Rhode Island has been awarded a $77,500 grant to support creative aging programs for older adults. The funding comes from a partnership between the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and will be managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA).
The grant will allow RISCA to introduce a one-time program that offers sequential, skill-based arts instruction for residents aged 55 and older. These classes will be led by trained teaching artists.
RISCA’s initiative aims to increase opportunities for older adults to participate in artmaking, develop creative skills, and benefit from social connections and improved well-being. The application period for the program opens on February 1, 2027, with a deadline of April 1, 2027.
“On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, thank you to NASAA and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy for acknowledging our Arts Agency’s commitment to using the arts to improve our communities’ well-being for older adults,” said Gov. McKee. “We included the benefits of the arts in the state’s 2030 Plan because of robust research that links participating in the arts to positive health outcomes; enhancing social cohesion; and feelings of belonging.”
“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy’s investments in state arts agencies have transformed our national public infrastructure to improve the lives of older adults across America,” said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. “State arts agencies are now instrumental partners in addressing the most important challenges facing aging populations, including rising health care costs. The demand and need for this work will only increase.”
“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy is proud to partner with NASAA through our continued support of creative aging within our state and jurisdictional arts agencies,” said Ellen Michelson, founder and president. “We are delighted to see this initiative expanding arts programming for older adults, supporting more classes, residencies and sustained creative opportunities that help older adults learn, grow and connect.”
“We are honored to be receiving national support for our arts and health program,” said Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA. “Rhode Island is aging faster than the United States as a whole, with 23 percent of residents over age 60 and the highest percentage of adults 85-plus in New England. Abundant evidence shows that arts participation improves the emotional well-being of older adults, supports good health, strengthens social bonds, and brings a heightened experience of purpose and joy to our lives as we mature.”
RISCA acts as Rhode Island’s official agency overseeing statewide arts initiatives such as grants programs and technical assistance while serving as a liaison within the local arts community (https://arts.ri.gov). It also promotes cultural development throughout towns and cities by fostering growth in various art forms (https://arts.ri.gov). In addition to managing public art galleries like Providence’s Atrium Gallery (https://arts.ri.gov), RISCA works across communities protecting artistic expression as part of its mission (https://arts.ri.gov).
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies collaborates with state councils nationwide to advance economic prosperity through the arts.
