WAIMANO HOME HAS NEW ARTISTIC FUTURE

HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Developmental Disabilities Division, VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific and a host of other private and non-profit groups will re-open the doors of the former Waimano Home, not as an institution but as a new center for creative industries “Hawaii Artsplace” (HAPA). The grand opening celebration held Friday, March 19th, from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 20th, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. will feature music, entertainment and fine arts and crafts for sale.

As an arts-focused, creative industries vocational school, the Hawaii Artsplace (HAPA) will foster creative and professional development for students, and artists with developmental and other disabilities. The center will also serve as a transitional zone from school to work and an incubation project for artists and art entrepreneurs with disabilities.

“The Artsplace has transformed the lower campus of Waimano home into an arts training workplace,” said Dr. David Fray, Chief of the Developmental Disabilities Division Hawaii State Department of Health. “The program's ultimate goal is to train and transition young artists with developmental disabilities into the workplace and our communities.”

The Hawaii Artsplace will assist persons with disability to develop their talent with the Arts. For many people this leads to employment and increased inclusion in the communities where people live. The impressive artistic talent of people with disabilities echoes the cultural depth of Hawaii and fosters understanding and appreciation.

Mission and Goals of The Hawaii Artsplace

• Provide school to career transition zone; career and skill development
• Provide meaningful employment through apprenticeship, internships, and mentoring
• Business to business development
• Job carving and development in creative industries
• Provide mentoring by professional artists as educators
• Raise public visibility & building community outreach
• Create an environment that reflects and honors the diversity of the community

HAPA is being established to address the needs of a unique population of students and other artists with disabilities who desire to hone and cultivate their talents and abilities to become meaningfully employed in the visual arts and other related aspects of the arts industry.

Apprentice artists will gain both practical and theoretical applications in the arts. Consistency in policy, procedures, and planning among school, work, and the larger community is mutually beneficial in creating systemic changes. The center will also be used for the professional development of Department of Health and Education service providers, agencies and their staff, school administrators, educators, counselors, case managers and professional artists as educators.

For more information contact:

Laura M. Lott
Department of Health
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
Email: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us