STATEWIDE, Del. (September 8, 2026) – “The class was a perfect way to have fun with people my own age and make new friends,” wrote one Delaware woman after completing a free eight-week art workshop at her local library. She is one of more than 400 Delawareans, 55 and older, who have taken part in Access Creative Aging since 2022 – and thanks to new national funding secured by the Delaware Division of the Arts, hundreds more are set to follow.

The Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) has secured $77,500 through Creative Aging, Creative Futures, a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. The program builds upon the success of two previous initiatives: Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging and States Leading Creative Aging. These vital investments have strengthened creative aging issue leadership for state arts agencies, expanded arts opportunities for older adults, and enhanced expertise in creative aging program delivery.

DDOA launched Access Creative Aging in 2022 as a pilot program in eight public libraries. Four years later, the initiative has become the centerpiece of DDOA’s Arts and Community programming, delivering more than 520 hours of free instruction to more than 400 older adults in its most recent program cycle. Workshops are offered in disciplines ranging from pottery, poetry, and painting to dance, theater, and jewelry design, taught by trained teaching artists at public libraries and senior centers across all three of Delaware’s counties. The program is administered in partnership with the Delaware Division of Libraries and, most recently, the Division of Services for the Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.

A year-one impact study established measurable baseline gains: 92% of participants reported an increase in self-confidence in learning new skills (56% significantly so) and 96% reported improvement in their sense of accomplishment and mastery. Not a single participant reported a decline in either measure. Qualitative surveys from the most recent program cycle confirm those gains have held, with participants consistently reporting new friendships formed, lasting motivation to continue their creative practice, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the eight-week sessions.

“Having little to no disposable income, the free classes are a true godsend.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“This is my third time taking this class and I get something new every time.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“I feel more confident about making creative decisions and experimenting than I did before. I would absolutely recommend this class, without hesitation! I have invested funds to purchase additional materials and supplies and have started working on my own projects. I wish there was a second workshop building on skills and techniques from this one.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“The arts are a proven tool for keeping older Delawareans healthy, connected, and engaged,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This funding will ensure Delaware continues to lead, allowing us to reach hundreds more seniors who deserve access to these programs.”

“The Delaware Division of the Arts has built something remarkable with Access Creative Aging, and the Division of Libraries has been there every step of the way,” said Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “That partnership is what turned a pilot program in eight libraries into a statewide model for how the arts support healthy aging. This award reflects the power of state agencies working together, and our commitment to making sure that work reaches every Delawarean, regardless of income or geography.”

“Delaware’s older adult population is growing rapidly, and demand for Access Creative Aging programming has consistently outpaced our capacity,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “This award will allow us to bring high-quality, free arts programming to more Delawareans in more communities, including those with the least access to the arts, and to build the case for sustained state investment in this work.”

Delaware’s population of adults aged 55 and older is projected to grow by more than 50 percent by 2030. The Creative Aging, Creative Futures award will allow DDOA to expand the program over two grant cycles running through June 2028, with a goal of reaching 480 participants at 20 libraries and 12 senior centers and delivering more than 640 hours of instruction.

“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 Pam Breaux, President and CEO of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). “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 of E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. “We are delighted to see this initiative expand arts programming for older adults, supporting more classes, residencies and sustained creative opportunities that help older adults learn, grow and connect.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts is one of 28 state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. Funding will support expanded workshop offerings, training for new teaching artists, and access to programs at libraries and senior services organizations in communities across all three of Delaware’s counties.

For information about Access Creative Aging activities in Delaware, contact Andrew Truscott, Program Officer for Marketing and Communications, at andrew.truscott@delaware.gov or visit https://arts.delaware.gov/programs-events/delaware-creative-aging/.

For more information about NASAA’s Creative Aging, Creative Futures initiative, visit nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-aging/#cacf.

Explore Watercolors! Participant Testimonials (Video: Advocate Media)

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About the Delaware Division of the Arts

The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

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