The Foundation for Art & Healing

⌛ SIX YEARS of healthy life. That’s what loneliness could cost you, according to new research from Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. A study by Lu Qi MD, MPH and his team found that loneliness reduced adults’ average number of years free from physical and mental health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, dementia, cancer, depression and anxiety. These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that loneliness is an urgent public health priority and that addressing it could help reduce the risk for chronic illness among individuals and communities across the country. Read the Futurity article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ei8vBjRj Interested in helping YOUR community navigate loneliness and build connection? Explore Project UnLonely, a public health initiative using the arts to raise awareness of loneliness, reduce stigma, and bring people together: https://lnkd.in/g84n2TRF

Everyone feels a little lonely sometimes. But when loneliness becomes chronic, it can raise the risk for mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. That’s why this month—just in time for World Mental Health Day on October 10—we’re showcasing eight short films that explore the journey from loneliness to connection. 💙 Watch these films solo or with friends and loved ones to spark potentially life-changing conversations that reduce stigma, spark authentic connection, and improve wellbeing. Many thanks to Eddy Reilly, Pierre I., Ames Miyako Williams, Jevon Donaldson, L'Arche Greater Washington, DC (GWDC), James Button, Shandrea Evans, and Unstoppable Pictures for their inspiring work! Visit https://lnkd.in/ez32DzUR and create a free individual account to start watching 📽️

Join Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH this Thursday, October 8th at 11:00 AM ET for a FREE, virtual presentation organized by the Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania's Humanities and Human Flourishing Project! Dr. Nobel and creativity researcher Kaile Smith will share, explore, and discuss the ways creative engagement can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. This talk is part of a broader series called "In Conversation" bringing scientists and practitioners into dialogue to discuss their work in the arts, culture, and wellbeing. Many thanks to Katherine Cotter, PhD and James Pawelski, PhD for organizing this inspiring event! Save your free spot today: https://lnkd.in/eKQDrKGK

📽️ How can short films help us feel more connected? We asked filmmakers from the Project UnLonely Films community to share their perspectives. Their answers explore how storytelling can build empathy, spark meaningful conversations, and create a sense of belonging. Now, we want to hear from YOU! Submissions are open for Project UnLonely Films Season 11 🎬 If you've created a short film about loneliness, connection, or belonging, we’d love to see your work. Our review committee meets from October through January, so submit your film soon at https://lnkd.in/fhe-dPp Share this opportunity with your colleagues, students, or friends to spread the word!

College students have a lot on their plates—from exams and assignments to job and internship applications. Here’s where the arts can help: Creative activities can offer busy students an outlet for exploring their thoughts and feelings, sharing stories, and connecting with others, without the pressure to get anything “right.” Tomorrow, join us for a free Campus UnLonely Workshop & Info Session to experience our arts-based approach firsthand and learn how you can bring more opportunities for creativity and connection to your campus. 📅 October 2 at 11 AM ET Save your spot today: https://lnkd.in/erCATP_m

Worried about how disconnected the world feels? 🌍 We are, too. But together, we can make a difference through the power of short films! Project UnLonely Films is now accepting entries for Season 11 to grow our acclaimed portfolio of short films. We’re seeking stories about loneliness and connection that can help raise awareness of loneliness, reduce stigma, and spark conversations that improve public health. 3 reasons to submit to Project UnLonely Films: 1. Community Impact Our selected films do more than just entertain. They become part of local and national social connection programming for community-based organizations like government agencies, libraries, colleges, and more. 2. Prestigious Collaborators Project UnLonely Films is supported by luminaries in the filmmaking industry, including celebrated actor and director Steve Buscemi and former President of Production at Lionsgate Films Mike Paseornek. 3. Filmmaker Compensation All filmmakers selected for Season 11 will receive a $150 payment. Those films will be announced in June 2027 and will be featured on our website on a rotating basis for a minimum of 12 months. Use the following code to waive the FilmFreeway entry fee: PUF2027 Our review committee will meet from October to January, so please submit your film as soon as possible at https://lnkd.in/gXAwKv8e. We look forward to watching your film!

What if creative expression were as much a part of college orientation as campus tours and course registration? At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it is! For the third year in a row, our Colors & Connection workshop was a required component of orientation. In the midst of a whirlwind schedule, the workshop invited students to: 🩵 Tap into their thoughts and feelings 🎨 Express them through color 💬 Use their creations to spark conversations Along the way, students experienced the powerful potential of arts-based programming to address the public health crisis of loneliness and foster health-enhancing connections. Of 138 survey respondents: 85% felt more connected 71% felt more in touch with feelings/emotions 69% felt less lonely 62% felt more familiar with available resources and support One participant shared, "This was a wonderful activity—so different from the chaos of orientation and a nice reminder to step back, take a deep breath and put everything in perspective. Please continue this valuable activity." To learn more, read Amy Roeder's behind-the-scenes recap of Harvard Chan School Orientation: https://lnkd.in/gtwDg2TX Interested in bringing Colors & Connection to your campus? Explore our program offerings for colleges and universities and sign up for a free information session: https://lnkd.in/gFc2hmnY

Kudos to our partners at George Mason University for using arts-based programs to support student connection and wellbeing on campus! Last year, they hosted more than 10 Campus Colors & Connection workshops through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, including sessions in partnership with other departments. After the workshops, nearly 90% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that compared to their usual conversations with peers or colleagues, the discussion made them feel more connected. 💙 You can inspire meaningful social interactions on your campus this school year through the power of creative expression and conversation. Visit our Campus UnLonely page to learn more about our program offerings and sign up for an information session: https://lnkd.in/eJRUjK9V 📸 Photo credit: George Mason University

Want to help students on your college or university campus be more CONNECTED this fall and beyond? Join our Campus Colors & Connection Workshop & Info Session on September 1st from 2 – 3 PM EST and experience FIRSTHAND how arts-based activities can spark meaningful conversations, strengthen authentic connections, and support student wellbeing. 🎨 Reasons to join: ✅ Experience a fun, calming, and creative activity designed to boost connection ✅ Meet like-minded higher education leaders working to address loneliness ✅ Leave with ready-to-implement strategies for your campus   This session is for higher education leaders who prioritize student wellness—from student affairs and health services staff to faculty, advisors, and student leaders passionate about creativity, connection, and health. No art skills required. Just bring paper and something to color with! Space is limited. Learn more and reserve your free spot today: https://lnkd.in/eX52Z6cf