We strive to serve the individual needs of our community members and offer customizable programs by request. If you’d like to inquire about any of the following programs, please email communityprograms@nelson-atkins.org.
Programs for people with disabilities
The Nelson-Atkins wishes to provide a comfortable and enriching experience for all people, regardless of ability. By request, the Nelson-Atkins can create art programs customized to a guest or group’s specific abilities or needs.
Programs for older adults
Customized programs that include art making, tours or art discussions are available for organizations that work with older adults. Experiences can occur at partnering agencies, at the museum, or a combination of both.
Citizenship preparation and English-language learning
The Nelson-Atkins partners with agencies and educational institutions to work with some of the country’s newest residents to enhance their language skills and prepare for their citizenship test.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
Classes are booked on a group basis. Each must have a minimum of five booked students to proceed. Classes are one hour in duration and use the Nelson-Atkins art collection to help students study for the 100 civics questions on the Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization test. Students are provided with take-home resources.
Thank you to our partner Compass Minerals for supporting this program.
Workshops for English language learners
We offer art-focused workshops for people developing their English skills. Workshops are usually 90 minutes in duration and centered around a topic or theme customized to the student.
Alternatively, you may request one of the following workshops:
- Explore American history and civics through the collection and art making
- Examine identity and personal stories through portraiture
- Travel around the world and review concepts of place and time through the collection
Community Partners
Community partnerships are reciprocal relationships that foster a sense of belonging by bringing educators and teaching artists into the organization for extended programming. These collaborations highlight the museum as an essential and inclusive resource for all involved.
- The Autism Society of the Heartland
- Catholic Charities
- Children’s Mercy Hospital
- Don Bosco Senior Center
- Exceptional Humans
- Hillcrest Community Center
- Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders
- KCPS New Americans/SLIFE Program
- The Landon Center on Aging
- Northland Adult Day Center
- University Health Behavioral Health New Frontiers
- The Whole Person