The report Stories for Change by Partners for Livable Communities and funded by MetLife Foundation, offers leadership examples that expand the arts to new audiences. Nearly 50 best practices showcase the programs and strategies that use the arts and culture in communities experiencing demographic shifts.

Newcomers and older adults (65 +) are two of the fastest growing populations, so communities across the country are grappling with a demographic makeup that is increasingly diverse and proportionally older than in the past. Arts and cultural organizations have the opportunity to reach out, to increase resources in the community, and to engage populations that are at risk for being overlooked.

This report includes ideas completed by many types of organizations, including museums, libraries, community development organizations, theaters, orchestras, dance ensembles, area agencies on aging, transportation bureaus, parks, botanic gardens, universities, and more. The stories are located in rural, mid-size, and metropolitan settings; many can be easily implemented and do not require a major overhaul of staffing, operations, or an organization’s mission.

Stories for Change can be downloaded at www.livable.org/storiesforchange. An accompanying PowerPoint presentation is also available for download so readers can share the report's stories in their own communities.