The Canadian Artists Network is thrilled to be bringing Creativity Forever [formerly Maintaining Creativity] back for its ninth year from October 28 to November 1, 2024. Sharing perspectives on how creators maintain vibrant artistic careers while surmounting the challenges of ageing, this year’s event will feature speakers from visual art, theatre, dance, film, music and journalism streams. The conference will be available to attendees from coast to coast to coast via Zoom.
Register here: Conference – CanArtNet
Three engaging chapters, spaced over the three days of the conference, will focus on the physical and mental health benefits of creativity, how the ageing process and other circumstances impact our creative process over the years, and the importance of mentoring and intergenerational collaboration.
The conference opens with legendary Canadian actor and singer [and CAN board member] Tom Jackson delivering the land acknowledgement and a presentation of his music video I’m Not Saying, I’m Just Saying.
Chapter 1: Art = Life: The Health Benefits of Creativity
October 28th @ 1:00PM ET | 10:00 AM PT
To kick off the conference, we explore how being actively creative decreases the risks of mortality and cognitive decline. In this panel, journalist and author Adriana Barton will engage with three artists in a lively and unique discussion mixing science and art.
Panelists:
Dr. David Goldbloom – Senior Medical Advisor, CAMH [retired]
Florence K – Musician and CBC host
Claire Wootten – Professor Emerita of Dance, York University, and a team leader with Dancing with Parkinsons Canada
Chapter 2: New Directions: Changing Your Creative Process
October 30th @ 1:00PM ET | 10:00 AM PT
Creativity is fundamentally about making change—transforming ideas into new realities, challenging the status quo, and reimagining our world. As we age and navigate various life circumstances, our creative processes inevitably evolve. Moderated by Amanda Hancox, former Executive Director of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, we will explore just how the ageing process and other circumstances direct changes to our creative process over the years.
Panelists:
Milly Ristvedt – Visual Artist
Marie-Josee Chartier – Dancer
Peter Rowe – Filmmaker, Author, and Canadian Artists Network Mentor
Chapter 3: Mixing the Generations: Creativity and Mentoring
November 1st @ 1:00PM ET | 10:00 AM PT
The Canadian Artists Network’s flagship Artist to Artist Mentoring program has already established itself as a major success with both its mentors and mentees. Mentoring is an intergenerational bridge that involves sharing knowledge. Advantages to the community of senior artists include helping to bring new projects to life while maintaining community engagement and fighting ageism. The next generation of artists benefit in myriad ways including increased confidence and providing hands-on experience and visibility.
CAN Executive Director Scott Walker will lead the final chapter of Creativity Forever 24 by presenting three case studies from the program, alongside the participants.
Panelists:
Mentor Jani Lauzon & Mentee Jenn Forgie [theatre]
Mentor Edward Heeley & Mentee Omatta Udalor [film]
Mentor Sandy Graham & Mentee JC Sol [music]
Conference – CanArtNet