International Longevity Centre Global Alliance - Designing the Future of Ageing

26th May 2025

A new study explores how older adults with a migration background engage in art, highlighting the value of cultural expression rooted in heritage and community. It stresses the importance of accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and key community figures.

We recently published a report on art practice among older adults with a migration background. This report presents a qualitative study exploring whether and what kinds of art activities have been developed for older migrants, how artists have gained access to this target group and the challenges they face, as well as the needs and experiences of the older participants themselves.

Background

We have already conducted extensive research on the value of active participation in arts and culture for older adults in the Netherlands. These studies show that engaging in the arts:

1. fosters positive feelings,
2. connects people on a deeper level, and
3. stimulates older adults creatively and personally.

However, these studies mostly involved art projects with little to no participation from older adults with a migration background. Funding bodies, such as the Lang Leve Kunstfonds, receive few applications for initiatives involving these groups. Even internationally, art initiatives that include older migrants remain relatively invisible and underrepresented.

Together with Older Adults

These findings gave us ample reason to explore the needs regarding art practice among older adults born outside the Netherlands — from those who have lived in the country for many years to recent newcomers. The research team — consisting of Dr. Barbara Groot, Zohra Bourik, Lieke de Kock, and Prof. Dr. Tineke Abma — collaborated with older adults and existing initiatives to explore the different ways in which they express their creativity. Is it considered art, or does it reside in customs and traditions?

“No, people don’t come for art. They come for something that aligns with their values. Eating together, talking, maybe playing a game.”
— Researcher

Meaning and Impact

In summary, this exploratory research shows that the meaning and impact of art initiatives on older adults with a migration background mirrors the outcomes found in previous studies on the value of cultural participation for older adults. Participants experience positive emotions, connection, and challenge — especially through deep-rooted links to heritage, traditions, creative expression, and symbols from their countries of origin. However, they also face specific barriers, ranging from different interpretations of the concept of ‘art’ to language obstacles.

“Make it accessible and low threshold. No financial barriers. Connect to the participants’ language and culture. And ensure there’s an intermediary from their own community.”
— Activity organizer

Involving Key Figures

The study highlights the essential role of key figures in engaging older adults with a migration background in art activities. These individuals — often volunteers or professionals with knowledge of the language and culture — are crucial in bridging the gap between various spheres, such as self-organizations, artists, cultural institutions, care and welfare organizations, and the older migrants themselves. This requires that artists, funders, and cultural institutions remain open to learning from grassroots organizations and community-based work, in order to effectively reach older adults with a migration background and tailor their offerings appropriately.

ILC-Netherlands