Minnesota: Teaching Artist Training in Creative Aging

Teaching artists participate in creative aging training. Photo by Sarah Drebelbiss

The Minnesota State Arts Board joined with Aroha Philanthropies to cosponsor a two-day creative aging training for Minnesota teaching artists. Fifty teaching artists from around the state were selected through a lottery process to participate in the July 2019 training. The training was led by a diverse selection of Minnesota teaching artists who are experienced in the creative aging field and was facilitated by Lifetime Arts. Participants developed a deeper understanding of creative aging research and trends, examined the impact of ageism in the field, and learned about models and best practices to design and implement high-quality arts education programs for older adults. The Minnesota State Arts Board collaborated with Springboard for the Arts to offer a session on grant opportunities to support creative aging programming. Due to high demand, Aroha Philanthropies and the Arts Board will offer another training session this fall. With the total number of older adults (age 65 and above) in Minnesota expected to double between 2010 and 2030, creative aging programming is a key component to fostering positive aging and healthier lives. To learn more, contact Minnesota Arts Board Program Officer for Arts Access, Arts Learning and Partners in Arts Participation Natalie Kennedy.