The Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE), a dance program for people aged 50 and over in Tasmania, is hoping for increased arts funding in the upcoming state budget. The program, which has been running for a decade, provides creative movement classes for older adults, including those recovering from strokes or other health issues.
Laura Della Pasqua, a participant who joined the program after suffering a massive stroke that paralyzed one arm and partially paralyzed one leg, described her first class as terrifying but transformative. The program has helped her regain confidence and mobility.
MADE organizers argue that arts funding in Tasmania has not kept pace with demand, and they are calling on the state government to allocate more resources to community arts programs that support health and wellbeing for seniors. The Tasmanian budget is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.
