The author analyzes the equity and efficiency of the current distributional policies of public arts agencies toward older adults. Many, he suggests, reflect outmoded myths and limited conceptions of older adults, the author also suggests that public art agencies need to explore policy options directed toward the next generation of older adults: baby boomers. He contends that current analyses of lower arts participation among baby boomers and changing aesthetic preferences are sufficient grounds to stimulate formulation of developmental arts policies, such as adult arts education. The author concludes that the effectiveness of such policies, especially given the politicaland economic influence that baby boomers will exert on the arts and arts policy as older adults, will significantly shape the future of the arts in the .

CONTENTS
The context of current arts and aging policies: 
    Audiences. 
    Volunteers.
    Individual giving in the arts.
Arts policy mechanisms and current older adult cohorts: 
    Open access to funding.
    Special programs.
    Civil rights.
    Evaluation of current policy mechanisms.
Developmental arts policies and future older adult cohorts.
Postscript: The aging society and the future of arts policy.
Notes [bibliography].

The author analyzes the equity and efficiency of the current distributional policies of public arts agencies toward older adults. Many, he suggests, reflect outmoded myths and limited conceptions of older adults, the author also suggests that public art agencies need to explore policy options directed toward the next generation of older adults: baby boomers. He contends that current analyses of lower arts participation among baby boomers and changing aesthetic preferences are sufficient grounds to stimulate formulation of developmental arts policies, such as adult arts education.