The Arts For EveryBody campaign is set to showcase the connection between the arts and community health on July 27, 2024, in 18 cities across the U.S. The goal is to demonstrate how large-scale participatory art projects can improve mental and physical well-being. By breaking down stereotypes and integrating fields such as arts, health, and science, the campaign aims to highlight the positive impact of the arts on overall health outcomes. Scientific studies have shown that engaging in creative arts can boost serotonin levels, enhance creativity, foster optimism, and promote social interactions, all of which are linked to better health.
Lear deBessonet, a Tony-nominated theater director, founded the One Nation One Project and spearheaded the Arts For EveryBody campaign, believing in the mental and physical benefits that the arts provide. The idea for the campaign emerged in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for collaboration across different sectors to address societal complexities. Overcoming challenges such as building new relationships and securing funding, the campaign has garnered support from various foundations and organizations that recognize the innovative potential of integrating arts into health programming.
The July 27 event will feature a diverse range of artists and performers in cities like Chicago, Gainesville, Honolulu, New York City, Providence, and Seattle under the theme “No Place Like Home.” Collaborating with community-based arts organizations and health institutions, the campaign aims to foster new collaborations and innovative ways of working together to benefit communities. This collaborative effort is a stark contrast to the divisive political rhetoric prevalent today, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in creating a healthier future for all.
Drawing inspiration from the Federal Theater Project’s 1936 production of “It Can’t Happen Here,” the Arts For EveryBody campaign seeks to deliver a powerful message through art and creativity. The play, based on a dystopian novel by Sinclair Lewis, served as a warning against the rise of Fascism in Europe. Similarly, the campaign aims to address the deep-rooted issues exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and paint a new vision for a healthier and more inclusive society through the transformative power of the arts.
The collaboration of artists, community leaders, health professionals, and organizations across sectors exemplifies the potential of the arts to inspire change and unity in society. By showcasing the positive impact of participatory art projects on mental and physical well-being, the campaign seeks to challenge prevailing stereotypes and promote a more integrated approach to health and wellness. Through innovative initiatives and creative collaborations, the Arts For EveryBody campaign aims to create a more vibrant, resilient, and healthier community for all.
