The Arc Mercer Visual Arts Program The Arc Mercer is a grassroots, family focused organization dedicated to creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their goals. The Arc Mercer Visual Arts Program, known also as the “Arctists Collective” was founded in 2011 by the Arc Mercer as another avenue for providing individuals with developmental disabilities exposure to the arts as well as a variety of social, recreational and vocational opportunities within the community. The studio environment focuses on art creation while also building the independent living skills of observation, concentration, decision making, cooperation, and exploration.