Experiential Creativity Workshop Series at Arts & Ideas Festival - June in New Haven, Conn.

The International Festival of Arts and Ideas will feature “Unleash Your Creativity,” a series of three, experiential creativity workshops. The Festival runs from June 11 to 25, 2011, in New Haven, Conn. The workshops are June 18, 21 and 25.
The workshops will help participants explore their creativity, learn tools for new ways of thinking, find alternatives, get unstuck, discover others who value creativity, and engage creativity in the workplace. This series links the creativity of others with an in-depth opportunity to (re)discover and engage one’s own creativity and its applications to organizations and society. Full details about each workshop and its facilitators, along with registration information, can be found online (register here) or by email. The three workshops include:

• At Albertus Magnus College: “Embodying Creativity: Engaging Creative Collaboration Through Movement and Play,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., June 18. This workshop features facilitators from Pilobolus Dance Theatre, InterPlay Connecticut, Clifford Beers Child Guidance Clinic, and the Alexander Technique, as well as Irish poet Anne O’Reilly who will explore how play creates the space for creativity and transformation. No previous dance experience is necessary to participate in this day, but be prepared to move. This workshop is $99 and includes the all-day workshop, lunch and a ticket to Susan Marshall Dance Company’s “Adamantine” at 5 p.m. on June 18. MORE
• At Yale University School of Art: “Creativity in the Workplace: Engaging Creativity, Design and Innovation in Organizations,” 12 to 4 p.m. on Tues., June 21. This workshop features AIGA Connecticut President Rich Hollant, International Centre for Creativity and Imagination Director Steven Dahlberg, and Irish poet Anne O’Reilly. This workshop is $99 and includes the half-day workshop, a reception, Paul Bloom’s “Ideas: How Pleasure Works” lecture at 5:30 p.m., and a ticket to Jack Hitt’s “Making Up the Truth” at 8 p.m. on June 21. MORE
• At Albertus Magnus College: “Composing a Creative Life on Purpose: Engaging Meaning in Life and Work,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., June 25. This workshop features facilitators who will lead hands-on experiences – in arts therapy, education, creativity, art, spirituality and intuition – that will help participants engage their creativity on purpose and for purpose. This workshop is $99 and includes the all-day workshop, lunch and a ticket to David T. Little’s “Soldier Songs” at 5 p.m. on June 25.  MORE

O’Reilly is a special guest from Dublin, Ireland, whose readings and performances will be uniquely featured in all three workshops. Her participation is supported by Imagine Ireland. O’Reilly is the author of the book, Sacred Play: Soul Journeys in Contemporary Irish Theatre; a book of poetry, Singing from the Belly of the Whale; and a CD of her poems, Breathsong.

Additional facilitators include Renee Jaworski, Pilobolus dancer and associate artistic director; Lisa Laing, Certified InterPlay Leader; L'Ana Burton, director of CDC Creative Dance Continuum and teaching artist for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism; Rachel Bernsen, Certified Teacher of The Alexander Technique; Carol Pollard, associate director of the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics; Dorie Shallcross, author of Intuition: An Inner Way of Knowing; Lisa Furman, artist and associate professor, Albertus Magnus College; Evie Lindemann, assistant professor/clinical coordinator master of arts in art therapy program, Albertus Magnus College; and Alice Forrester, executive director, Clifford Beers Child Guidance Clinic.

The “Unleashing Your Creativity” Series is curated by Steven Dahlberg, who heads the Connecticut-based International Centre for Creativity and Imagination and teaches “Creativity + Social Change” at the University of Connecticut. The centre is dedicated to applying creativity to improve the well-being of individuals, organizations and communities.

The series is presented by the International Centre for Creativity and Imagination, Albertus Magnus College, the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, and Connecticut Creates, in partnership with International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

The mission of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas is to create an internationally renowned festival in New Haven, Conn., of the highest quality with world-class artists, thinkers and leaders, attracting and engaging a broad and diverse audience celebrating and building community and advancing economic development.

Visual/Performing Artists Health Issues Conference - April 14 in Connecticut

The International Centre for Creativity and Imagination is pleased to be one of more than 100 arts, health, educational and advocacy organizations co-sponsoring the Artists in Transition conference on April 11, 2010, in Danbury, Connecticut. Additional co-sponsors include Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation, Actors Fund of America, Chamber Music America, and Merce Cunningham Foundation, among others. Steven Dahlberg will be leading a session (I-9) on "Creative Thinking, Aging and Living: Engaging our Strengths, Living our Purpose." This session will take participants on a journey through creativity, more specifically the creative thinking process, which engages our strengths and purpose. You will explore insights about positivity, strengths, adaptability, and neuroscience in tapping into and harnessing one's creativity in living more meaningful lives.

[1 March 2010 - Artists in Transition] Artists in Transition -- an organization that works with artists and performers facing physical and/or mental health issues that affect their ability to create or perform -- is having its inaugural conference on Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, USA. The conference is being co-sponsored by more than 100 local, state and national arts, health, educational and advocacy organizations.

Inspiring architect/sculptor Tom Luckey will keynote the event and awesome musical entertainment will be provided by Our Time Theatre. There will be outstanding networking opportunities and 15 information-packed breakout sessions on diverse subjects such as healthcare, maximizing employment potential, grant writing, creativity and purpose, etc. Speakers will include artists and performers who themselves are dealing with health and disability issues and making their art and lives a creative force.

Sign up now to be part of this informational and inspirational event. Check out the event Web site for complete conference and registration information (REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 13).

• Breakout Descriptions
• Registration Information

Creativity and Aging White Paper Released by Americans for the Arts; Authored by Steven Dahlberg

[6 March 2008 - Americans for the Arts] Americans for the Arts has just released a white paper on creativity and aging, "Think and Be Heard: Creativity, Aging and Community Engagement" (PDF). Steven Dahlberg, head of the International Centre for Creativity and Imagination, wrote this report as a follow up to the 2007 National Arts Forum Series, which is supported by the MetLife Foundation. "Arts and aging is neither just about art, nor just about aging. Rather, it is about creativity and positive engagement -- that is, creativity as both a goal and a process for shaping the self and society. ... It is through such creative thinking and self-expression that people connect with others and shape the world. Such a work of art is a lifelong process," writes Dahlberg who is also a partner in Elder Care Expos, LLC. Please distribute and share this white paper -- and share your comments following this post.

The Art of Aging: A Doctor's Prescription for Well-Being

[6 May 2007 - WTNH - New Haven, Connecticut, USA] Hamden resident, Dr. Sherwin Nuland is out with his latest book "The Art of Aging: A Doctor's Prescription for Well-Being." Dr. Nuland, a clinical professor of surgery at Yale University is out to radically change the American viewpoint that aging is a disease. More (Video)

Charlie Rose Science Series Continues with Leading Experts in Longevity and Aging: Third Part of Science Series to Examine Longevity and the Aging Pro

[26 March 2007 - PRNewswire] Emmy Award winning journalist Charlie Rose announced the third installment of his 12-part Science Series examining the importance of scientific research in human health. This episode is an in- depth discussion of longevity and aging, including a look at existing and ongoing studies and the social and economic implications of an increase in human life span. Charlie's discussion includes experts who have contributed to important developments in the science of aging and how research into calorie restriction, anti-aging drugs, and genetic manipulation have led to exciting advances over the past decade. Special guests will include Dr. Richard Weindruch, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Robert Butler, President and CEO, International Longevity Center; Dr. Cynthia Kenyon; University of California-San Francisco; Dr. Jay Olshansky, University of Illinois-Chicago; and, Dr. Leonard Guarente, MIT. The program will air on more than 200 PBS stations across the country beginning on Wednesday, March 28th during Charlie's regularly scheduled program. "Longevity has reached something of a precipitating moment," said Charlie Rose. "It has become a subject of great interest for obvious reasons, and with great implications because the baby boom generation is moving forward. With a better understanding of the aging process, science will be able to assist the aging baby boomers, and improve on successes in fighting the diseases of aging." The Charlie Rose Science Series, which is sponsored by Pfizer Inc, is an exploration of the advances being made in scientific research, their contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and how these breakthroughs may be applied to improving human health. The series' first episode focused on the research and growing understanding of the human brain and the second episode examined the contributions that have been made to science through the discovering and mapping of human DNA. As the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age and many older people live into their late 70s and beyond, the U.S. and global communities face tremendous challenges to health and economic security, quality of life, and the management of the diseases of aging. Across the world, scientists are conducting research to advance the field of longevity science, and address the close association between aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. According to a report released by the Alzheimer's Association on March 20, 2007, there are more than five million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's disease. This number includes 4.9 million people over the age of 65, which translates into one out of eight people age 65 and older and one out of every two people age 85 or older. It is estimated that by 2030, 7.7 million people will have Alzheimer's and by mid-century nearly 16 million will be affected. "While aging is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to grow, the good news is that science is continuing to gain knowledge of how the disease works. This research has led to the effective treatments that are available today, and we expect it to lead to new treatments in the future that will address the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, thus allowing us to prevent it from developing or progressing," said Thomas McRae, M.D., of Pfizer. "We are committed to helping people live longer and healthier lives. To help fulfill that promise we are engaged in more research programs and clinical trials than at any other time in our history to develop the therapies that address this and other diseases of aging." Charlie Rose is joined in this series by his co-host, Sir Paul Nurse, PhD, Nobel Laureate and President of Rockefeller University. Speaking about the Charlie Rose Science Series, Dr. Nurse said, "Given the major impact that science has on every day life, it is necessary that we take the time to explain to the public how scientific advances and discoveries affect their daily lives. A proper understanding of how science will facilitate public debate on many of the important scientific questions such as aging and human longevity is increasingly important. I'm pleased to be involved with this effort, and I want to thank Pfizer for the promotion and support of the Science Series." More | Watch Clips

Too Young to be Old ... Dove Pro-Age: Campaign for Real Beauty Uncovers the Beauty of Women over 50

[8 February 2007 - Dove/Unilever Press Release] Are you anti-age or pro·age? According to a recent Dove global study, nearly all women over 50 want to see a change in society’s view on women and aging. In addition, the majority of women believe that if media were reflective of the population, a person would likely believe women over 50 do not exist. For the first time, a brand is talking to women about aging in a positive tone. Continuing its ongoing commitment to widen the narrow definition of beauty, Dove, the global beauty brand, is boldly challenging the “only young-is-beautiful” stereotype with the next phase of the Campaign for Real Beauty: pro·age. Designed to expose what our anti-aging society has been hiding, pro·age celebrates women 50+ by showing their honest, real beauty. The initiative is being brought to life through a global communications campaign created with internationally renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz, an over-50-year-old woman herself. The campaign features images of real women, literally uncovering all of their age spots, grey hair and curves, demonstrating that women are genuinely stunning – at any age. “Dove seeks to create an attitudinal change in the anti-aging category – from negative and fear-driven to affirmative and hope-driven,” says Kathy O’Brien, Dove Marketing Director. “pro·age is about looking great for your age.” Read Full Press Release Read Summary of the 2006 Dove Global Study Read Full White Paper on “Beauty Comes of Age”: Findings of the 2006 Dove global study on aging, beauty and well-being (September 2006) Read More and See the Ad

Creativity can blossom during Third Age

[15 January 2007 - Columbia Daily Tribune] As we begin to ripen into our Third Age, we might want to keep these words, spoken by that great American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, in mind: "I said to myself, I have things in my head that are not like what anyone has taught me - shapes and ideas so near to me, so natural to my way of being and thinking that it hasn’t occurred to me to put them down. I decided to start anew, to strip away what I had been taught." Her decision to trust herself and her instincts and personal outlook was her creative urge speaking to her. We all have this capacity to present ourselves to the world as a separate and individual human being, but it often takes the confidence and pure nerve that finally rises again in our Third Age. As we develop our own way of mature personal exploration and development, our creativity often makes itself known. It is a type of intelligence that I personally believe everyone has left in him or her from childhood but gets put aside to meet the demands the world makes as we move into our adult years. More

Help Wanted: Government Seeks Retiring Baby Boomers

[14 January 2007 - Fox News] The federal government is targeting millions of retiring baby boomers to replace the estimated one-half of their colleagues eligible to retire from federal service in the next few years, according to the Partnership for Public Service, an advocacy organization for federal careers. Maryland retirees, in particular, are prime candidates for the second career push because of their proximity to the many federal agencies with homes in both Washington and Maryland. "The government is resource-challenged right now," said John Emens, a federally employed, second-career, baby boomer who spent 22 years living and working in Maryland. "Huge amounts of money are going to homeland security and the Iraq war. If I'm interviewing someone from Laurel and someone from Louisiana, and I can't offer a relocation package, the person from Laurel has the advantage." More than 112,000 federal employees work in Maryland for 41 different federal agencies, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. This makes up 6 percent of the total federal workforce. The Department of Health and Human Resources tops the list for the most federal workers employed in the state. The Partnership for Public Service announced its campaign earlier this week to educate retirees about the opportunities available at the federal level. More

We're Wired to Connect

[January & February 2007 - AARP The Magazine] Our brains are designed to be social, says bestselling science writer Daniel Goleman -- and they catch emotions the same way we catch colds. ... Have you ever wondered why a stranger’s smile can transform your entire day? Why your eyes mist up when you see someone crying, and the sight of a yawn can leave you exhausted? Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., has wondered, too, and just as he helped revolutionize our definition of what it means to be smart with his 1995 blockbuster, Emotional Intelligence, the two-time Pulitzer nominee and former science reporter for The New York Times has dropped a bombshell on our understanding of human connection in his startling new book, Social Intelligence. More

Ageing nation 'is not a crisis'

[9 January 2007 - BBC] Scotland's ageing population does not represent a "crisis", according to a Holyrood think tank. ... A year-long study by the Scottish Parliament's Futures Forum says the nation can afford to grow old, if it rethinks its approach to retirement. The long-term trends show that Scotland has a shrinking, ageing population. But the forum, headed by Lord Sutherland, believes the ageing crisis is a myth and an older population does not represent an economic time bomb. More