Thanks to the generous support of The Minto Greenberg Legacy Foundation and Westminster College Foundation, more older adults in our community will have opportunities to explore their creativity, learn new skills and connect with others at their neighbourhood Library.
Recently, London Public Library welcomed Nicholas and Dana Greenberg of The Minto Greenberg Legacy Foundation and Ann Ramundo of Westminster College Foundation to a weekly drawing workshop at Beacock Branch Library to celebrate their support of the Creative Age Workshops for Older Adults project.
Together, the two Foundations are helping the Library expand this popular program in 2026/2027, bringing more workshops to more neighbourhoods and creating opportunities for more older adults to participate.
More Opportunities to Create and Connect
Creative Age offers free weekly arts and enrichment workshops for adults aged 55 and older. By bringing these programs to more neighbourhood Library branches, the Library helps remove barriers to participation, making it easier for older adults to take part in creative activities close to home.
With the support of the two Foundations, the expanded program is expected to reach approximately 3,240 participants through in-person workshops at six Library branches and online workshops offered during the winter months. The funding supports the hiring and training of artists, many of whom are older adults themselves, who will share their skills and experience with participants.
The Impact Goes Beyond the Workshop
During the event, Library staff, a workshop facilitator and participants shared their experiences with the Creative Age program and the difference the program is making.
Creative activities support physical and mental well-being, build confidence and create a sense of belonging. Often, the connections made during a workshop continue long after the program ends.
One example shared during the event was a creative writing group whose members first connected through a Creative Age workshop. The group now meets independently at the Library, continuing to write, share ideas and enjoy the friendships they have formed, while welcoming new members.
Participants in the drawing workshops spoke about discovering, or rediscovering, their creative interests. One participant brought along art supplies that had belonged to their mother and is now using them to explore drawing themselves. Another, at age 75, joked that the program was helping keep them out of trouble! Several participants shared that this program made it easy to put themselves out there and to try something new as it offered in a familiar, welcoming environment.
Their stories reflect the value of Creative Age. Whether trying something new, returning to a familiar interest or simply enjoying time with others, participants are finding opportunities to enrich their lives in a place where they already feel welcome.
Thank You for Making Creative Age Possible
Photo: Back row, left to right: Ann Ramundo of Westminster College Foundation, Joanna Kerr of London Public Library's Creative Age program, Nicholas Greenberg of The Minto Greenberg Legacy Foundation and two Creative Age participants. Front row: Jennifer Quinton, Supervisor of Beacock Branch Library and Creative Age participants and drawing facilitator.
We are deeply grateful to the Minto Greenberg Legacy Foundation and Westminster College Foundation for recognizing the value of creative programming for older adults and for helping the Library bring these meaningful experiences to more Londoners.
Their generosity is making it possible for more older adults to discover new interests, share their talents and build lasting connections in their communities.
Interested in Creative Age? Explore and register for upcoming workshops here.