rhythm is life- A World of Rhythm at your feet!

Rhythm is Life was created to increase opportunities for First Nations and CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) older people to participate in creative activities, initially in Western Sydney, later expanding to Ultimo and Pyrmont, with plans to further grow into the Central Coast and Newcastle over the next five years. This pioneering program was launched in 2019 and has become a model for engaging older communities through arts and culture.

The program was originally designed by a professional dancer and dance therapist with a passion for bringing the joy of movement to older audiences. Following extensive community consultations with participants, the program expanded to include drumming and visual arts activities, ensuring a broader creative experience for all involved.

Program Achievements (2019–Present):

• Older people engaged in the program: 1,407
• Professional dance educators engaged and trained: 53
• Professional drummers engaged: 4
• Professional visual artists engaged: 5

Key Objectives and Outcomes:

1. Promotes productive ageing and healthy lifestyles:
   Encourages older participants to stay active, socially connected, and engaged in lifelong learning through creative pursuits.
2. Encourages creative challenges:
   Inspires seniors to embrace new artistic practices, fostering a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
3. Builds partnerships:
   Strengthens collaborations between the arts and culture sector and organisations supporting older people.
4. Raises awareness of creative ageing benefits:
   Highlights the mental, physical, and social advantages of creative ageing programs, championing their importance in the community.
5. Celebrates older artists:
   Promotes the valuable contributions of older artists, recognising their creativity and enriching their legacies.
6. Capacity building and income opportunities:
   Provides training and income-generating opportunities for professional dance educators, musicians, and visual artists, empowering them to lead and facilitate these programs.

Through Rhythm is Life, we aim to foster a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant community where older people are celebrated, empowered, and supported through the transformative power of arts and culture. This program is a cornerstone of our vision for social impact through creativity and also provided opportunities to emerging and established professional artists to run the program