The Arts & Health Initiative recognizes the arts as a powerful tool to enhance the health and well-being of our communities. One of the goals in our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan is to mobilize artists, culture bearers, creative workers, and community-centered arts and culture with other aligned sectors to develop public policies where arts and culture serve as drivers of community health and economic development.
We envision a future where California’s communities are both creative and healthy, with arts and cultural participation embraced as an essential component of preventative health and holistic well-being. We believe arts participation should be a recognized health behavior within the social determinants of health (SDoH) framework, fostering equitable access to creative experiences that improve mental and physical well-being, reduce health disparities, and strengthen social connections.
Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge artists, culture bearers, creative workers, and community-based arts and culture organizations as they have been serving as health and wellness practitioners for generations. We understand that while the conversations around arts and health may seem new, these practices have been deeply rooted in diverse communities worldwide.
Our Arts & Health Webinar Series Returns
The webinar series offers an introduction to the diverse and evolving field of arts and health, highlighting how creative arts therapists and teaching artists contribute to individual and community well-being. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the different settings, approaches, and goals that shape this work—from clinical environments where licensed creative arts therapists support individuals with specific diagnoses, to community-based programs led by teaching artists and cultural practitioners that promote prevention, connection, and resilience. Through presentations and experiential activities, we’ll explore shared values, key distinctions, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your understanding, these sessions will help bridge gaps and build stronger connections between healthcare and community arts practice.
Goals
Raise awareness of the growing body of research demonstrating the health benefits of arts participation and the impact on communities with resource materials.
Curate opportunities for cross-sector conversations between artists, health workers, and lawmakers with programming and events to influence advocacy efforts.
Develop a referral program to make arts accessible for improving health while providing sustainable support for arts and culture organizations and the creative workforce that fosters equitable wellness and strengthens local cultural ecosystems.
Guide to Arts & Health
Resource
This guide provides an overview of the field of arts and health. It includes a compilation of resources ranging from examples of existing programs, research, and more.
Webinar
Watch this foundational webinar designed to break down the essentials of the growing Arts & Health movement.
Event
The 3rd annual CA Arts & Culture Summit's theme is dedicated to the vital role of arts and culture in promoting Health, Healing, and Hope within our communities.
Accomplishments
Resources
Blog
Public Comment
Medium Op-ed
KQED article
Research Database
Report
Public Opinion Study
Field Guide
Report
Report
Report
Book
Current Initiatives
California
Stanford University
New Jersey
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Massachusetts
Mass Cultural Council
Illinois
Healing Arts Chicago
18 U.S. Cities
ONOP
California
Open Source Wellness
The Arts & Health Initiative is proudly supported by a sponsorship from The Music Man Foundation.