Our population of adults over age 55 in the U.S. is rapidly growing, and research shows that participatory arts education programs for older adults foster positive aging and healthier lives. To support the establishment of new programs like this at Guild member organizations across the country, the National Guild for Community Arts Education is proud to announce the 2019-2020 Catalyzing Creative Aging program! This program is provided in partnership with Lifetime Arts, a nationally recognized leader in designing and disseminating model creative aging programs for active older adults.
Organizations must be Members of the National Guild to apply; you can apply for membership and the program simultaneously. Learn more about membership here!
The program is a multi-phase initiative that will provide training and coaching to:
- Increase capacity to serve older adults through skill-based, participatory arts programs
- Provide models of high quality creative aging programs to the field
- Raise public awareness about the benefits of creative aging programs
The 20 organizations selected to participate will learn how to launch high-quality and effective creative aging programs in their communities, and in turn combat ageism and promote the well-being of our older generations. After the completion of training and coaching, 10 of those organizations will be selected to receive seed grants to pilot their ideas.
Participating organizations will play an integral role in developing arts education for older adults at the intersection of health, senior services, community arts, and social change. They will also be part of a growing, intentional shift away from the passive entertainment traditionally offered to older adults, and towards programs that inspire vital creative practices.
The National Guild and Lifetime Arts strongly encourage you to apply for this capacity building and subsequent seed grant opportunity. We are particularly interested in organizations that are cultivating relationships with older adults in communities of color and/or who are experiencing systemic isolation.
Quotes from past participants:
“As an organization that was completely new to this space over a year ago, participation in the Catalyzing Creative Aging Program greatly expanded our capacity to offer creative aging activities in our community… it provided us with tools to assess our goals, resources and needs to provide programming. Participation in the cohort also allowed us to connect with other organizations piloting creative aging activities and learn alongside them.” – West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, Grand Rapids, MI
“This pilot really opened the door for creative aging at Fleisher, making it an organization-wide priority to explore and expand our efforts. It was a meaningful, strategic way to advance our community engagement strategies, and we were grateful to have the training and funding needed to make a thoughtful, community informed program.” – Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA
Access Applicant Orientation Webinar Recording
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and gain the support you need to implement your creative aging program. This program is made possible by funding from Aroha Philanthropies and other generous supporters.
To learn more about the types of programs and organizations previously selected for Catalyzing Creative Aging,
click here to view the 2018-2019 participants.
