The Parrish Art Museum celebrates the 10th anniversary of ACCESS PARRISH, a pioneering initiative dedicated to making art accessible to visitors of all needs and abilities. Founded in 2016, the program supports year-round community members living with a wide range of neurodivergent, physical, and cognitive differences—including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and cancer—as well as veterans, seniors, caregivers, and families facing social, economic, or physical barriers to participation.
Through inclusive workshops, tours, and creative programs, ACCESS PARRISH promotes health and wellbeing, builds social connection and belonging, and fosters curiosity, creativity, and lifelong engagement with art.
ACCESS PARRISH is built in close collaboration with local organizations, educators, healthcare providers, and advocacy partners. These partnerships include the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Center for Parkinson’s Disease, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Life Skills groups from Hampton Bays, Southampton, and East Hampton High Schools, The East End Special Players, East End Disability Associates, New Hour for Women and Children–Long Island, and The Flying Point Foundation for Autism.
“ACCESS PARRISH has been a lifeline for many in our Parkinson’s community,” said Sarah Cohen, Administrator for the Center for Parkinson’s Disease at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “Both the art and dance workshops create opportunity for all to come together in celebration of creativity and artistic expression, but also – perhaps more importantly – in celebration of one another and connection. The ability to gather, dance, create, discuss and engage in the beautiful Parrish Art Museum space elevates the experience and truly makes us all feel important, seen and valued.”
“The Parrish Art Museum has created something truly special through ACCESS PARRISH. Our families consistently share how impactful these programs are—not just for engagement and creativity, but for the sense of belonging they foster. The educators bring a level of empathy and care that makes every participant feel supported and valued,” said Lauren Vlachos, Executive Director and CEO, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center.
Over the past decade, ACCESS PARRISH has broadened the Museum’s audience while ensuring that all visitors feel welcome, supported, and engaged. Research conducted through the program has shown that participants experience joy and happiness, feel more confident in their abilities, feel relaxed and restored, build deeper relationships, develop a strong sense of belonging, and find comfort in safe, inclusive, and trusted spaces where creativity and imagination can flourish.
“ACCESS PARRISH has created meaningful connections for many over the past decade,” said Nathan Malak, Education Programs Manager. “It is rewarding to see participants feel welcomed and find a real sense of belonging through creative expression. We are proud to celebrate the community that has grown through this program.”
The 10th anniversary also provides an opportunity to recognize the visionary supporters, funders, and advocates whose belief in ACCESS PARRISH has made its sustained impact possible and ensured that accessibility remains a core value of the Parrish Art Museum.
