A new £1m fund aims to get older people living in residential homes involved in the arts, both as audience members and participants.

Partnerships between residential care providers and arts organisations are currently being sought to apply for the funding, which has been put forward by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation.

Museums and libraries can also apply provided their proposal for the scheme is art focussed. It is envisaged the scheme will fund four proposals over the next three years.

According to the most recent Taking Part in the Arts survey, people aged over 75 have a much lower engagement in the arts than other age groups.

Arts Council chair Peter Bazalgette said: "The arts are a demonstrable source of health and happiness, no matter what age we are.

"So if our mission is 'great art for everyone', it's absolutely right that we ensure older people have the same opportunities as everyone else to experience what the arts have to offer."

Image: Frances Anderson