Older people and the arts
Details of key organisations and resources for older people and the arts are listed below.
Forthcoming events and activites are listed on the older people and the arts - what's on page.
If you'd like your event or organisation listed on these pages, please email us at: artsweb@lambeth.gov.uk (providing concise details, contacts, times and access information) or submit your details for inclusion in the Lambeth Arts Database.
Arts and Seniors in Lambeth
"Creativity lives and grows off experience, and the imaginative and interpretative process relies heavily on that accumulation of sensations, knowledge and so forth, garnered through the passage of life."
Adapted from Midwinter, E., (1990) 'Creating Chances: Arts by Older People'
Encouraging greater participation in the arts by older people is a key priority for Lambeth Arts. We are involved in a number of different ways:
- Co-operating with the Arts Council, national and local arts agencies and groups of older people to develop policy and best practice for work with older people.
- Supporting and encouraging national and local arts agencies and institutions to provide opportunities for older people to participate in the arts. We currently sit on the steering group for:
- The Celebrating Age Festival – which takes place every year for the month of October for all Lambeth Residents in their 50s and upwards.
- Encouraging older people, to participate in arts opportunities and to challenge stereotypical notions about older people and their capacities.
Local organisations
Inclusive community centre geared to meet the needs of the black elderly. Older people can socialise, learn and develop new skills.
Their information unit provides help and advice on housing, benefits, health issues and social services, and advocacy for people who live in the Lambeth, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Areas.
Advice and information on housing, health, benefits. Information for carers. Handyperson scheme, homeshare scheme.
Age Exchange is internationally known for work in all areas of reminiscence, including theatre, publishing, exhibitions, cross-generational projects and training workshops. All of their work emerges from interviews with older people.
U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work. They provide opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun. Learning is delivered by older people, including French, information technology (IT), music, history, art and literature.
National organisations and resources
London's largest and liveliest arts festival organised by, for and with older people.
International charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. They provide community services and publish information on finance and how to stay healthy, as well as guidance on choosing a care home.