Creative Aging Grant logoIdaho’s population is aging faster than the nation’s, according to an article in the Idaho Press citing Census Bureau data. To help libraries build their capacity to serve this growing population, the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) has partnered with state and national organizations to expand arts-based programming for older adults in Idaho’s libraries.  

Through grants and professional development opportunities, the program will: 

  • Support library programming for older adults 
  • Forge collaborative connections between libraries and arts organizations 
  • Assess the impact of these programs on the well being of older adults 
  • Create ongoing opportunities for libraries and arts organizations to connect and deepen their understanding of the role the arts plays in supporting healthy aging  

Lifetime Arts is supporting this project by providing thought leadership, funding, and professional development opportunities on their Creative Aging model. Arts Idaho (The Idaho Commission for the Arts) will assist in connecting libraries with regional teaching artists and provide tools and resources to support those partnerships. Special thanks to The Idaho Commission on Aging and The Division of Veterans Services for also supporting this work.   

In 2023, the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community released a report stating that “lacking social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” This report was front of mind when ICfL was invited to join Arts Idaho in 2023 as part of Lifetime Arts’ Advancing Creative Aging in the Western States initiative. Through this partnership, a pilot project was run in 2024 where 3 libraries and 2 arts organizations learned about Lifetime Arts’ creative aging model and developed new arts-based programming for older adults.

Lifetime Arts’ creative aging model is grounded in the research of Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. With his 2006 landmark publication “The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults,” he demonstrated positive psychological, physical and emotional health benefits for older adults who participate in activities that foster creative engagement and skills mastery in a social environment. Through our pilot program, library and arts organization staff saw first-hand how artist-led learning can make a positive impact on the older adults in their communities.

2024 – Pilot program

  • Ada Community Library – Victory Branch
  • Twin Falls Public Library
  • Lewiston City Library

2024 – Pilot Program

Grant Application

Grant Application

Applications open December 1 – December 31. Click the button to complete an application.

Grant Application

Questions? Contact Adult Services Consultant Deana Brown or Grants Officer Jamie Thill.

Deana Brown

Adult Services Consultant
Email / 208-639-4156
Read my Blogs
Headshot of ICfL Grants Officer Jamie Thill

Jamie Thill

Grants Officer
Email / 208-639-4153
Read my Blogs