E.A. Michelson Philanthropy supports museum-based Vitality Arts® classes, a curricular model proven to enhance the well-being of older adults.

We also invest in new museum spaces designed to welcome older adults and in staff dedicated to ensuring institutions serve all members of their communities.

Additionally, we develop content to build awareness of the benefits of creative aging practices and to upend prevailing narratives that cast aging in a negative light.

The Vitality Arts Difference

Research shows that arts classes for older adults produce remarkable results, including fewer visits to the doctor, reduced need for medication, stronger cognitive scores, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose—especially when they’re built on the right foundation.

Effective creative aging classes share five core elements. They are participant-centered, taught by professionally-trained artists, community-focused, multi-session, and outcome-oriented.

E.A. Michelson Philanthropy coined the term Vitality Arts to describe the specific classes we fund that meet all five elements described below. The Vitality Arts curriculum has proven its impact across every institution, every city, and every art form we’ve supported. It is not a promising experiment. It is a proven model.

Boise Art Museum

Participant-Centered

The curriculum is designed specifically for adults 55+ and holds students to high standards regardless of age or prior experience. 
Anchorage Museum

Professional-Artist Taught

Every course is led by a professional teaching artist who chooses to work with older adults and is skilled at making space for creative risk-taking and
 honest feedback.
Louisiana State Museum

Community-Focused

Social connection is intentionally built into every session. Many groups continue meeting on their own long after the program ends.
heard museum

Multi-Session

These classes are not one-off workshops but sequential courses that meet regularly over multiple weeks to build skills and connections. 
queens museum

Outcome-Oriented

Each course culminates in a public showcase, giving participants a meaningful opportunity to share their work, and experience a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Institutionally, creative aging is an opportunity for us to engage with what it is we do, which is showcase the best of human creativity.
Adam Levine The Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director and CEO, Toledo Museum of Art

Making the Case

Through documentaries, short films, and video interviews, we are making the case for the relevance and promise of creative aging. These visual narratives feature museum directors, cultural icons, educators, and participants who speak to the power of creative aging and how it impacts cultural change, personal transformation, and institutional evolution.

All of our videos are available with closed captions on Vimeo.

View all videos