January 17, 2025

We hope your year is off to a great start! As we ring in the new year, we’ve curated a list of five content recommendations to help you embrace the healing power of creative engagement in 2025 and beyond. Let’s dive in!

1. Your Brain On Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Format: Book (304 pages)
Summary: Through the lens of “neuroarts,” Your Brain On Art illuminates the many ways aesthetic experiences rewire our brains, improve our health, and enrich our lives. This New York Times Bestseller spotlights a range of examples from the field, including the story of our founder, Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH and his work to improve health and wellbeing through Project UnLonely, an arts-based public health program. Learn more.

Why we love this book: Not only does Your Brain On Art directly reference our work, but it also paints a compelling, evidence-backed picture of why creative experiences matter to our wellbeing, both individually and collectively. Watch our new video “Embrace Your Signal: Loneliness, Art, and the Brain” to learn more about how creative making and conversation rewire our brains and behaviors for the better: https://www.artandhealing.org/announcing-embrace-your-signal-loneliness-art-and-the-brain/

2. “Culture and Heritage Capital: Monetising the Impact of Culture and Heritage on Health and Wellbeing” by Frontier Economics

Format: Research Paper (191 pages)
Summary: This groundbreaking report commissioned by the United Kingdom’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport shows that engaging in creative experiences—from drawing classes to music performances—measurably improves people’s wellbeing and productivity, translating to £8bn in cost savings for the national healthcare system. These benefits span a wide range of populations, including children ages 10-14, young adults ages 18-28, middle-aged adults ages 30-49, and older adults over 50. Read the full report or check out this article from The Guardian summarizing the paper’s findings!

Why we love this research paper: We’re inspired by the depth and breadth of this impactful study. Not only does it highlight the ways arts-based experiences can benefit people of all ages, but it also showcases the wide range of activities that fall under the healing arts umbrella: visiting a museum, seeing a concert, playing an instrument, drawing a picture, tending a garden, or simply “making things.” There are so many ways to integrate the arts into your daily life! In the words of our founder and president Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, “Art is a medicine that requires no prescription.”

3. “The Cure for Loneliness” with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Simon Sinek

Format: Video (50 minutes)
Summary: Can social interaction make us healthier? U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy thinks so. In this inspiring conversation with Simon Sinek, Dr. Murthy shares how connecting with others can transform us for the better. He walks through why simply showing up is one of the best ways to support the people in our lives. He notes that inviting people over for casual hangouts is a great way to overcome loneliness. And he explores the ways relationships, purpose, and service can improve our mental and physical health. Watch the video.

Why we love this video: Loneliness is a helpful signal that we need connection. And we couldn’t agree more with Dr. Murthy’s discussion of the health benefits of interpersonal connection. To dive deeper into strategies for overcoming modern loneliness, check out our founder and president Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH’s book, Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection: https://www.artandhealing.org/book/.

4. “Looking for Friends? Start With Family” by Tom Vanderbilt

Format: Article (5-minute read)
Summary: Family ties can be an untapped source of social connection! In a recent article for The New York Times, writer Tom Vanderbilt shares how his brother-in-law, Rob, became his best friend. An important part of their friendship has been working together on creative projects—from a restaurant business to a D.I.Y. backyard shed. Read Tom’s story.

Why we love this article: We believe in the power of creative projects to bring us closer to ourselves and to one another. Anyone can use arts-based activities to feel more connected to family and friends! Visit our website for some ideas to get you started: https://www.artandhealing.org/be-unlonely/#make-something

5. “Why a ‘Third Life’ Is the Answer to America’s Loneliness Epidemic” by Adam Chandler

Format: Article (5-minute read)
Summary: Want to feel more connected to your community in 2025? Spend time in third spaces! In an article for TIME Magazine, journalist Adam Chandler defines “third spaces” as “informal spots to gather outside of home and work for socializing.” Think: coffee shops, libraries, museums, and places of worship. These casual community spaces have declined in popularity over the years. But Chandler says they’re essential to reducing loneliness and boosting our physical, social, and emotional health! Read the article.

Why we love this article: At FAH, we are firm believers in the healing power of connecting with members of our local communities. Learn how we partner with community-based organizations—including “third spaces” like libraries and community centers—to deliver creative arts programs that support personal and public health: https://www.artandhealing.org/community-programs-2/.

Let’s stay connected!

For more content on the health benefits of creative engagement, visit our blog or follow The Foundation for Art & Healing on Instagram or LinkedIn.