Delaware’s Access Creative Aging initiative is designed to serve older adults with quality, in-depth and interactive learning experiences in the visual and performing arts.
The initiative trains artists and Delaware public library staff to create, administer and present free programs at libraries across the state. Each program consists of a consecutive series of 6 to 8 weekly sessions led by a trained teaching artist and a culminating event that showcases the work of the participants. The artforms taught range from the visual arts like watercolor painting and pastels, to the performing arts like musical theater and jazz dancing.
A goal of the initiative is to reach diverse participants from underserved and rural communities by building on the outreach efforts and contacts already established by local public libraries.
Because libraries are embedded in their communities and have a history of serving diverse populations, inclusive relationships have been established through the variety of services and programs they offer. The library, in effect, has become the community hub or center of activity in many locations, serving members with diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and abilities.
