Older adults have vital contributions to make to society as creators and community members. Abundant evidence shows that arts participation improves the emotional well-being of older adults, supports good health, strengthens social bonds, and brings a heightened experience of purpose and joy to our lives as we mature. However, older adults all too often experience the effects of ageism, isolation and limited access to meaningful arts learning experiences. State arts agencies can help to address these gaps by facilitating creative aging programming as an antidote to isolation, an affirmation of life and a pathway to flourishing for older adults.
The Access Creative Aging initiative, in partnership with the Delaware Division of Libraries, is designed to provide Delaware’s older population with opportunities for artistic expression, social interaction, and enhanced mental and physical health through meaningful engagement in the arts.
Creative aging programming thrives in community settings where older adults gather around learning, social life, and enrichment. The Creative Aging Arts Education Model is proven to improve older adults’ health and wellness, bringing a revived sense of self and purpose to their lives. While these instructional programs are responsive, they share key elements. These programs:
The Delaware Division of the Arts provides funding to support creative aging programs that actively engage 55+ adults in the creative process with a professional artist.
Access Creative Aging Goals
Access Creative Aging programs accomplish one or more of the following:
Eligible organizations may request funding to fully support creative aging programs that actively engage 55+ adults in the creative process utilizing the visual, literary, or performing arts. The programs are to be led by teaching artists trained in creative aging who are current members of the Delaware Artist Roster. Creative aging programs are presented as sequential learning over the course of eight (8) weeks and include a culminating event. The weekly classes are 60-120 minutes in length and may accommodate up to fifteen (15) participants.
Read more about this grant program, and see if you’re eligible to participate by clicking here.
Please direct all inquiries concerning Access Creative Aging to Sheila Dean Ross, Program Officer, Arts in Education – Sheila.Ross@delaware.gov – 302-577-8286.
The Delaware Division of the Arts and the Delaware Department of Libraries have joined forces to make free creative aging programs accessible to communities across the state. Through this partnership, a diverse range of arts classes are being offered at public libraries statewide. This initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of Delaware but also ensures that residents of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to engage with the arts in a meaningful way. By leveraging the extensive network of public libraries, the collaboration is helping to foster creativity, community engagement, and lifelong learning throughout the state.
Delawareans, aged 55 and over, are encouraged to explore the wide array of arts and cultural events available in their communities. To discover the exact listings of upcoming creative aging programs, contact your local library or visit DelawareScene.com. This easy-to-use resource offers a comprehensive calendar of events, allowing you to find activities that match your interests and schedule. Whether you’re looking to participate in a creative workshop, attend a live performance, or simply explore new cultural experiences, your local library and DelawareScene.com are your gateways to engaging and enriching opportunities across the state.
See More Participant Testimonials Here
The Delaware Division of the Arts presented the 2016 Delaware Creative Aging Workshop in partnership with the Delaware Division of Services for the Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC). It was designed to cultivate the development of meaningful arts engagement programming to benefit Delaware’s rapidly growing aging population.
The MMC hosted the event that brought together more than 75 participants from across the state representing arts organizations, artists, and the senior care industry. All involved had an interest in stimulating healthy aging and learning more about the creative aging field. Led by the National Center for Creative Aging, the workshop culminated with the participants developing unique action plans for creative impact in their particular settings.
Support for Delaware’s Creative Aging programming is made possible by a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies‘ States Leading Creative Aging initiative, in partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. Matching support was provided by the Delaware Department of State.
Related Topics: creative aging, Department of State, Division of the Arts
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