About NCCA
Historical Background
The "graying" of America - being heralded by many as the second American Revolution - promises dramatic changes in the field of aging. Arguably, one of the most profound changes is a new way of seeing older adults: moving from a "deficit" approach that stresses losses to an "asset" approach that stresses strengths, potential and achievements.
Dr. Gene Cohen, author of The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life, asserts, "There is no denying the problems that accompany aging. But what has been universally denied is the potential. The ultimate expression of potential is creativity." It is Dr. Cohen's groundbreaking research that found a direct link between creative expression and healthy aging.
Accomplishments
Since its establishment, the NCCA has been actively organizing individual and organizational memberships into 20 statewide networks organized into regions: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest.These networks and memberships are connected through the NCCA’s e-newsletter that provides up-to-date information on creativity and aging, the directory of the NCCA, events and conferences as well as access to training materials and other resources.
· Research Study 2001-2005 - Dr. Gene Cohen, Director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, at George Washington University conducted the first national longitudinal study on the impact of creativity, aging and well being.This study, sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, demonstrated the positive link between creativity and healthy aging.
· Public Awareness Campaign 2002-2005 “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters”
The NCCA Networks, The National Institute of Senior Centers and the National Association of State Arts Agencies collaborated to create a public awareness campaign; “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters” in order to advance this new understanding of aging and the beneficial link between creativity, culture, and aging. The national partners helped to link at aging services with arts organizations.Each network sponsored an “Art of Aging” campaign event, and then culminated with a national art exhibition of works produced by older adults at the White House Conference on Aging.This marked a solidarity and community among the NCCA Networks on a national level. It also began the relationship between the aging and the arts organizations.
· Mini Conference on Aging May 18-19, 2005
The NCCA co-sponsored and helped convene the White House Mini Conference on Creativity & Aging at the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington D.C. where key players in policy research, funders, and best practices convened at the blue ribbon mini conference, May 18-19, 2005, to make recommendations to the White House Conference on Aging.These resolutions addressed three areas: arts in healthcare, universal design, and lifelong learning and community.
· The National White House Conference on Aging, December 12, 2005
The theme for WHCoA was “The Booming Dynamics of Aging: from Awareness to Action” and connected scholars, politicians, practitioners, policy makers, and older adults. The White House Conference on Aging produced the WHCoA Resolution 58 which focused on the beneficial impact hat participating in the arts can have on older adults and their quality of life. The NCCA had the opportunity to hold reception “The Art of Aging: Creativity Matters” which featured artwork from more than 80 older-adult artists from 12 states at the WHCoA. This convening helped to strengthen the new understanding of the importance of positive, creative endeavors of older Americans.
· National Conference on Arts & Aging: “Creativity Matters” November 3-4, 2006
The National Center for Creative Aging with New Jersey Performing Arts Center presented the first national conference that was solely focused on Arts and Aging. More significantly it was the first opportunity to explore in-depth the intersections among research, policy and practice in the field of creative aging. Two hundred and thirty-five leaders, staff, and volunteers convened at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ to address issues of older adults’ access to quality arts programs. Attendees included professional community-based artists, representatives of healthcare, aging, education and cultural organizations, foundations, corporations and government agencies from across the country. The NCCA also held its annual network meeting as part of this historic conference.
· National Center for Creative Aging National Headquarters move to Washington, DC July 2007
The NCCA implemented a strategic move, in partnership with George Washington University: Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, in Washington D.C., to reposition the organization in Washington D.C. in the July 2007.This new partnership with George Washington University combined with the strategic positioning in Washington D.C. alongside its D.C. partners provides the NCCA the opportunity to be at the center of growing public awareness and education.
Objectives
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The NCCA uses the following objectives to strive to fulfill its mission
1. To evaluate arts and aging programs to identify and promote best practices.
2. To distill the lessons of model programs in order to create technical assistance materialsand training programs for others to use.
3. To support the replication of best practice models through existing or new arts and aging programs and coalitions throughout the country.
4. To serve as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and resources, such as national conferences and national e newsletter.
5. To create and maintain a database of such programs as a resource to others.
6. To support research and policy toward developing the field.
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