Building pathways for creative aging in every New York community.
Creative aging program at the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, NY.Credit: Emily Sachar
Creative aging is growing across New York. Join the network!
The New York State Creative Aging Leaders Network is a statewide initiative designed to strengthen the field of creative aging through connection, learning, and shared leadership. Open to artists, cultural organizations, libraries, community-based organizations, older adult service providers, healthcare partners, and advocates across New York State, the Network creates space to:
Connect with peers across regions and disciplines
Explore best practices in creative aging
Strengthen partnerships and sustainability
Access professional development and training
Whether you are new to creative aging or deepening existing work, you belong here.
Supported by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), this initiative strengthens creative aging efforts across New York State by cultivating a dynamic community of practice.
Throughout 2026, Lifetime Arts will facilitate:
Six virtual statewide convenings
Four open office hours sessions
Creative Aging Foundations Virtual Training (limited seats)
Together, these activities increase awareness, build practical skills, and deepen equitable access to creative aging across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Our shared goal: To expand engagement in creative aging so that older adults across New York have meaningful access to high-quality arts experiences.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
By participating in the New York State Creative Aging Leaders Network, you will:
Tango dance program at Sunset Park Neighborhood Senior Center in Brooklyn, NY. Credit: Jeremy Amar
Build relationships with practitioners across the state
Learn from real-world case studies
Access tools to strengthen your programs
Increase confidence in making the case for creative aging
Deepen equity-centered approaches
Connect creative practice to measurable impact
Most importantly, you will help ensure that older adults in your community have access to transformative arts experiences.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
This Network is open to anyone in New York State, including:
“Memoirs to Music” program at the Jewish Community Center in Staten Island, NY.Credit: Jeremy Amar
Teaching artists
Arts organizations
Libraries
Senior centers
Healthcare and aging service providers
Municipal agencies
Advocates and policymakers
Organizations brand new to creative aging
Experienced practitioners seeking connection and deeper practice
We especially encourage participation from underrepresented communities and regions across New York State.
How To Participate
There are two ways to engage. You can do one or both.
Apply for FREE Creative Aging Training
In addition to convenings, participants may apply to attend a limited-seat at our virtual Creative Aging Foundations: The Essentials Training. Seats are limited and awarded through a brief application process.
Priority will be given to:
Individuals and organizations new to creative aging
Those who have not previously received formal training
Practitioners serving underrepresented communities and regions across NYS
Attend virtual convenings and open office hours to connect, learn, and explore creative aging topics with peers. Anyone in New York State may participate.
Participants will:
Receive calendar invitations for all events
Be added to the NYS Creative Aging Leaders mailing list
The convenings and office hours are open to all eligible NYS participants free of charge, thanks to the generous support of NYSCA.
Can individuals participate, or only organizations?
Both individuals and organizations are welcome.
why creative aging?
Creative aging programs are professionally led arts learning experiences designed specifically for older adults. When grounded in evidence-based practice, they:
Strengthen social connection
Support cognitive and emotional wellbeing
Reduce isolation
Build community visibility and pride
Position older adults as creators and cultural contributors
Creative expression is not enrichment alone. It is a powerful public health and community development strategy.
Do I need prior experience in creative aging?
Not at all. Beginners are welcome—and encouraged!
What’s the application process for training?
The application is brief and designed to be accessible.
You will be asked:
Your location
Your current experience with creative aging
What draws you to arts engagement with older adults
Training participation is limited to maintain a strong and balanced statewide cohort. Notification timelines and next steps will be shared after applications close.
When are tRAINING events?
Our virtual Creative Aging Foundations: The Essentials Training events are happening throughout the year! Here’s a brief rundown of our schedule:
April Training: Every Thursday, 16th-30th, 3-5pm ET
May Training: Every Tuesday, 12th-26th, 7-9pm ET
June Training: Every Tuesday, 9th-23rd, 3-5pm ET
August Training: Every Tuesday, 11th-25th, 7-9pm ET
September Training: Every Tuesday, 8th-22nd, 7-9pm ET
October Training: Every Thursday, 8th-22nd, 3-5pm ET
November Training: Every Thursday, 5th-19th, 3-5pm ET
You bet! Recordings and shared materials will be available to registered participants.
TheNew York State Leadership Network is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
