Creative Aging Foundations Training with Lifetime Arts
The Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the IEDA), is partnering with Lifetime Arts to offer Creative Aging Foundations Training for a cohort of teaching artists and organizations interested in bringing arts programming to Iowa’s older adult population.
The full day, in-person professional development opportunity will take place on Thursday, February 4th, 2027 in Des Moines, Iowa. Organizations may apply for up to two representatives to attend the training.
Lifetime Arts’ signature team-based learning experience is designed for professionals who want to deepen their skills and grow alongside peers. In this highly interactive, customized cohort training, participants will build a shared language around creative aging while strengthening facilitation and program design skills. Together with the cohort, participants will explore practical tools, proven frameworks, and real-world strategies, preparing them to design and lead impactful, outcomes-driven creative aging programs to serve older adults in their communities.
Participants will also receive a free one-year membership to The Creative Aging Collaborative for continued learning and peer connection.
Lifetime Arts is a nationally recognized nonprofit transforming the way our society understands and experiences aging through the arts.
Questions
Potential applicants may contact Grants and Operations Manager Elizabeth Ferreira at [email protected] or 515-348-6325 with questions regarding the program.
Accessibility
The IEDA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to eligible applicants. For technical support submitting the online application, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator, Elizabeth Ferreira, at 515-348-6325 or [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of the application deadline.
Timeline
December 15, 2026 | Application Deadline
The deadline to submit the online application is 11:59 PM on December 15, 2026.
January 15, 2027 | Acceptance Notification
Applicants will be notified of program decisions by January 15, 2027.
February 4, 2027 | Creative Aging Foundations Training
The Creative Aging Foundations Training with Lifetime Arts will take place Thursday, February 4, 2027 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Program Expectations
Selected participants must attend the full day retreat in person, actively participate in discussions and activities, complete a pre-retreat questionnaire, and complete a post-retreat evaluation. The training is highly interactive. Applicants should be prepared to share information about their work, ask questions, and engage with peers.
Registration fees and lunch will be provided. Additional expenses related to participating in the training are the participant’s responsibility.
Selection Priorities
A mix of participants and geographies will be considered to ensure a dynamic cohort.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual teaching artists (visual, performing, literary, film, interdisciplinary, folk & traditional arts, etc.) who are 18 years of age or older and are current full-time Iowa residents.
- Iowa nonprofit organizations registered with the Iowa Secretary of State that are exempt from federal taxes pursuant to Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) and maintains a staffed office physically located within the State of Iowa. Iowa nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 tax exempt status.
- Nonprofit organizations physically located within a Border City, that otherwise meet the eligibility requirements.
- Educational institution, organization or K-12 school whose primary orientation, mission and purposes are education and/or awarding academic credits.
- Unit of local, county, state or federally recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa.
NOTE: Organizations may apply for up to two representatives to attend the training.
Ineligible Applicants:
- For-profit corporation or business; political party; or national service/professional organization.
Application Process
Review Process
Submitted applications are reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility, and adherence to published guidelines. Applications are reviewed as submitted, provided that IEDA may contact applicants if any additional information is required. New application information or subsequent application clarification submitted after a program deadline is not considered unless requested by an IEDA program manager. A determination as to eligibility or completeness is final agency action.
Application Submission
Applicants must submit applications via the Iowa Arts Council’s SlideRoom, an online application portal. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete or ineligible applications will not be accepted. Applicants can access the current online application requirements at iowaartscouncil.slideroom.com. Applicants must create a login to view the full application requirements for the program. Applicants can visit help.liaisonedu.com for assistance related to the online submission.
Application Questions and Scoring Rubric
The Creative Aging Foundations Training scoring rubric will be used by the reviewers to evaluate program applications. The following application questions are provided for reference only. Applicants must review and complete application requirements in the SlideRoom portal. Each section has criteria and corresponding point values to ensure unbiased review process. The rubric is on a scale of 15 points.
Applicant Profile (5 Points Possible)
Describe the applicant’s relevant background, including any experience or qualifications related to providing creative aging programming for Iowa’s older adult population.
Readiness to Engage (5 Points Possible)
Briefly describe why now is the right time to engage in creative aging training, what you hope to learn, and how you will utilize the training to serve Iowa’s older adult population.
Overall Application (5 Points Possible)
The following scoring criteria reference the quality of the proposal and application as a whole and not a particular question.
Glossary of Terms and Definitions
Applicants should refer to the glossary for clarification of program terms and definitions.