Arts for Health and Wellness Initiative

The new Arts for Health and Wellness initiative at the Zuckerman College of Public Health develops and implements arts programs that use various forms of artistic expression, such dance, Tai Chi, drawing, and music to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

These arts programs provide therapeutic benefits – they reduce stress, improve mood and cognition, enhance physical function, and foster social connection – for participants of all ages. These forms of creative expression help promote a sense of belonging, building emotional resilience for individuals and communities.

To reach the local community, we have launched two pilot arts programs to that benefit different groups, the DREAM program for children and the WHOLISTIC for older adults. At the same time, we’ve initiated arts workshops inside the college that are designed for students, staff, and faculty to reduce stress (the CALM Program). We plan to grow and expand our arts programs to serve community needs and promote mental health for children and older adults in particular.