Eagan Receives Grant For New Senior Arts Programs

EAGAN, MN — Eagan Art House, a division of Eagan Parks and Recreation, was selected as one of 15 nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota, and one of only two Twin Cities suburbs, to receive a grant from Aroha Philanthropies through its new statewide initiative, “Seeding Vitality Arts MN.” Chosen from a competitive field of applicants, the Eagan Art House received a grant to support the development and expansion of successful creative aging programs, a seminal initiative of Aroha Philanthropies.

Eagan city officials noted that studies show that senior adult participation in arts activities results in increased health and wellness, including fewer doctor visits, decrease in depression and a greater sense of wellbeing. The city said Vitality Arts programs inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging.

Eagan received a grant for $12,500 to implement three eight week workshops for senior adults in 2018. The workshops cover several kinds of art, including dance, mold making and sculpture, and story telling and video capture, according to a news release.

These art forms have not previously been offered by the Eagan Art House. Each workshop is led by professional teaching artists from the Twin Cities area.

“Aroha Philanthropies is at that exciting intersection of the arts and how the creative process can help lead to improved health, joy and connection for older adults. The Eagan Art House is thrilled to join Aroha Philanthropies at the forefront of the emerging field of creative aging,” said Julie Andersen, Recreation Supervisor for the Eagan Art House, in a statement.

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