Empowering Caregivers

On the third Thursday of every month through June 27, 2024, join the Rubin’s community of caregivers for a free, in-person program of art and connection. Guided by art in the collection, Rubin docents and staff lead close looking, creative exercises, and engaging discussion in the galleries. The program begins with a tour and conversation, which explore how contemporary and traditional Buddhist artworks can inspire new perspectives and pathways to empowerment. Participants are invited to consider the power dynamics in their own lives and open their minds to a different understanding of their own agency. We also examine concepts of interdependence and fluidity by listening to the stories and teachings of historical Buddhist figures. 

Participants are joined this month by Olivia Cohen, the director of early-stage and engagement services at CaringKind, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Rubin’s partnership with CaringKind provides caregivers the opportunity to speak with a professional who is specifically trained to address their questions, share valuable advice, and support their wellbeing.

The tour is followed by a gathering in the café, where participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and lively conversation to build connections and strengthen the caregiver community. This event is intended for caregivers and not for persons with dementia.

The Empowering Caregivers program will run through June 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th Street building on October 6.

Program Consultant

Olivia Cohen, MS, MT-BC, LCAT is the director of early-stage and engagement services at CaringKind, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Olivia is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist with over 12 years of experience working in long-term care, healthcare, and with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She has presented at regional music therapy conferences and the national LeadingAge Expo. Her work has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Huffington Post, Chasing News, and Aging Today. Additionally, she has co-authored a chapter in the book Creative Arts Therapies and the LGBTQ Community.

Major support for Empowering Caregivers is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.