UF Health stands out because it has integrated arts into healthcare in a unique way. About half of U.S. hospitals now have arts programs, but UF Health has made it part of their medical practice. Doctors and nurses can refer patients to the UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine program, which employs artists to engage with patients. In 2025, the program organized around 13,000 arts activities, like dance classes for expectant mothers and creative projects for young patients. One remarkable initiative allowed sickle cell patients to record and release their own album.
Jenny Baxley Lee, the program director, notes that the magic lies in artists connecting with patients beyond medical specialties. Many people hesitate to express their creativity, fearing they aren’t “good” at it. However, artists encourage them to take small steps, leading to a sense of self-transcendence—an experience linked to deeper meaning and connection.
The idea of linking arts and health is not new, but there’s a growing call for better accessibility in communities. Aiming to support youth mental health and creative aging, groups in places like Palm Beach County, Florida, are bringing together artists, healthcare providers, and local officials to build effective arts programs.
Kansas City is also working on a similar approach through something called social prescribing. This involves doctors prescribing art and creative activities as part of the treatment plan.
In 2022, the Community Neuroarts Coalitions began under the guidance of Johns Hopkins University and the Aspen Institute. These projects aim to create supportive arts programs based on local needs and promote evidence-based practices. Susan Magsamen, director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins, emphasizes that these programs address unique community challenges while fostering creativity.
As of late last year, the network has expanded to 11 coalitions across the U.S., with plans to grow internationally. Magsamen points out that there’s a rising awareness of the importance of the arts in healthcare. Creativity should not be seen as a luxury; it’s a necessity for well-being.
Nigerian artist Kunle Adewale has a global perspective on this issue. After years of bringing artistic experiences to medical settings, he now leads the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship. This initiative helps artists and health workers collaborate and learn from each other. Adewale believes that engaging policymakers is crucial for scaling these efforts.
One inspiring outcome from the fellowship was National Arts and Health Week in Egypt in 2024. This event brought together over 600 healthcare professionals and artists, highlighting the potential impact of arts in health. Rania El-Desouki, who organized the event, found that many professionals are eager to incorporate arts into healthcare, although there’s still much work to be done.
In summary, the intersection of arts and healthcare is gaining traction. Programs like those at UF Health and the efforts of various coalitions are paving the way for better mental health and overall well-being through creativity. Exploring this link can help communities thrive, making health accessible and engaging for everyone.
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art,health,medicine,social prescriptions,whole person health
