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CSARN [the Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network] serves “senior” professional artists in Canada – that is, artists who, either by age or years of experience, consider themselves seniors in their field – in their desire to continue their life’s work as creators, in the visual and performing arts, with the written word, as well as with production teams.

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

Current News & Happenings

Join us for the CSARN Online Salons

We start a new round of OnSalons every three weeks. Click here to view the schedule and to register.

CSARN Congratulates Lynda Hamilton
CSARN joins the Dancer Transition Resource Centre and The Al & Malka Green Artist’s Health Centre in congratulating Lynda Hamilton on receiving the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Volunteerism in the Arts. Lynda has been a strong supporter of CSARN since our beginning and has just joined our Artistic Advisory. Here is an interview between Lynda and CSARN Executive Director Scott Walker.

MC6 Videos Now Available
Thanks to everyone who attended and helped organize Maintaining Creativity 6. Our annual conference ended November 1st. Videos of each chapter are now available by clicking here.

The Residential School Tragedy
CSARN stands with all First Nations in the unfolding tragedy of unmarked and mass graves at residential schools. The loss of so many children who would now be elders, who should have been sharing their art and culture with new generations, is a heartbreaking loss.

Our board member, Tom Jackson, has released a music video that speaks to the tragedy. As fellow board member Phillip Silver says, “Let there not be any doubt about the role that the arts can play in healing a broken society.”

Tom has issued a Call to Action: watch the video, reflect on its message, then call someone and tell them you love them. Then suggest they do the same.

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

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

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 and like-minded community, as well as programs and services that enable artists of every discipline to remain relevant, connected, informed and inspired.

Current News & Happenings

The Distinguished Artists Who Advise CSARN

In our Community's own words . . .

CSARN Lead Sponsors: