Program Design of Community-Based Arts Programs that Address Public Health Issues

There is a growing body of research in the field of arts in health and the therapeutic benefits of using art to treat illnesses.Much of this research is evidence-based and focuses on the effects of arts-based activities in healthcare facilities.However, there is a gap in knowledge concerning programs that use art to address public health issues through participatory arts projects in a community setting.This study uses evidence-based research on the therapeutic benefits of art in healthcare settings to examine how arts methods can be used not only for healing patients in hospital settings, but to take a more holistic approach in addressing individual, community, and public health and wellbeing.This research project explores current models of programs that use art to address public health through two case studies and provides recommendations for managers of such arts programs.