Cultivating creativity, connection, and lifelong learning through the arts.
Creative Aging Maine is a statewide initiative of the Maine Arts Commission in partnership with the Maine Council on Aging. The program connects older adults with high-quality arts experiences led by trained teaching artists in communities across Maine.
About Creative Aging
Creative aging brings older adults together through meaningful, participatory arts experiences. Programs are designed to support artistic growth, connection, confidence, reflection, and the continued development of creative skills throughout life.
Purpose, belonging, and social connection are important contributors to health and well-being as we age. Creative experiences can provide opportunities for discovery, skill building, personal expression, and the sharing of rich life experiences.
Statewide Vision
Creative Aging Maine is building a strong network and learning hub for age-positive creative programming throughout the state.
A Statewide Partnership
Creative Aging Maine brings together statewide leadership in the arts and aging sectors with nationally recognized expertise in creative aging training and program development.
Program Partner
Maine Arts Commission
Provides statewide arts leadership and supports the development of training, certification, partnerships, and grant opportunities for creative aging programs across Maine.
Program Partner
Maine Council on Aging
Brings expertise in age-positive communities and provides Maine-centered training for teaching artists and community host sites.
Training Partner
Lifetime Arts
Provides nationally recognized creative aging training, coaching, consulting, and resources that help teaching artists develop inclusive, skill-based programs for older adults.
Program support: Creative Aging Maine is supported in part by a two-year, $77,500 grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, with additional generous support from the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust.
How Creative Aging Maine Works
The program develops local partnerships among certified teaching artists, community host sites, and older adults. Together, they create welcoming arts experiences that reflect the interests, strengths, and identities of Maine communities.
1
Train
Teaching artists complete nationally recognized creative aging foundations training and Maine-centered training focused on age-positive practices.
2
Connect
Certified teaching artists connect with community host sites that provide welcoming local spaces and help reach older adults in their communities.
3
Create
Teaching artists and host sites develop sequential, skill-building arts programs that foster creativity, connection, purpose, and lifelong learning.
Opportunities to Participate
For Artists
Become a Certified Teaching Artist
Creative Aging Maine offers teaching artists opportunities to strengthen their practice and bring high-quality arts programming to older adults.
- Professional development in creative aging and age-positive practices
- Creative Aging Maine teaching artist certification
- Eligibility for Creative Aging Maine grant opportunities
- Increased visibility and connections with community host sites
For Community Organizations
Become a Community Host Site
Libraries, community centers, senior centers, housing communities, arts organizations, and other local organizations can help bring creative aging programs to older adults.
- Provide an accessible and welcoming space for arts programming
- Partner with a certified teaching artist
- Promote programs to older adults in the community
- Help champion age-positive and connected communities
Training and Certification
To become a Certified Creative Aging Maine Teaching Artist, participants complete two complementary trainings:
- Creative Aging Foundations, provided by Lifetime Arts, introduces evidence-based creative aging practices, adult learning principles, and approaches for developing inclusive, sequential arts programs.
- Creative Aging Maine Training, provided by the Maine Council on Aging, focuses on ageism, age-positive practices, connection, belonging, and implementing programs in Maine communities.
Artists who have already completed an eligible Lifetime Arts creative aging training may not need to repeat the foundations course, but must complete the Maine Council on Aging training to receive Creative Aging Maine certification.
Training cohorts are offered during 2026 and 2027. Current application periods, class dates, formats, eligibility information, and registration links are maintained on the Creative Aging Maine website.
Creative Aging Grants
Creative Aging Maine grants support arts programs for older adults in communities across Maine. Certified teaching artists may apply for funding and work with community host sites to plan, promote, and deliver programs.
Grant-supported programming is planned throughout Maine’s 16 counties during 2027 and 2028. Current award amounts, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and grant guidelines are available through Creative Aging Maine.
Learn More and Get Involved
CreativeAging.me is the central source for current program announcements, training applications, grant information, opportunities for teaching artists and host sites, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Training Information | Grant Information | Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
For questions about Creative Aging Maine and the Maine Arts Commission’s arts and health programs, contact Program Director Khristina Kurasz at vog.eniam@zsaruk.anitsirhk.