The Arts: A Powerful Force For Positive Impact
The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) is breaking new ground, using the Arts as a catalyst for meaningful change. Through dynamic partnerships that extend beyond the arts, we are tackling critical issues such as rehabilitation, health, and conservation.
A Cross-Sector Collaboration for Art and Conservation
Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places” and recipient of the 2023 CODAAward for Collaboration of the Year, the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) was created through a partnership between the CAA and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). The cornerstone of the CAA’s Art In Public Spaces Program, the UMA is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the nation. The UMA exemplifies the power of cross-sector partnerships, combining the creative forces of artists with the environmental mission of SWARA. By deploying sculptures designed to foster marine life, this initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape but also supports ecological sustainability. The UMA provides an ever changing underwater gallery that divers can explore while contributing to critical reef systems.
Currently, Gulf coastal waters off Walton County are 95% barren sand flats. Deployment of sculpture as artificial reefs provides a source of biological replenishment and protective marine habitat where none exists. The UMA is deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in 60-feet of water. A one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park has been dedicated to the CAA for the purpose of a permanent underwater sculpture exhibit.
Prison Art Program
One of our flagship Healing Arts initiatives, the Prison Art Program in partnership with Walton Correctional Institute, provides a creative outlet for incarcerated individuals, allowing them to explore self-expression, build confidence, and develop new skills. This program is designed to promote healing and personal growth through both visual artistic practices and songwriting, offering participants a sense of purpose and connection.
Therapeutic Arts Program
With generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, we have partnered with Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) to integrate the healing power of the Arts into wellness practices. PWMC provides high-quality primary healthcare at no cost to patients, treating each individual with respect and dignity while promoting inclusiveness and education on disease prevention and healthy living.
In addition to enhancing the interior beauty of the clinic’s facility by bringing in 2D and 3D works by local artists, large scale murals and an exterior sculpture by Anthony Heinz-May, crafted with oak material from the surrounding natural landscape, we are developing arts-based experiences to support mental and physical well-being, reinforcing the belief that creativity is an essential element of holistic health. The Healing Arts Program brings therapeutic art sessions to PWMC patients, helping them process trauma and improve mental health through creativity. The CAA provides instruction and supplies for these sessions, which allow clients to express their emotions through imagery, movement, or other artistic modalities. These sessions help individuals unlock and express memories or feelings that aid in processing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Youth Arts Education
Through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast the CAA’s ‘Art Club’ program provides art instruction at both the Boys & Girls Club of South Walton and the DeFuniak Springs branch where K-12 students have access to participate in collaborative projects.
The objective of the program is to teach the value of the Arts through education, exploration and self expression; identify specific projects based on the individual needs of the club’s members; and to work to create a model for other Boys & Girls Clubs to incorporate into their programming.
Future Collaborations & Cross-Sector Partnerships
As part of our mission to foster the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts in Walton County, the CAA continues to explore partnerships with mission-aligned nonprofit and for-profit organizations. By working across sectors, we aim to amplify the impact of the Arts, addressing societal challenges and enriching lives.
Whether it's through community engagement, or innovative arts-based programs, we are dedicated to shaping a future where the Arts serve as a bridge to real-world impact.
Join Us
We believe the Arts have the power to transform lives. Be part of the movement. Get involved, support our programs, and help us bring healing through creativity.
