By Jeff Nesler
Art Against Ageism is a nonprofit organization that uses art as a powerful tool to challenge and combat ageism. Founded by Meg LaPorte and Jordan Evans, the organization aims to create a more inclusive and age-friendly society through artistic expression.
The Power of Artistic Activism
Inspired by historical examples like the AIDS quilt and art promoting the civil rights movement, Art Against Ageism uses interactive art installations and collaborative projects to raise awareness about ageism. They have partnered with organizations like The Mather Institute and Insight Out to educate individuals about art activism and empower them to create their own projects.
“The very first thing that we did, we decided we wanted to create an interactive art installation,” LaPorte said. “Using inspiration from Yoko Ono, who is a well-known artist in her own right, she created the Wish Tree, which collects messages for peace and her trees can be found all over the world. Using her as an inspiration, we created the Aging Is Living Tree.
“A nursing home in Baltimore put this tree in their lobby. We created tags. One side of the tag had questions about aging or age or ageism, and we provided pencils; on the other side, people wrote their responses and hung them on the tree.”
We collected hundreds of tags, and others have done it in different locations.”
One notable project was a collaboration with the “Insight Out” initiative, whose work involves creating large posters of individuals. In this instance, the project featured photos of nursing home residents and staff. By making these individuals visible, the project aimed to challenge the invisibility and isolation often experienced by older adults in institutional settings.
A Multifaceted Approach
Art Against Ageism has also collaborated with various organizations, including Gray Panthers NYC, to expand their reach and impact. They have worked on initiatives such as creating murals and organizing workshops to educate the public about ageism and promote positive aging.
The organization’s founders draw inspiration from influential books like Breaking the Age Code by Becca Levy and The Guerilla Art Kit. They believe that art can challenge ageist stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.
A Personal Journey
LaPorte’s personal journey has also been influenced by her involvement as a board member with the Gray Panthers. Her years of experience working with older adults have fueled their passion for combating ageism and creating a more equitable society.
A Continuing Mission
Art Against Ageism remains committed to using art to advance the concept of positive aging. Through their innovative projects, collaborations, and educational efforts, they are significantly impacting the conversation around ageism and inspiring individuals to take action.
Watch her presentation and interview with us here: Can Art Tackle Ageism?