Beyond well-being
As mental health concerns grow across the globe, so does the need to recognize and apply art's benefits for well-being. As a public health scientist, I see this as essential for community mental health... and as an artist, I've witnessed how creativity helps us navigate the human experience.
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I've had the privilege these last two years to work with arts organizations, health practitioners, artists, and educators around the world to share insights and practical tools for how the arts can support safety, healing, and connection for our communities. Sharing the science behind art's impacts on health—and helping my audiences/clients feel more prepared and supported in their work with communities—is one of the most meaningful aspects of my career. This week, I was glad to facilitate some of this conversation at Project Jericho.
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Project Jericho invited me years ago to be a writer in residence in a local juvenile detention center: an experience that shaped my work and career. Their program is a model for community arts as a support for youth, and I’m looking forward to contributing to their process. They’ve planned an immersive professional development experience for youth workers, teaching artists, and educators; the Springfield News-Sun wrote up the series here.