Special Projects

Arts on Prescription

Arts on Prescription (AoP) is a form of social prescribing that connects people to non-clinical activities—such as arts, nature, and community programs—to improve health and well-being. Originating in the U.K. in the 1990s, it has since expanded worldwide as a holistic, cost-effective way to address mental health challenges, social isolation, and chronic conditions.

AoP specifically links healthcare providers with arts programs like painting, music, dance, and storytelling to support emotional, cognitive, and physical health—especially benefiting older adults by fostering social connection and reducing loneliness.

In 2025, Creative Aging Network-NC (CAN-NC) highlighted AoP at its annual Creative Aging Symposium in Charlotte, NC. Recognizing the need for innovative, person-centered health solutions, CAN-NC is leading efforts to expand AoP across North Carolina, uniting leaders in healthcare, arts, and aging to build a more creative and connected model of community health. 

Our AoP work with community partners has also been featured on ncIMPACT PBS at The Surprising Cure for America’s Loneliness Crisis.

Our next meeting will feature a presentation by

Julia Hotz called Social Prescribing and Healthy Aging: Reconnecting to What Matters.

January 9, 2026 from 1:30-2:30pm on ZOOM

In this talk, award-winning author and social prescribing advisor Julia Hotz will share stories, science, and insights from her bestselling book, The Connection Cure, on the radical ways “prescriptions” for creative activities can transform healthcare and support healthier aging.

Interactive Sculpture Garden

The Interactive Sculpture Garden—the visionary idea of CAN-NC Co-Founder and Executive Director Lia Miller—is a groundbreaking pilot project developed in partnership with UNC Greensboro (UNCG) to promote physical activity among older adults and support aging in place through functional, kinetic sculptures that enhance balance, flexibility, and strength. Learn about the research at Staying Power: UNCG Initiative for Public Art and Aging | Gerontology Program.

Support this project: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/interactive-sculpture-garden-campaign 

Key Features:

• Art + Wellness Integration: Combines art, movement, and nature to improve health, foster creativity, and challenge stereotypes about aging.
• Collaborative Innovation: Engages UNCG students and faculty from departments such as art, kinesiology, gerontology, and engineering, working with community stakeholders to design sculptures that unite science, aesthetics, and functionality.
• Anti-Ageism Messaging: Educational signage near each sculpture will raise awareness of the harms of ageism while celebrating positive, empowering images of aging.
• Accessible & Inclusive: Will offer a free, beautiful, and stimulating alternative to gyms—especially for marginalized elders—encouraging intergenerational and intercultural connections.
• Evolving Landmark: Located on CAN-NC’s 10-acre campus adjacent to Greensboro’s future Greenway, the Garden will grow annually through new UNCG collaborations, drawing visitors who return for its ever-changing blend of art, fitness, and community engagement.

LilyList

LilyList, the innovative online platform for capturing and sharing legacies, has developed a strategic partnership with the Creative Aging Network-NC (CAN-NC). LilyList enables users to create beautiful legacy pages with reflections, recipes, favorite songs, and heartfelt dedications. Its proprietary, AI-enhanced video tool generates custom “video trailers,” offering a dynamic snapshot of each journey.

“We are honored to provide our platform as a tool to help CAN-NC participants capture and share their invaluable life lessons and legacies for generations to come,” said Curt Meinhold, Founder of LilyList. By enabling users to easily add audio, recipes, playlists, reflections, and more, LilyList serves as the bridge between remembrance and true connection, ensuring that multifaceted legacies are not lost. 

This collaboration offers our participants a new medium for creative expression and intergenerational connection. “Empowering older adults through creative expression has always been a core part of our mission,” said Lia Miller, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CAN-NC. “This partnership is a natural and exciting extension of the creative work they already do with us, ensuring their unique stories are celebrated for years to come.” 

Learn more at lilylist.com.

The ReFashion House