Home - CSARN

Today’s senior artists were the ground-breaking game-changers on the cultural scene 40, 50, and 60 years ago. Today, they are still breaking new ground.

CSARN exists to support them in their life work to make this a better, more culturally rich country in which to live. What makes them unique is their desire to keep creating, to continue developing the skills and talents they have spent a lifetime refining, and to continue using their art to challenge our perceptions of the world we live in .

And we, as a country, can all benefit from this.

Current News & Happenings

Western Seminars in November

CSARN is presenting seminars on Social Media in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon & Winnipeg in November. Click here to find out more and register.

First Visionary Artist Lifetime Award Presented:
CSARN congratulates Patty Gail Peaker, winner of CSARN’s first Visionary Artist Lifetime Award for her tireless work on behalf of PAL [Performing Arts Lodges] and its Supporting Cast program. Presented at Maintaining Creativity 4: Inspiration on October 16th. The annual award is made possible through an endowment to the Toronto Foundation by donor Joan VanDuzer.

New CSARN Chair:
CSARN is proud to welcome the Hon. Marie Charette-Poulin LL.B. as our new Board Chair. Marie is a former Canadian Senator, former Founding CEO of the tribunal for the self-employed in the cultural industry, former Deputy Secretary in the Privy Council Office of Canada, and former CBC/Radio-Canada Executive.

Inspirational Conference:
Thanks to everyone who made Maintaining Creativity 4: Inspiration another sellout. Our annual conference takes place in Toronto on October 16th. Watch for videos of the event coming soon. Click here for details.

The City of Toronto has a new Homeshare program that pairs residents 55+ with space in their homes with students looking for an affordable space in exchange for some chores or companionship. There are info sessions over the next few weeks. More details by clicking here.

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

The Distinguished Artists Who Advise CSARN

Honourary Board Member
Gordon Pinsent

Advisory Council
Peggy Baker • Laurie Brown • Max Dean
Rita Shelton Deverell • Douglas Gibson
Martha Henry • Brenda Hoffert • Paul Hoffert
Sheila McCarthy • R.H.Thomson

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.

CSARN is absolutely integral to my function as a senior artist. I continue to perform and to write. CSARN has also provided me with new network opportunities to expand the reach of my work. CSARN keeps me productive and functioning.

CSARN is the hub, connecting and bringing together artists from different communities to share ideas, concerns, information ... to offer assistance, mentoring, guidance, support ... to link 'the silos' thereby creating its own unique community.

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.