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As the voice of Canada’s elder artists, we offer a supportive, includsive, and like-minded community, as well as programs and services that enable artists of every discipline to remain relevant, connected, informed and inspired.

Land Acknowledgment

We would like to acknowledge that we live, work, meet, and travel on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples that have cared for this land, now called Canada, since time immemorial. We would like to also acknowledge this, as part of our covenant with all Indigenous nations, to share, respect and protect the land, in the spirit of peace and friendship, and to honour the future generations of all our nations.

Current News & Happenings

CSARN Chair Addresses Cultural Summit
CSARN’s Chair, the Hon. Marie Poulin, addressed hundreds of cultural leaders at the federal government’s Cultural Summit held recently in Ottawa. Here is a portion of her message:

“I am inviting every cultural organization attending this Summit to include elders in their decision-making process. I am inviting you to change the perception of aging thanks to these elders you will include. I am inviting the federal, provincial and municipal cultural agencies to develop programs where these “keepers of knowledge” can contribute to the growth of our culture for the betterment of all.”

CSARN Stands in Solidarity with Artists in Ukraine
CSARN joins with many artists and their organizations, in Canada and around the world, in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. All are united in expressing solidarity with artists in Ukraine affected personally by this unjust war, those in Russia jailed for trying to tell the truth, and all artists facing aggression, violent conflict and censorship.

To find out more, we invite you to contact one of the many groups, which span all artistic disciplines: CARFAC, L’Union des artistes, TWUC, Canadian Actors’ Equity and others in Canada; CISAC, International Music Council, International Council of Museums, Fédération Internationale des Acteurs and many more globally, including the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund.

Join our Online Salons
CSARN presents regular discussion groups on topics of interest to elder artists. Click here to check the schedule and to sign up.

CSARN Introduces Spotlight
Are you an elder professional artist with a new work? Be one of the first to announce it on our new page. Just introduced, Spotlight is a listing of new performances, releases, and showings. Click here for more details.

COVID-19 Resources:
If you need information on dealing with the coronavirus, CSARN offers a free hotline service called HealthCare Assist & Connect. In addition, our FYI page has links to provincial and federal websites as well as other resources. And check out our Facebook Page where we are sharing some of the ways artists, and people in general, are handling the pandemic.

Get information on the Coronavirus and links to provincial and territorial health sites by clicking the button below.

We have links to various services and programs offered by the Government of Canada, including a calculator that will help you determine what benefits you may be entitled to.

The Government of Ontario provides reductions in hydro bills for low income households. Find out more by clicking the button below.

The Distinguished Artists Who Advise CSARN

Honorary Board Member
Gordon Pinsent

Artistic Advisory
Peggy Baker • Laurie Brown • Max Dean
Rita Shelton Deverell • Douglas Gibson
Lynda Hamilton • Evelyn Hart • Brenda Hoffert
Paul Hoffert • Thomas King • Jani Lauzon
Ranee Lee • Guy Maddin • Sheila McCarthy
R.H.Thomson • Mary Walsh • Paul Wong

In our Community's own words . . .

As is often the case, artists and the arts are ‘scouts’ – moving forward into cultural and social areas of exploration in significant ways that over time have broad societal resonance. CSARN is a focal point for awareness and support of activity by senior artists – with possible long-term implications as a model for seniors in other communities and areas of life.

The caliber of collective knowledge is superb. CSARN is an amazing resource.

CSARN is demonstrating its value as a national forum for senior artists from all parts of Canada.

CSARN provides and reinforces a sense of artistic connection and prevents a sense of isolation. It’s a vehicle for education, both sharing and seeking. A wonderful resource.

CSARN is becoming an essential hub for senior artists of all stripes. Through an inventive strategy of conferences, workshops, referrals, newsletters, social media links, mentorships and an openness to other opportunities for outreach it can become a pivotal PASO (provincial arts service organisation) for 'artists in their prime.'

CSARN is a wonderful resource and source of support and nurturing for senior artists in all disciplines. Their workshops and conferences offer valuable information and contacts while helping us to develop much needed skills in what is an increasingly complicated technical world. They also offer practical advice and solutions to many obstacles that we face as we age.

As the voice of Canada’s elder artists, we offer a supportive, includsive, and like-minded community, as well as programs and services that enable artists of every discipline to remain relevant, connected, informed and inspired.

Land Acknowledgment

Current News & Happenings

The Distinguished Artists Who Advise CSARN

In our Community's own words . . .

CSARN Lead Sponsors: