Arts Council England’s Intergenerational Creative Practice forum, held on the 6th May, brought together artists, practitioners and community leaders to explore how creativity can connect people across age groups. The session offered a rich exchange of perspectives, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of intergenerational work in today’s cultural landscape.
Among the speakers was theatre-maker and Chair of CADA, Arti Prashar, who delivered a thought-provoking reflection that questioned the very language often used in the sector. Rather than identifying her practice as “intergenerational,” Arti spoke about her lifelong experience of naturally working across ages through community-focused, participatory arts.
Drawing on personal memories of growing up in vibrant, multi-generational spaces from family gatherings to community cinema nights, she described how these environments shaped her creative approach. For Arti, the essence of her work lies not in age categories, but in fostering belonging, shared storytelling and mutual understanding across diverse groups.
Her contribution challenged the sector to think more critically about terminology. She suggested that the label “intergenerational” can sometimes narrow the scope of practice, often implying work only between the very young and the very old, while overlooking the richness of wider community diversity. Instead, she advocated for a broader, more inclusive lens, one that values differences in culture, ability and background alongside age.
Arti also highlighted the increasing social separation between generations, driven by changes in housing, work and community life, and stressed the importance of intentional creative interventions to rebuild these connections.
The forum, organised by Arts Council England’s Creative Ageing Peer Learning Team, created space for exactly these kinds of critical conversations. It encouraged attendees to reflect, question and reimagine how creative practice can meaningfully bring people together across boundaries.
Events like this continue to play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and connected cultural sector. Take a look at the Creative Ageing Peer Learning website to find more events.
Creative Ageing: Development & Agency 