Arizona: Creative Aging Initiative

According to the U.S. Census, the number of older adults is rapidly growing in the United States. In Arizona, the estimate is that by 2020 more than 25% of the populace will be over age 60. In response to this forecast—and to the demonstrated benefits of arts and cultural activities among older populations—the Arizona Commission on the Arts (ACA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to build the creative aging infrastructure in Arizona. Through its new program, AZ Creative Aging, ACA will help develop high-quality arts programs for older adults and provide creative aging training through a new teaching artist institute. The first cohort of the institute will be selected this fall. More broadly, AZ Creative Aging aims to embed knowledge about and best practices for creative aging activities in communities across the state. The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust—which shares ACA’s understanding that quality creative aging programming can ease the stress of change, reduce feelings of isolation, foster rewarding interpersonal relationships, and reinforce sense of joy and purpose in life—is funding the three-year effort with a $225,000 grant. Contact ACA Director of Arts Learning Alex Nelson for further information.