Arts & Older People Programme

The Arts and Older People Programme is a pioneering initiative, established by the Arts Council in 2010, which tackles loneliness and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing among older people through participation in professionally-led arts activities.

Strengthening the Voice of Older People through the Arts

The programme supports arts organisations, local authorities, community and voluntary groups to develop arts-based projects for older people, ranging from intergenerational storytelling to circus skills.

The programme is supported by the National Lottery and the Public Health Agency.

Two older people learn plate spinning and diablo circus skills under supervision of tutor.

Our Impact

29,000

people took part in this programme

900

older people in care homes benefitted during the pandemic

£2m

National Lottery funding

196

projects created through this programme

Programme Videos

Arts and Dementia – Ronnie’s Story
Arts and Dementia – Living Life to the Full
Arts and Dementia – In the Moment