Creatively Aging

One of the most powerful purposes, components, of the Piedmont Triad Initiative for Community Arts is the connection between art and civic engagement. Our two presenters embodied it: professionally and personally. The whole day conveyed powerfully the potential, the ability, of art to change our communities in many ways, whether it is by changing us, our attitudes and actions, or by changing the system. Now, almost by accident, I’ve learned we here at creativeaging are not alone in seeing a natural connection between elders and civic engagement. Now civic engagement might not easily trip off your tongue but in this case it is defined as “Late life civic engagement encompasses actions wherein older adults participate in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community” (ASA). And one of the most dynamic professional associations for seniors and professionals who work with them has an initiative to promote and encourage this movement. Their national conference will include a special focus on it next March.  Let’s All Get Going and Make a Difference!