Creative Aging: Su-Casa

SU-CASA is a community arts engagement program that places artists in residence at senior centers across Brooklyn. SU-CASA artists engage older adults in an art project or series of cultural programs over the course of the residency. Each residency also includes a public program component – exhibits, readings, performances, open houses or other cultural events open to the surrounding community.

This initiative seeks to connect artists with older adults to positively impact the well-being of older adults through direct engagement in arts-based activities. Each senior center is unique and offers access to different types of spaces and resources.

Prior to the beginning of their residency, SU-CASA artists will collaborate with the administrators of their assigned senior center to further refine project goals and coordinate a schedule for residency activities and use of facilities.

SU-CASA supports artists who are sensitive to the needs of older adults and who are interested in engaging their communities. Brooklyn Arts Council will only accept applications from individual artists seeking residencies at participating senior centers in Brooklyn.

Individual artists-in-residence receive a program stipend and materials/supplies stipend (The amounts for 2022 haven’t been confirmed, but will be at least $5000 for the program stipend and $1500 for the materials stipend). In the past, SU-CASA artists have also had access to materials and supplies from Materials for the Arts, though this has yet to be confirmed for 2022.

Individual artists can apply directly to participate in the program without a fiscal sponsor. Artists may apply for up to two SU-CASA residencies.

The 2022 SU-CASA program is funded by the New York City Council. It is a collaboration among the City Council, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), the Department for the Aging (DFTA) and Brooklyn Arts Council.