Catalyzing Creative Aging

The Catalyzing Creative Aging program was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. We are not accepting applications for a new Catalyzing Creative Aging cohort at this time. The Guild is currently taking time in a Portal of transformation to reimagine and rebuild all programs.

The National Guild’s Catalyzing Creative Aging program is a multi-phase initiative designed to support the establishment of new creative aging programs at nonprofit arts education organizations nationwide. We have served 3 cohorts of creative aging practitioners from 2017-2020.

Research shows that professionally-led, arts education for older adults fosters positive aging. Nonprofit arts education organizations are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in providing innovative programming for an aging population that is living longer, healthier lives. 

The program is presented in partnership with Lifetime Arts and provides group training, one-on-one coaching, and funding to community arts education organizations in order to:

• Increase their 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 following organizations participated in the 2019-2020 cycle:

• Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
• Austin Classical Guitar
• Austin Soundwaves
• Bishop Arts Theatre Center
• Destiny Arts Center
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
• Healthy Living OKC
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College
• New England Conservatory School of Continuing Education
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
• Oberlin College Community Music School (CMS)
• Old Town School of Folk Music
• Ping Chong + Company
• Portsmouth Music and Arts Center
• Rockland Conservatory of Music
• Sonoran Glass School
• The Clay Studio
• The Legacy Arts Project
• The Union for Contemporary Art
• UCCS Presents/Ent Center for the Arts

Thank You to Our Generous 2019 Catalyzing Creative Aging Supporters