For FY22, CAH applied for and received a “Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging” grant award from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, in partnership with Aroha Philanthropies. With the support, CAH launched Create and Thrive!, a pilot program that provided professional development to local teaching artists who were interested in learning more about effectively engaging the District’s older adults.
In partnership with Arts for the Aging (AFTA), CAH offered this training opportunity to nine (9) teaching artists in DC from Fall 2021 - Spring 2022. Teaching artists were paired to create curriculum for a new interdisciplinary residency program, that offered three (3) consecutive workshops to the same group of participants at local community and residential care settings.
Teaching artists:
Nephelie Andonyadis, she/her/hers, Theater Artist, Ward 3
Charity Blackwell, she/her/hers, Spoken Word/Poetry Artist, Ward 5
Regie Cabico, he/they/she, Poetry Artist, Ward 5
Dr. Kenneth Dickerson, he/him/his, Music/Photography Artist, Ward 4
Margot Greenlee, she/her/hers Dance Artist, Ward 6
Joy Jones, she/her/hers, Creative Writing Artist, Ward 5
Shaina Kuhn, she/her/hers, Music Artist, Ward 6
Naoko Wowsugi, any pronouns, Photography Artist, Ward 5
Davey S. Yarborough, he/him/his, Jazz Artist, Ward 4
Local senior centers
Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Center, Ward 4
Kingdom Care Senior Village, Ward 8
The Iona Washington Home Center, Ward 8
East of the River Regional Socialization Hub, Ward 8
PROGRAMS AND ARTISTS
The Gateway To Jazz Is The Blues: Kenneth Dickerson & Davey Yarborough
When I Opened The Door of Feelings: A Poetry Workshop: Regie Cabico
Resonate! Poetry and Voice: Charity Blackwell & Shaina Kuhn
Bring a Thing : Reconnect with your Memorabilia: Margot Greenlee + Naoko Wowsugi
Toy Stories: A series of storytelling, poetry and movement practices, inspired by toys and games of childhood: Joy Jones & Nephelie Andonyadis