Creativity Connects Us
Improving Community Well-Being through the Arts
To address national health concerns, we partner with community-based organizations to develop evidence-based, creative expression programs that help improve personal and public health.
Mental Health & Community Well-Being: An Urgent Area of Focus
Our nation is in a state of significant turmoil and grief. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our sense of safety and normalcy, and in less than a year it became the third leading cause of death in America. Amidst these circumstances, we’ve been confronted with devastating killings resulting from systemic racism. These tragedies have been set against unprecedented political and social divisions that have put our communities’ well-being under alarming distress. As a result, Americans are increasingly struggling with anxiety and depression, and isolation and loneliness have grown exponentially.
However, a growing body of research demonstrates that creative expression and the arts offer unparalleled ability to meet this moment and unite people. The arts engage, inspire, and connect us. With evidence-based strategies, we help communities apply public health programs that use creativity and connection to improve health outlooks and outcomes.
Our Work
We promote the arts at national, local, and individual levels to engage people in advocating for its potential to maximize public health and happiness for communities.
National Initiatives
Our initiatives mobilize leading organizations from a diverse range of professions to identify and address societal health issues at scale.
Community Programs
We offer local organizations proven and easily replicable program solutions to improve their community’s well-being.
Individual Inspiration
We provide award-winning art content and creative activities to connect people with tools to help manage and sustain their individual health.
UnLonely Film Festival
Since 2016, our annual UnLonely Film Festival has supported people struggling with loneliness by celebrating the connecting power of storytelling. With over a 100 videos, these award-winning, free short films give a voice to the loneliness epidemic and help viewers feel less alone. This campaign raises awareness of the loneliness epidemic and convenes art, health, media, and policy luminaries to explore effective and sustainable solutions for communities.
Blog
Find research studies, articles, media placements, and editorial content that demonstrate how art serves as a catalyst for improved health.
Next Avenue’s 2020 Influencers in Aging
Dr. Jeremy Nobel’s life work is dedicated to healing – as a physician and faculty member of the Harvard Medical School, in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, the list of achievements relative to his medical career is long.
He is also dedicated to the healing of soul and spirit, as the Founder and President of the Foundation for Art & Healing (FAH), a nonprofit based in Boston, where Nobel, 66, lives. It explores the connection between the two elements of healing and art, and raises awareness about points of connectivity. Loneliness and isolation, and the impact not only on individuals, but on society in general, are also areas of focus.
Harvard Magazine January 2021 Feature: The Loneliness Pandemic
Loneliness is not just a quality of life issue but impacts an individual’s productivity and performance in the workplace, panelists noted during an American Health Policy Institute webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness and employee wellness.
Holiday Activity Starter
Contrary to popular belief, happiness during the holiday season ranks at a meager average for most. With expectations high for joy and cheer, we tend to be more impacted by daily annoyances and are disappointed when events don’t go as we imagine. However, research reveals occasional, dramatic jumps in happiness during the holidays that point to a fundamental source: togetherness. Small acts of family traditions, gathering with loved ones, and giving to others multiply happiness many-fold.
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What We Do
See how we improve health and well-being through national initiatives, community programs, and resources for individual inspiration.
Who We Are
Meet our team of expert partners who accelerate progress by advocating for the arts’ ability to improve public health issues.
How We Do It
Learn more about how we combine creative expression and public health to improve community connection and well-being.
Join Us
Get involved and join our community that improves community health and happiness with art and creativity.