The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today that 27 members of the Lifelong Arts 2023 Artist Training Cohort have applied for and received fellowship funding to support arts learning experiences for older adults in a Hoosier community.
Lifelong Arts Indiana, a partnership between the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Aging and the Indiana Arts Commission is a learning opportunity for artists and aging services providers to develop their skills in providing creative experiences for older adults. The program equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide impactful creative experiences for older adults, ages sixty-five and older, and provides access to the funds to help make it happen.
The Lifelong Arts 2023 Artist Training Cohort are each receiving a fellowship of $3,500 that will support Indiana’s older adults. In 2023, the cohort took part in a three-day training course, facilitated by Lifetime Arts, in which cohort members learned and explored best practices and strategies for developing effective, sequential, arts learning experiences for older adults. Following the 2023 training, participants launched pilot programming for older adults in their communities. This fellowship funding will allow participants to deepen their work and solidify their practice in service to older adults.
Artist Cara Schmitt of Munster will offer eight class sessions in which students will learn fundamental drawing techniques while exploring self-expression through a series of both abstract and figurative creative prompts, to be done in the pages of a provided art journal. Each session will provide new artistic challenges while building skills and confidence. Students will work in a circle and are encouraged to share both supplies and insights.
Elijah Stephen of Indianapolis will organize the "Rhythm of Life" program, a vibrant and engaging creative aging initiative centered around the power of drumming and drum circles. Over six enriching sessions, older adults will delve into the world of percussion, learning various drumming techniques and rhythms from diverse cultures. The program will culminate in a grand drum circle event where participants will showcase their newfound rhythmic talents and celebrate the joy of making music together.
The 27 fellowship recipients will be hosting their programming in Indiana communities between January 2, 2025, and December 30, 2025. Read more about each of the fellowship projects taking place.