From statewide partnerships to innovative community programs, see how creative aging is moving from conversation to action—and advancing healthy aging along the way.
We’re halfway through 2026, and one thing is becoming increasingly clear: creative aging is moving from the margins to the center of healthy aging.
Across the country, more leaders, organizations, and communities are recognizing that opportunities for creativity and connection aren’t an extra; they’re an essential part of how we support people as they age. Practitioners, advocates, and partners are growing creative aging in new and meaningful ways—connecting to each other, reaching older adults, and expanding opportunities across their states, cities, and communities—from Montana to Maine.
Read on to see how these efforts are taking root and reaching new heights.
Building Statewide Leadership for Lasting Change
Pictured left to right: Regan Margetts, Arts Learning Specialist, Nevada Arts Council; Sogand Tabatabaei, Arts Learning Specialist, Nevada Arts Council; Gahlia Eden, Training & Network Manager, Lifetime Arts; EmilyChristensen, Music Therapist and Gerontologist, Utah Creative Aging Coalition; and Antonia Pérez, Lifetime Arts Trainer.
Expanding access to creative aging starts with strong relationships.
Our state partners in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado continue advancing Creative Aging in the West by strengthening cross-sector partnerships and building statewide leadership. In May, our team facilitated a working session with Nevada’s Creative Aging Coalition during the Nevada Arts Council‘s Intersections: The Nevada Creative Conference. In July, we’ll gather in Salt Lake City for our annual convening, where state teams will reflect on progress, tackle shared challenges, and chart the next phase of their statewide goals.
Lifetime Arts’ coalition meeting at Nevada Arts Council’s Intersections conference in May.
Speaking of Nevada, “Painting Without Brushes,” was a summer program led by teaching artist Vogue Robinson at Henderson Senior Center and supported by the Nevada Arts Council as part of their Arts Learning Express initiative. Vogue’s upcoming program in August is one of 10 Creative Aging in the West seed programs supported by Lifetime Arts and the Nevada Arts Council. Check out more moments from Vogue’s summer program on Instagram.
In New York, we’re seeing that same collaborative spirit, where more than 50 leaders are working together through the New York State Creative Aging Leaders Network to expand creative aging opportunities in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Through free convenings, shared resources, and professional development, the network is helping practitioners learn from one another while building stronger local ecosystems.
Centering Healthy Aging Across Diverse Communities
Creative aging isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about building on the incredible work already happening in senior-serving organizations, cultural institutions, and community spaces across the country—and introducing evidence-based practices that deepen their impact.
Training at Harlem School of the Arts in May.
Training at Harlem School of the Arts in May.
Training at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) in May.
Training at (LCPA) in May.
Training at LCPA in May.
Training at LCPA in May.
In New York City, our Culture + Care: Healthy Aging Through the Arts in NYC Neighborhoods initiative is supporting partnerships between community arts and senior-serving organizations to co-create programs shaped by older adults’ identities, experiences, and creative goals. We facilitated our first teaching artist training of the project at the Harlem School of the Arts in May. This summer and fall, these partnerships will bring new arts experiences to neighborhoods across Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
We’re also working alongside some of the country’s leading cultural institutions. In June, we partnered with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts to train 30 teaching artists and education staff from eight resident organizations. Together, they explored age-friendly, evidence-based facilitation strategies while designing creative aging programs that strengthen social connection and expand arts access for older adults across Lincoln Center’s campus.
In North Carolina, an innovative partnership with Southminster and Wake Forest University is exploring what happens when creativity becomes part of healthcare.Creative Aging @ Southminsterintegrates evidence-based arts programs into the community’s health and wellness model through a structured referral system. Alongside senior-serving and healthcare partners, we’re developing a scalable approach that supports healthier aging through creativity, connection, and well-being.
And in Maine, we’re partnering with the Maine Arts Commission and Maine Council on Aging on a statewide certification program to expand access to high-quality creative aging programs across all 16 counties. Through free training and grant opportunities, the initiative will prepare teaching artists to deliver programs that strengthen connection, reduce isolation, combat ageism, and support healthy aging. Read the press release.
These efforts are part of a larger vision: helping creative aging become embedded wherever older adults already gather, learn, and connect.
Supporting the People Leading This Work
Growing the field also means equipping practitioners, thought leaders, and advocates with the tools and confidence to succeed. This summer and fall, we’re offering the following virtual opportunities to build practical skills, whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing program.
Beyond our own programs, we’re continuing to advocate for creative aging through conferences, webinars, and speaking engagements nationwide, helping more sectors recognize creativity as an essential component of healthy aging. These events include NASAA’s Creative Aging, Creative Futures Webinar Series (May); New Hampshire Library Trustees Association Spring Conference+ Annual Meeting (May); and New Jersey Performing Art Center’s (NJPAC) seminar on social impact (June).
Growing Our Staff
The progress we’re seeing is happening because more people are working together, sharing ideas, and building communities where creativity remains part of life at every age.
As this movement continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Harry Guerrero, our new part-time Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, who will help cultivate new partnerships and strengthen relationships across the field.
Harry brings a deep commitment to equity, global collaboration, and relationship-building, with experience spanning financial management, project coordination, education, and community development. A fluent Spanish speaker, Harry has built partnerships with organizations ranging from FIFA to grassroots nonprofits around the world, while supporting homeless populations in Greece, Colombia, and beyond. Originally from Miami, he holds dual B.A. degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Florida International University and believes meaningful partnerships and shared purpose can drive lasting change. Learn more about Harry on our staff page.
WANT TO JOIN OUR CREATIVE TEAM?
We’re currently seeking a full-time, fully remoteCapacity Building Manager to lead the delivery of our coaching, consulting, and networking services. If you have experience in creative aging, arts learning, or aging services—and are comfortable using platforms like Asana, HubSpot, Airtable, Calendly, or similar tools—we’d love to hear from you. Applications will close on Friday, July 24th at 11:59pm EST.
