation is entitled Inclusion of young people with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical young people in educational and community-based theatre programmes. She has interned with the Special Education Needs programming department at Mousetrap Theatre Projects in London and Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa. She lives in Chicago.
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Special thanks to Danny Braverman, Aggie Meium, Jo Pelly, Ralph Remington, Bob Suh, and Susan Whiddington, whose support and guidance have been essential in making this project possible.
Spectrum Arts does not endorse any organization, program, or other resource included on this website. This site is provided as a public service, for informational purposes only. Users of this site are responsible for independently verifying all information.