Grants of up to $2,500 to Maine nonprofit arts organizations in partnership with artists for activities that benefit senior citizens. Funding is intended for hiring pre-selected artists to work together with grantee organizations in conducting arts programming in community settings. Eligible programs should focus on social engagement, mastery of new skills, and intergenerational exchange.

The Maine Arts Commission’s Creative Aging program is grounded in the belief that the arts play a powerful role in enhancing the quality of life of older adults. Designed to generate opportunities for lifelong learning, social engagement and mastery of skills, the program provides new creative possibilities for adults over 55.

The Creative Aging grant supports the collaboration between artists and organizations in developing high-quality, participatory, arts programs for older adults. Funds are available to support the hiring of teaching artists to work in community settings such as libraries, senior centers, arts organizations, and assisted- and independent-living centers. Teaching artists must be chosen from the Maine Arts Commission’s Creative Aging Teaching Artist Roster.

Successful programs will:

• Engage older adults in meaningful, creative activity and sequential learning
  
• Incorporate creative aging principles of social engagement and mastery
• Recognize the contributions of older community members
• Promote intergenerational exchange

Eligible Expenses

Award funds may be used for expenses related to developing high-quality, participatory arts programs for older adults. Funds are available to support the hiring of teaching artists, the purchase of buying or renting materials or equipment, costs associated with production and documentation of the work, etc.