Tag: Idaho Commission on the Arts

Creative Aging Powered by Connection, Collaboration, and Celebration

A photo of two older adult Asian/Pacific Islander women standing in front of a wall of artwork. They are smiling and not looking directly at the camera. One woman has long, silver/grey hair and is wearing a grey sweater and jeans. She is carrying a brown purse on her shoulder. The other woman has grey/silver hair pulled back. She is wearing a black shirt with a silver/white coat and jeans. She is carrying a black over the shoulder bag.

This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Powered by Connection,” which recognizes the impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and wellbeing. Connectedness is what fuels the power of creative aging programs for older adults, and it begins with us and those we partner with. Fostering communities where everyone is seen as valued, creative, and contributing members to society is only possible when there’s a strong pillar of creative aging leaders, practitioners, and advocates supporting each other. Let’s explore how our work in creative aging is powered by connection, collaboration, and celebration!

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New Initiative Catalyzes State-Level Partnerships to Advance Creative Aging in Western States

Two older adult participants smile at the camera while painting at a table.

Cross-sector, state-level partnerships are key to sustaining and ensuring access to creative aging programming, especially for older adults in rural communities. Research shows that these arts education programs contribute significantly to healthy aging and increased social connection. The Advancing Creative Aging in Westerns States Initiative, launched in 2023, is designed to deepen and sustain collaboration among state agency partners to advance creative aging in the Western region. Currently the Initiative includes partnership teams in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah. These teams include leaders from state arts agencies, state libraries, and state veterans services, and will expand to include aging services and health and human services. 

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Lifetime Arts Works with 21 State Art Agencies to Increase Capacity for Creative Aging Programs via NASAA Effort

A trainee holds up her collage to the web cam.

n the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging Initiative supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, Lifetime Arts partnered with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to grow their creative aging programs, practices, and partnerships with 21 state arts agencies across the country. In this post, teaching artists and organizational staff share their insights on the impact that our training has made in their practices, institutions, and communities. Additionally, the Lifetime Arts team shares insights on working with our partners and trainees.

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