Polk County Unveils Groundbreaking Arts in Medicine Program for Health!

Lakeland, Florida, USA - Exciting developments are afoot in Polk County with the launch of the Polk Arts & Health Collaborative (PAHC). Designed to connect the dots between arts and health, this initiative is aimed at enhancing individual and community well-being through a thoughtful integration of creative endeavors. The collaborative closely follows the principles outlined in the NeuroArts Blueprint, a framework developed by the esteemed Johns Hopkins University and the Aspen Institute, to promote the understanding of how artistic experiences can bolster health outcomes.

The Lakeland Chapter of PAHC will feature multiple organizations joining hands to create a vibrant tapestry of arts and health. Notable participants include the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program, the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, among others. “We are so proud to align local efforts with the national NeuroArts movement,” says Tiffany Van Wieren, the Program Coordinator for Arts in Medicine. The collaborative aims to amplify existing initiatives while also inviting fresh partners to explore how artistic expression can play a pivotal role in healing and fostering community connections.

Mission and Future Plans

The first step for PAHC involves identifying current arts and health integration programs throughout Polk County. This initiative not only recognizes the commendable work being done but also serves as a gateway for individuals and organizations eager to learn more about the transformative power of neuroarts. Arts have shown to enhance the prevention, management, and recovery from various health challenges, aiding physical and mental wellness in crucial ways.

As thoughts and conversations evolve about community health, the NeuroArts Blueprint has emerged as a vital resource. Released in December 2021, this initiative focuses on standardizing practices in the neuroarts field, emphasizing the need for educational pathways, funding, and thoughtful communication strategies. Engaging leaders from diverse disciplines and those with lived experiences, the blueprint aims to marry scientific research with artistic creativity for holistic public health solutions.

Understanding Neuroarts

But what exactly is neuroarts? It’s a burgeoning field that studies how arts and aesthetic experiences affect our bodies, brains, and behaviors. With recommendations steering towards enhanced leadership and supportive policies, the goal is to cultivate an ecosystem that recognizes the arts as a significant contributor to health and wellbeing. Neuroarts aims to foster equitability within communities, translating creative endeavors into tangible health outcomes.

Co-chaired by renowned figures such as Renée Fleming and Eric Nestler, the NeuroArts Blueprint sets forth a five-year plan and a long-term vision for a sustainable neuroarts ecosystem. This will not only nurture individual health but also strengthen community bonds and drive cultural change. As arts and health stakeholders come together in Polk County, there’s a ton of potential for enriching lives through creative expression.

Interested individuals or organizations looking to get involved can reach out to Tiffany Van Wieren at 863-603-4718 or AIM@WatsonClinic.com. For more details, you can visit PolkArtsandHealth.org. With so much to gain from these artistic collaborations, only time will tell how this initiative will resonate throughout the community.