COMING OCTOBER 3, 2023
The new book by The Foundation for Art & Healing Founder, Jeremy Nobel, MD
Creativity Connects Us
Improving Wellbeing 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.
The 7th UnLonely Film Festival is now LIVE!
Season 7 of The UnLonely Film Festival launched on June 4th! 30 new powerful short films are available now, and you can stream them for free all year long. Browse our selection of films, or watch the launch event, below!
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.
Creative Expression is Not Just a Nice-to-have—It’s Essential!
Getting creative is not only enjoyable, it’s good for your brain and your relationships! Creative expression can help you feel more connected to yourself and those around you, leading to improved mental health and a boost in self-esteem.
The Brain’s Hunger for Connection
Our brains are wired to seek out social connections, and when we lack them, it can affect how we think and feel. By learning more about the science behind loneliness, we can take the first step in building deeper connections with ourselves and others.
The Powerful Tool of Stories
by Reji Mathew, Ph.D., LCSW, REAT
As an expressive arts educator and advocate, a central ethos of my teaching approach is to bring ideas to life through multi-media arts expression, referred to as intermodal processing, using the arts as a tool to process themes.
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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.