Growing Within: Reflections on the Last Eight Months...
Dear Friends,
What an enriching summer it has been at Arts for the Aging. We look forward eagerly to the day when we can fully resume artful caregiving in-person. Meanwhile, virtual programs remain strong, including 175 multidisciplinary arts workshops conducted so far this year.
Continuing partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and The Phillips Collection energize us, new partnerships with the University of Florida Jacksonville and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and conversations with the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington Ballet validate us. Participation in the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) fall awards program this October promises much more to come!
Read on for more of our latest updates here.
Photo above: Intergenerational workshop with Alexandria Adult Day Health Care Center and Episcopal High School (photo credit Stephanie Williams Images).
Quicksilver Performs “Water Spirit” for the 2021 Global Water Dances Initiative
Arts for the Aging is proud to sponsor Quicksilver, an improvisational dance company for seniors, who recently performed "Water Spirit" as part of the 2021 Global Water Dances initiative. Choreographed by Quicksilver director Nancy Havlik with an original score from music director Adam Gonzalez, the dance was shot on the Anacostia River at Kingman and Heritage Islands in Washington, D.C. The performance features eight dancers over the age of 65 interpreting water's varied forms, and supports the Anacostia Watershed Society's work to clean up the river. You can learn more about Quicksilver here.
Emerging from 2020: The Arts As Our Saving Grace
An Arts for the Aging pre-recorded program, Rhythms of Life, featuring teaching artists Manny Arciniega and Chris Brown.
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the events of the last year and embrace hope in 2021, I am filled with gratitude for the vibrant community of supporters who make Arts for the Aging possible. Thank you for believing in the transformative power of the arts and the importance of our creative aging programming.
Because of them and because of you, we worked with 26 client partners at 32 locations in Greater Washington D.C., producing online workshops, on-demand video programs, and delivering “heART Kits” – visual, tactile, and literary art kits – to seniors and their caregivers at home, through community and residential centers, and virtual memory cafes. You have given the gift of joy, community, and connection to those who need it most – thank you!
Arts for the Aging receives the 2020 Impact Award from Nonprofit Village
Arts for the Aging is honored to receive the 2020 Impact Award from Nonprofit Village. The Impact Award is presented to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate their ability to enact social change through collaboration and sustainable management practices. Our heartfelt thanks to Nonprofit Village for this wonderful recognition, and congratulations to fellow awardee, the D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center, Safe Shores!
In an interview with philanthropist and Nonprofit Village board member emeritus, Jeffrey Slavin — pictured here with Michele Booth Cole of Safe Shores and Arts for the Aging’s Director & CEO Janine Tursini — hear about how Arts for the Aging builds community, and more.
We are delighted that one of our Quicksilver dance company members could join us for the ceremonial (virtual!) presentation.
It is wonderful to be a member of a team that is innovative and creative, and committed to improving the lives of senior citizens in a way that is so much fun.” –– Judith Bauer, Quicksilver dance company member and volunteer
The award show can be viewed here, and the interviews with more about Arts for the Aging and Safe Shores here .
Arts for the Aging’s family of supporters are part of a vibrant community that makes our work possible. We hope you have been inspired to join us this year in support of the new virtual platforms and heART Kits that are continuing through the pandemic to bring community, connection, and joy to so many older adults and caregivers in Greater Washington D.C.
We cherish this recognition and remain inspired to continue igniting the flames of creativity that lie within us all, leading to better health and wellness in aging.