Grant awards totaling $165,000 were announced in September for 13 creative aging programs taking place statewide through the Oklahoma Arts Council's Creative Aging Partnership Grant program. The investment will support programs engaging older learners with hands-on sequential arts learning taught by professional teaching artists. Programs in Ada, Norman, Ponca City, Pawhuska, Sapulpa, Tulsa, and other communities were awarded.
Programs receiving support are offering instruction in ballet, dance, creative writing, storytelling, vocal music, and more—all designed specifically to meet needs of older Oklahomans through the arts. A recent report shows Oklahoma creative aging programs are benefiting participants' cognitive, mental, and physical health.
Applications for Creative Aging Partnership Grants open in spring 2027.
Creative Aging Partnership Grants are made possible with funding from the Oklahoma State Legislature, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).
