This grant is designed for professional teaching artists interested in leading participatory arts experiences with older adults. A formal teaching credential is not required to qualify as a teaching artist. 

Applicants should:

• Teach hands-on, sequential arts learning experiences
• Be interested in working with adults ages 55+
• Complete Creative Aging-specific professional development before or during the grant period

Who May Apply

• Artists residing in South Dakota
• Artists serving South Dakota communities
• Border community applicants, including Native Nations spanning multiple states, may be considered  

Applicants must complete Creative Aging-related professional development. Training helps artists better understand aging populations, sequential learning models, accessibility, and community-centered instruction.

Accepted training opportunities may include:

• Lifetime Arts training (SDAC, January 2022)
• National Guild for Community Arts Education webinars, including:
  • Thriving Better Together
  • Groundwork
• Other approved Creative Aging learning opportunities

Creative Aging programs are designed to build both artistic confidence and community connection over time. Intergenerational exchange may also be incorporated when appropriate.

Programs must:

• Spend at least 50% of artist hours directly engaging adults ages 55+
• Include active, participatory arts learning
• Follow sequential instruction, with sessions building on previous lessons over 6–8 weeks
• Emphasize artistic skill development and mastery
• Encourage social connection and meaningful engagement
• Recognize and celebrate the experience and contributions of older adults  

Artists are encouraged to collaborate with community organizations that serve older adults.

Partners may help provide:

• Space for programming
• Outreach and participant recruitment
• Logistical support
• Exhibition or presentation opportunities

Potential partners may include:

• Libraries
• Senior centers
• Assisted- or independent-living facilities
• Arts organizations
• Community centers and nonprofits  

1. Complete the Creative Aging Teaching Artist Grant Application Form at least 45 days before your proposed project start date.
2. Develop a basic project idea.
   A fully developed curriculum is not required at the time of application. Planning and preparation time are built into the grant structure.
3. Identify a potential community partner, if applicable.
4. Submit your completed application.

Example: 8-Week Watercolor Course

An artist requests $2,500 for a Creative Aging watercolor program.

Grant funds could include:

• $500 (20%) for supplies and marketing
• Two 90-minute classes per week over 8 weeks (24 teaching hours)
• 10 hours of planning and preparation
• 6 hours collaborating with a local organization to host a final exhibition

In this example:

• $2,000 is paid directly to the artist for instructional and planning time at $50/hour  

Applications should clearly show how participants will actively learn, connect, and grow through the arts experience. Successful applicants often demonstrate:

• Mastery of an artistic discipline
• Experience teaching participatory arts learning
• Understanding of sequential instruction
• Familiarity with Creative Aging principles
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Patience, flexibility, and compassion when working with older adults

These resources offer training, teaching strategies, research, and examples of successful Creative Aging programs.  Artists interested in learning more about Creative Aging may explore:

• National Center for Creative Aging
• Lifetime Arts
• TimeSlips
• National Guild for Community Arts Education
• Art for Life: Sundogs and Sunflowers  

Ariadne (air ee odd knee) Albright
SDAC Creative Aging Coordinator
creativecarellc@hotmail.com
605-675-9830