In a recent 2025 article on Forbes.com, the former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, proposed a solution for reducing loneliness and fostering a sense of community on college campuses. This solution involves utilizing arts-related programs to engage students in creative activities both on campus and in the local community. These “social arts prescriptions” encourage students to participate in various arts programs such as attending plays, creating sculptures, writing poetry, or visiting cultural museums and botanical gardens.
Research indicates that arts prescribing programs in higher education are not only popular among students but also effective in promoting mental health benefits. Understanding the transformative power of the arts is crucial in implementing these programs successfully. Engaging in the arts has been shown to enhance social connections, improve quality of life, lower anxiety, and reduce depression. Dr. Joe Behen, the Dean of the Wellness Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, emphasizes the transformative nature of the arts, stating that it stimulates empathy, self-awareness, compassion, and deeper connections with oneself and others.
One company leading the way in social prescribing services is Art Pharmacy, founded in 2022 by Chris Appleton. Art Pharmacy connects individuals to various arts and culture engagements in their communities to address mental health and loneliness concerns. Through a network of community partners, individuals are recommended arts activities that align with their health goals and interests. The program provides two tickets for each event to encourage bringing a friend and even offers assistance with transportation if needed.
Deborah Cullinan, the Vice President for the Arts at Stanford University, shared the success of the Stanford Arts Prescribing Program, which partnered with Art Pharmacy. The program exceeded expectations in terms of campus and community partnerships, with high attendance rates and significant improvements in well-being and reductions in loneliness reported by students. Cullinan emphasizes the importance of arts and creativity in promoting health and well-being, advocating for all schools to incorporate arts experiences into their programs.
In conclusion, arts prescribing programs have proven to be effective in promoting mental health benefits and fostering a sense of community on college campuses. By harnessing the transformative power of the arts, schools can provide students with unique opportunities for creative expression and connection. The success of programs like the Stanford Arts Prescribing Program highlights the potential for arts engagement to enhance student well-being and mental health support.
