Lifetime Arts was founded in 2008 to change the way we age.
Popular culture teaches us to fight aging, filling us with fears of losing our minds, health, and relevance. Instead of embracing the future with a spirit of possibility, we’re often taught to view it with trepidation. But this is not the way it has to be.
Fuelled by decades of research and 16 years of work in the field, Lifetime Arts is leading a national, multi-sector movement to establish creative aging as an essential driver of older adult health and well-being. We are shifting culture, highlighting our ongoing potential for growth, creativity, and connection no matter how many candles adorn our cake.
We offer expert training, support, and comprehensive resources to state agencies, community organizations and individuals that generate opportunities for creative aging everywhere.
Our Mission
Lifetime Arts brings together bold ideas, practical strategies, and people to weave creative aging into the fabric of our communities.
Our Vision
We imagine a world without ageism and social isolation, where creative aging is embraced as a fundamental human right and an essential driver of health and well-being.
How do we help communities age creatively?
Lifetime Arts is focused on two strategic goals. We’re working to establish creative aging as an essential part of healthy aging policies, practices, and master plans at the state and federal levels. At the same time, through training and initatives, we’re expanding the availability, impact, and accessibility of creative aging practices nationwide.
Training, Coaching, + Consulting
For 15 years, Lifetime Arts has been the leading resource for creative aging training and professional development. We’ve partnered with organizations and agencies of every size—from local initiatives to multi-million dollar projects. Whatever challenge you face in bringing creative aging to your community, chances are we’ve helped someone else tackle it. Our team is here to ensure creative aging thrives right where you are.
Activating a Community of Practice
We are all stronger together. That’s why we invest in activating a vibrant community of practice through the Creative Aging Collaborative- connecting artists, organizations, and educators committed to enriching the lives of older adults. By fostering peer learning, resource-sharing, and ongoing dialogue, we’re building a supportive network that champions creative aging nationwide. Together, making creative aging opportunities more accessible and impactful for all.
Advocating for Creative Aging as Essential
States are increasingly creating multi-sector aging plans to address older adults’ complex needs by coordinating across sectors like healthcare, housing, transportation, and social services. This approach aims to foster age-friendly environments by integrating public, private, and community resources for holistic support. Lifetime Arts believes no healthy aging plan is complete without active arts participation, and our work helps agencies align creative aging efforts with these plans’ goals.
Our values inform our work
Shared Learning
Continuous learning, collaborative knowledge-building, and a spirit of generosity are cornerstones of our culture. We engage with curiosity, seek diverse ideas, and encourage open dialogue to learn from each other and invite multiple perspectives.
People First
We prioritize the well-being of everyone connected to our work, valuing their inherent worth. Through active listening, transparency, and authentic relationships, we empower individuals and communities to thrive.
Transformation
We believe in the power of transformation within ourselves, institutions, and communities. By actively challenging biases, embracing adaptability, and fostering inclusive dialogue, we ignite cultural shifts that lay the groundwork for personal and systemic transformation.
Celebration
We weave gratitude into the fabric of everything we do. We celebrate triumphs, big and small, fostering a spirit of creativity, laughter, and sharing within our teams and communities.