Art is Proven to Improve Health
Mar 02, 2024
Art can improve health outcomes, build communities, aid in recovery from emotional stress, increase well-being and provide meaning. These benefits can extend to anyone, and there are many forms of art. Whether it be visual arts, dance, poetry or writing, sculpture, or music, these all have the potential to bring joy and healing to our lives.
As a veteran, I see art being “deployed” to many areas of our communities daily. One such organization that advocates for it is “Creative Forces: NEA Healing Arts Network.” It is an initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts. “Creative Forces seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers.”
They, along with I, also work with the Department of Veterans of Affairs. Read more about them here: https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/creative-forces
Despite the challenges of life, there is hope and there is inspiration. When there is no meaning, we can make some. This takes a bit of creativity, which is what art is all about. What does life mean to you? Are you an artist yourself? It has been said that we are meaning making machines, so let’s make something.
