“This is a call for systemic change – one that values ageing as a creative force…”

On 30th April and 1st May 2025 The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster is bringing together an exciting mix of people to explore the concept of creative ageing and to debunk common stereotypes of older people.

CADA Co-Chair Arti Prashar is a Keynote speaker. Here’s a summary of her speech.

CADA wants to challenge the invisibility of older, diverse creatives in our arts and funding landscapes. Too often, ageing is medicalised, and older artists are excluded from meaningful opportunities, funding, and narratives – unless they are labelled as “emerging” or aligned with institutions. Through our work at CADA and the Visionaries report, we’ve seen the urgent need to centre voice, visibility, and agency for older artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities. This is a call for systemic change – one that values ageing as a creative force and ensures that all artists, across the life course, are seen, heard, and supported.

The 2-day event will include participation from creative practitioners, health professionals and key contacts from academia, to share best practice and new and innovative responses which address key challenges from the sector.