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How can creativity support healthy aging? Studies show that regular arts participation—both making and engaging with art--can contribute to positive changes in the health and well-being of older adults. Creative Aging programs use the arts to empower adults 55+ to develop a greater sense of purpose, deepen connections to community, and ignite their passion for learning.

Explore this topic in-depth at the second annual Creative Aging Convening at the Denver Art Museum. Designed for practitioners working in aging-services organizations, arts centers, museums, healthcare, senior residences and beyond to learn together through deep conversation and hands on learning. Through panels, case studies, creative workshops, and discussion groups, attendees will gain new knowledge about the opportunities and impact of creative aging while making connections with new colleagues.

When & Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204

Thursday, September 21, 9:45 am – 4:15 pm

Friday, September 22, 12:00 – 4:30 pm

Cost: Tickets are $100 and include full program attendance, boxed lunch on Thursday, and light refreshments. Limited financial support is available. Please reach out to adults@denverartmuseum.org for more information.

Program Overview

Over the course of two days, attendees will participate in a variety of activities:

Age & Identity Panel: The LGBTQ+/50+ Experience.

Learn about the unique circumstances members of the LGBTQ+ community experience as they age— vulnerability, challenges, joys, and benefits—and how access to creative experiences can support these individuals to age well. Staff from The Center on Colfax, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library will share a review of the LGBTQ+ aging process, program case studies and impact stories, and best practices for creating inclusive and supportive programs.

Talks and Case studies: There are many dynamic programs involving older adults taking place across Colorado. Hear from a handful of practitioners across disciplines about their work and its impact.

Discussion groups: Facilitated conversations led by leaders in the aging field touching on a variety of relevant topics that are meant to push thinking and practice to new levels.

Experiential workshops: Explore your creativity through hands-on programs exploring a variety of media led by teaching artists.

Artful Living: Embracing Aging workshop: Explore the topic of Ageism through this multifaceted workshop. Start with a TED-talk style lecture from Changing the Narrative, then move into a close-looking experience in the galleries led by dance artist/scholar Donna Mejia, and end with a hands-on artmaking activity with expressive artist Quána Madison.??

This is an additional experience on Friday, September 22, 9:45am-12pm. Space is limited to 20 participants, cost is $25 (which includes a boxed lunch).

The full program schedule will be shared with registrants on September 1.

The DAM can provide accessibility accommodations to enhance your participation in the event. Please email access@denverartmuseum.org by September 6 to request American Sign Language interpretation (ASL), assistive listening devices, real-time captions (CART).

Creative Aging programs are supported by NextFifty Initiative, LinkAGES Colorado, the Michael and Karen Fried Community Education Fund, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).