A round of Arts Council funding directed at helping older people feel less lonely by providing engaging experiences for them has been shared between 16 different arts and culture initiatives.

The £1.5m (US$2.1m, €1.7m) sum, targeted at reducing feelings of isolation among the elderly, was raised through the Celebrating Age programme, which supports UK arts and cultural groups reaching out to this demographic.

“For older people, being involved in arts and culture can play a big role in overcoming social isolation, as well as increasing health and well-being,” said Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England.

“The projects funded through Celebrating Age place older people at the heart of the activity, improving skills, confidence, and community togetherness. It’s exciting to see such a range of brilliant and important projects taking place over the next three years.”

Such projects include the development of Helix Arts’ dance engagement programme, Falling on your Feet, across northeast England and funding towards a festival dedicated to creative arts in later years, run by the Voluntary Arts Network and Age UK.

Along with the Arts Council, the Baring Foundation and National Lottery are programme partners.