Stories for Change: expanding access to the arts for newcomers and older adults

Newcomers and older adults are two of the fastest growing populations, and communities across the country are grappling with a demographic makeup that is increasingly diverse and proportionally older than in the past. Arts and cultural organizations have the opportunity to reach out, to increase resources in the community and to engage populations that are at risk for being overlooked.

Stories for Change, a report by Partners for Livable Communities, offers nearly 50 examples of how many types of organizations have increased access to arts and culture for older adult and immigrant populations. Included are best practices implemented by museums, libraries, community development organizations, theaters, orchestras, dance ensembles, universities and more. These organizations are located in rural, mid-size and metropolitan settings, and many of the strategies can be easily implemented without a major overhaul of staffing, operations or an organization’s mission.

The report includes the well-known Alzheimer’s Project of the Museum of Modern Art, which has been adapted to museums around the country, and Circle of Care, a unique ride-share program that partners young people with older adults to attend free arts performances in Boulder, Colorado.

Stories of Change is available as a free download from Partners for Livable Communities’ website.

Via: Partners for Livable Communities