Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Secures New Funding for Creative Aging

New Activities Help Older Adults Contribute to Communities

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for older adults in Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

Recognizing that older adults have many contributions to make to their communities—but that they often face ageism and isolation and have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19—MCACA sought funding from the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging program, a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and Aroha Philanthropies. Michigan secured $23,000 for its Creative Aging Initiative.

“We are excited to be exploring the creative needs of Michigan’s aging population and are thankful to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and Aroha Philanthropies for this opportunity,” said MCACA Community Development and Minigrant Program Manager Jackie Lillis-Warwick.

This is a new project by the MCACA for 2021. During the first year, MCACA staff and its existing 15 regional regranting partners will gather information on potential partners, research pockets of creative aging practices and facilitate conversations. Working with these regional partners, MCACA will develop an inventory of current creative aging programs, services and artists.

“NASAA is proud to have Michigan in our creative aging cohort,” said NASAA President and CEO. Pam Breaux. “This grant will help to grow opportunities for creative aging in Michigan over time, facilitating lifelong learning, joy, social engagement and improved well-being for older adults.”

MCACA is one of 36 state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. With this funding, each state will conduct creative aging activities tailored to the unique needs of its constituents. Activities will include work with regional partners and existing data available from the Michigan State Advisory Council on Aging (SAC) to cultivate and curate an inventory of Michigan’s existing creative aging programs, services, artists and more.

“Aroha Philanthropies is proud to partner with NASAA to support creative aging through our state and jurisdictional arts agencies,” said Ellen Michelson, founder and president of the foundation. “This initiative marks an important step toward broadened awareness, adoption and funding of creative aging programs across the country.”

For information about new creative aging activities taking place in Michigan, contact Jackie Lillis-Warwick ([email protected]). For more information about NASAA's Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging initiative, visit https://nasaa-arts.org/communication/new-initiative-expands-creative-aging-nationwide/

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About the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
As the state's government's lead agency charged with developing arts and culture policy and grant-making, MCACA recognizes the need for, and seeks out, a wide variety of public and private sector partners to help fulfill this mission to ensure that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.