Ohio Arts Council seeks to fund elder art programs
Find yourself. Group of concentrated elderly delighted people having lesson while spending time in painting school and listening to lecturer.
By Stephanie M. Loucka, Director of the Department of Aging
Reprinted with permission from http://www.aging.ohio.gov/news/agingconnection/20170327.asp
Aging well isn’t just about eating right, exercising and maintaining social connections, though all of these are important. Doing things that make you feel good and that help you continue to grow emotionally and spiritually can be just as important. Research suggests that active participation in the arts and learning results in improved physical health, improved quality of life for those who are ill, better community and social engagement, and reduced risk factors that can lead to the need for long-term care.
The Ohio Department of Aging is proud to support the Ohio Arts Council and its Creative Aging Ohio Initiative. Since 2013, the council has been part of the National Center for Creative Aging to promote community programming in the arts, health and aging. The Creative Aging Ohio Initiative works with a variety of state and local partners to support creative, participatory arts experiences based on best practices for adult learners.
The council is seeking partners for the Creative Aging Ohio Initiative. Specifically, they are looking for teams who are implementing or would like to begin programs that support healthy aging through the arts, help caregivers and add to the growing field of research about the arts and aging. Project ideas include engaging older adults as artistic mentors to youth, physical fitness programs that use creative movement or dance, creative writing or theatrical activities, musical performance, painting, sculpture and more.
Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000 and require a 1:1 cash match. The deadline to submit proposals is Monday, May 1, 2017, at 5 p.m. Learn more and find out how to apply.
We are very excited about the potential that the Creative Aging Ohio Initiative holds for improving the overall health and wellness of our older Ohioans and encourage all interested organizations to apply for this great opportunity.
