Glenwood is expanding access to creative, inclusive arts experiences for children and youth with autism thanks to a $13,000 grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts.
This funding supports a multi-site collaboration in art, dance, and music, allowing Glenwood to offer weekly classes for children and youth ages 2–18 on the autism spectrum. Programming will take place at three Glenwood locations and will include four dance and music performances featuring local artists and musicians.
The project reflects Glenwood’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Alabama communities while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism to explore creativity, self-expression, and connection through the arts.
“The arts have a powerful ability to unlock expression, connection, and confidence, especially for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Justin Ragland, Director of Marketing and Communication of Glenwood . “This grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts allows us to continue and expand meaningful, inclusive arts programming across multiple sites, giving our students new ways to communicate, create, and engage with the world around them.”
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Creative Learning
The visual arts component of the program offers a wide range of hands-on classes led by Glenwood instructors and contracted teaching artists. Students engage in painting, drawing, and crafts, along with specialized workshops led by guest artists with expertise in areas such as pottery and glasswork. Instruction is designed to support individual learning styles through tactile experiences and structured, sequential guidance.
Dance and movement play an equally important role in the program. For many individuals on the autism spectrum, movement can serve as a powerful form of nonverbal communication. Glenwood partners with The Dance Foundation to provide professional dance instruction, while Glenwood’s educational staff guide movement-based activities that encourage connection, self-expression, and social engagement. Dance sessions are offered at all three program locations.
Music programming is delivered in partnership with professional musicians, including weekly instruction and interactive performances provided by The Music Room. These experiences combine education and entertainment, allowing students to explore rhythm, sound, and live performance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Strengthening Community Through the Arts
By integrating visual art, dance, and music across multiple locations, Glenwood is creating accessible pathways for students with autism to experience the arts in ways that support growth, communication, and joy.
This project is made possible in part by a grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts and highlights the vital role the arts play in enhancing quality of life across Alabama.
About the Alabama State Council on the Arts
The Alabama State Council on the Arts is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Alabama. The Council works to expand and preserve the state’s cultural resources by supporting nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, units of local government, and individual artists. Arts programs, assisted by Council grants, have a track record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism, and overall quality of life in all regions of the state. Alabama State Council on the Arts grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Learn more at arts.alabama.gov.