Delaware: Creative Aging Workshop

This past December, the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDA) held its first-ever Creative Aging Workshop, convening artists, arts organizations, community groups and members of the aging-services community to learn how to engage meaningfully with older adults through the arts. The workshop—presented in collaboration with the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) and cosponsored by the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities—focused on the foundations of implementing effective, individualized creative aging programs. It was led by NCCA Director of Field Services Dr. Greg L. Finch and Antonia A. Perez, a master teaching artist who has worked with Lifetime Arts, Inc. Workshop participants received a creative aging guide and learned basic concepts before discussing theoretical considerations and practical strategies for designing their own programs. Identifying and overcoming challenges associated with presenting programs also was discussed. Following the event, the DDA produced a video that included an overview of the workshop as well as the benefits of lifelong arts engagement. Learn more from DDA Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton.