Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas announced $50,000 in funding to the Health Arts Society today to help them offer musical concerts for people in retirement, assisted living and residential care facilities.

For those unable to attend musical recitals in concert halls and public venues, the Health Arts Society’s Concerts in Care is an inspiring performance series that allows those with physical frailty or cognitive deterioration to experience the benefits of music performed by professional musicians.

“The positive impact of music is universal and the Health Arts Society has organized thousands of concerts, bringing music into the lives of seniors and those in assisted living and residential care facilities,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “This program complements our work as we strive to establish more patient-centred, integrated supports and programs for seniors and people with disabilities.”

Since 2006, the Health Arts Society has provided over 6,000 concerts to nearly 250,000 audience members across the province.

“Residents and staff consistently share their appreciation for the Concerts in Care performances, as well as the way the music has the ability to calm dementia patients and resonate with those who can no longer speak,” said Parliamentary Secretary Plecas. “Exposure to music, culture and socialization can greatly contribute to a person’s health and well-being, especially as Concerts in Care brings music right into care facilities.”

With a roster of more than 200 musicians, the society will present over 800 concerts throughout B.C. this year alone. Concerts in Care programs usually feature one to four performers offering a wide range of genres including Western classical music, light music, jazz, Chinese music and spoken word.

“Our society is delighted that the Province recognizes that cultural programming such as we provide is crucial to the lives of people in assisted living, in care and in retirement homes,” said David Lemon, founder and artistic director, Health Arts Society. “We are grateful for its contributions, along with those of the homes, residences and community partners, to the development of our professional music program.”

Since 2006, the Province of BC, directly by ministries and through the BC Arts Council, has contributed a further $200,000 to support the development of Health Art Society’s music program for people in retirement, residential care and assisted living facilities.

Learn more:

For more information on the Health Arts Society visit www.healtharts.org

Media Contacts:

Laura Heinze
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)