“CATA creates a place for all. No exceptions.”
Community Access to the Arts offers inclusive arts programs for people with a wide range of disabilities. Workshops take place across Berkshire and Columbia counties in residences, day habilitation programs, schools, and eldercare settings—as well as in CATA’s own studios in Great Barrington, MA.
All workshops are taught by professional faculty who are working artists in their fields. No prior experience in the arts is needed to attend or participate in our programs! All are welcome and our program staff can help you learn more about how to get involved.
Workshops in the CATA Studios:
Click here for our full list of CATA Studio Workshops for 2024-2025. You can also download our Studio Workshop Brochure (click here) with photos of our programs.
In addition to the workshops listed, we also partner with day programs, schools, community centers, and nursing homes to offer inclusive arts programs all across the community.
How do I sign up for workshops?
Contact Kara Smith, CATA Program Director, at (413) 528-5485 or [email protected], or read below for more information. We look forward to talking with you!
New to CATA?
Click here to fill out a short form and we’ll be in touch to share more about our programs how you can start making art at CATA!
What’s it like to be a CATA artist? Take a look!
Watch our short film “CATA is…” and let our artists Cindy and Dan take you behind-the-scenes at CATA!
CATA workshops include:
Creative Writing
Drumming
Juggling
Modern Dance
Singing
Tap Dance
Theater
Visual Art
(painting, drawing, sculpture, and more)
Yoga
And more!
For individuals, families, and caregivers:
• Contact CATA to talk about your interests and learn more about our workshops. Please contact Kara Smith, Program Director (413-528-5485 or [email protected]) to schedule a time to speak, or simply fill out this form and a staff member will be in touch soon.
• If you have a caregiver or attend a day program or school, share with them your interest in CATA’s programs. CATA may already be providing programs at your day program or school.
• Want to see what what programs we’re offering at CATA this year? Click here for our full list of workshops taking place in our Great Barrington studios!
FREE programs for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders (Card to Culture):
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders are eligible for up to 4 FREE workshops at our Studio headquarters, as part of the Mass Cultural Council’s “Card to Culture” program. Classes are offered weekly in dance, acting, drumming, juggling, painting, drawing, singing, songwriting, yoga, and more. Available for people with disabilities age 13+. Advanced registration is required; must be accompanied by a caregiver. To learn more or sign up for a workshop, call CATA at (413) 528-5485 or email [email protected].
For teachers and administrators interested in having CATA workshops in your classroom, day program, residence, eldercare setting, or community space:
• Contact Jeff Gagnon, CATA Program Director, to learn more about CATA workshops and discuss how CATA can help you reach the goals and objectives within your classroom or program.
For all questions or to schedule a time to visit, please contact:
Jeff Gagnon
Program Director
(413) 528-5485 ext. 101
[email protected]
“Intro to CATA” program / CultureRx:
CATA has created an “Intro to CATA” program for people with disabilities or their families who are interested in knowing more about CATA arts programs. Click here to learn more.