Arts & Health
ArtStart stands at the intersection of creativity and wellness, advancing the science of how the arts heal and connect us.
The research increasingly shows that participating in the arts has a significantly positive effect on our physical and our mental well-being. For more information on this cutting edge research, we encourage you to visit our partners at Art for Everybody.
Participating in the arts can...
Suicide Prevention Trainings.
ArtStart collaborates with other organizations on suicide prevention workshops. Staff Director, Ashley McLaughlin is a trained QPR faciliator. Visit our Events page for more information on current trainings.
Mental Wellness Days inside our schools.
ArtStart knows that arts participation plays a powerful role in supporting mental health and emotional regulation - especially in young people. By introducing creative opportunities and experiences, we're opening the door for students to decompress and explore new ways of thinking. Find out more here.
ARTS FOR EVERYBODY/ONE NATION ONE PROJECT COHORT
ArtStart was one of 18 communities to participate in the Arts For Everybody initiative, a larger national project through One Nation One Project, a national arts and health initiative between Artists, Local Governments, and Community Health Providers designed to activate the power of the arts to heal our communities.
As part of this effort ArtStart gathered data, launched pilot programs, created a public art project focusing on social cohesion and began to explore how arts organizations can support the mental well being of the community it serves. This Arts & Health focus drives our current programs and future programs are in development in partnership with area health and human service organizations.
On July 27, 2024, TOGETHER, a site specific art installation was unveiled at Hodag Park. This sculpture, from artists Norma Dycus Pennycuff and Witt Siasoco, uses bone conduction technology to turn the sculpture into a sound bench. The sounds one hears are the voices of community expressing what they would say to rekindle connection.
