January 8, 1999

McLean Hospital's Adolescent Arts Incentives program recently received a $20,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The grant, along with $50,000 in matching funds from McLean, will help the program and its patients create and maintain collaborations with community organizations, mentorship programs and cultural arts facilities.

The program uses art therapy, expressive arts education and community involvement to foster a positive self-identity in adolescents undergoing psychiatric care at McLean. The grant has already funded such activities as a weekly creative writing workshop as well as visual arts, music, film and sports programs.