Zocalo Public Square, 12.8.23

Nataki Garrett is the co-artistic director of One Nation/One Project and the national Arts and Health initiative #ArtsforEveryBody. She was the sixth artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival–the first Black woman in the role–and the first executive artistic director of the organization. Before taking part in the Zócalo, Thomas Mann House, and L.A. Review of Books program “How Should Arts Institutions Navigate the Culture Wars?”—part of the two-day conference “Arts in Times of Crises”—Garrett joined us in the green room to talk about directing, creativity, and being a “director at large.”

Art-Train is a virtual technical assistance program for artists, municipal agencies, and community-focused organizations in all sectors and in communities of all sizes across the nation.

The Arts Impact Explorer is an advocacy case-making tool created by Americans for the Arts to educate local decision-makers about the social, cultural, educational, and economic impact of Arts and Culture in building healthy and vibrant communities.

Local governments can partner with artists to create healthier, more equitable communities. Learn more about how municipalities and artists can work together in this interactive tool created by A Blade of Grass and Animating Democracy.

American Theatre, 11.22.23

We don’t just get aesthetic or intellectual benefits from the expressive and performing arts—they can also be literally healing.

Catholic Review, 11.15.23
Alina Kurbiel, a parishioner at St. Joseph in Fullerton, says taking art courses not only allows seniors to tap into their creative side, but it all has some important health benefits.

Noosa Today, 11.13.23
Noosa Regional Gallery and Noosa Council have introduced a new creative arts program supporting quality of life and well-being for people living with dementia.

Main Street Daily News, 11.17.23

The city of Gainesville will award $200,000 in grants to six local organizations as part of phase 2 of One Nation, One Project—a national project in 18 cities chosen by the National League of Cities.

Alachua Chronicle 11.16.23

One Nation One Project GNV (ONOP GNV), the City of Gainesville’s local arts and wellness initiative, will award grants totaling $200,000 to six area organizations as part of Phase 2: Aces in Motion; BLSSD Future Inc.; Community Impact Corporation; Dream on Purpose; Hippodrome State Theatre; and the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center.

Mississippi Free Press, 11.15.23

Utica Locals Tackle Food Desert Woes With ‘Homegrown’ Festival

Frontiers, 11.7.23

As a means for supporting a range of health and wellbeing goals, social prescribing programs have been implemented around the world. Reflecting a range of contexts, needs, innovation, and programing, a broad array of outcomes has been studied in relation to these programs. As interest in social prescribing grows, more targeted study of key outcomes and in turn evidence synthesis that can inform evidence-based practice, policy, and investment is needed.

Block Club Chicago 10.26.23

The Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers will place 10 artists in five mental health clinics for a yearlong partnership.

Northwoods Star Journal, 10.26.23

City administrator Patrick Reagan announced at the Rhinelander Common Council meeting Oct. 9 a request for qualifications will be reissued for a Rhinelander skate park.

That’s a wrap on Oakland’s Life is Living Festival! 🩵Stay tuned for more updates for next year’s festival in July 2024! 📆✏️

NBC Chicago, 06.15.23

The fence surrounding Semillas de Justicia Garden near the intersection of 27th Street and Troy Street is all decked out with a community mural entitled "Little Village Dreams."

Chicago Sun-Times, 08.26.23
“So many people have disabilities and trauma that aren’t visible. So if I make that visible, it gives us a starting place for that conversation.”

Hoodline 09.25.23

As the city of Chicago grapples with the lingering effects of the pandemic, including job loss and worsening mental health, a new pilot program aims to address both issues. Launched by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers provides job training opportunities for professional artists whose creative skills could help bolster mental health treatment and services within the city.

Broadway News, 09.25.2023

Tony Award nominee Lear deBessonet with Nataki Garrett and Clyde Valentin launch the Federal Theatre Project-inspired program that could reverberate to regionals and Broadway.

American Theatre 09.21.23

Lear deBessonet, Nataki Garrett, and Clyde Valentin will lead the public works project, which will culminate with site-specific arts projects in July 2024.

Route Fifty 09.20.23

A pilot program in Chicago looks to address mental health workforce shortages, while exploring the benefits of holistic treatment through mediums like art.