Arts Initiative launches ArtsRx to improve health, wellbeing
A broad coalition of University of Michigan arts and health units is launching Michigan ArtsRx, a new campus-wide program designed to support mental health and well-being through active engagement with the arts.
The effort was developed in partnership with the U-M Arts Initiative, University Health & Counseling, Wolverine Wellness, Michigan Recreation, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and campus arts units — including LSA, Public Art, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Stamps Gallery, the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the University Musical Society.
Michigan ArtsRx is rooted in a growing body of research affirming the positive impacts of arts engagement on health outcomes, including greater emotional resilience, improved mood, increased confidence, and stronger social connection.
The program will roll out in two modes:
ArtsRx Prescription (Pilot Study) – Beginning this fall, UHC will pilot a research-based arts prescription program, inviting up to 100 students who screen positive for social isolation using the UCLA Loneliness Scale to voluntarily participate in an IRB-approved study. These students will meet with Wolverine Wellness coaches and be “prescribed” three to five arts experiences tailored to support their personal well-being. Participating students will complete pre- and post-surveys to help researchers and program staff better understand their experience and improve the program for a broader release.
ArtsRx Invitation – Open to all members of the U-M community, this stream encourages “self-prescription” by inviting students, staff and faculty to participate in campus arts events that promote well-being. Participants can sign up to receive Arts Initiative newsletters and ArtsRX emails highlighting curated well-being programs hosted by LSA, UMMA, SMTD, Stamps, UMS and others.
A local artist uses oil pastels to create a portrait of the peonies at peak bloom at the W.E. Upjohn Garden in Nichols Arboretum. (Connor Titsworth, Michigan Commons)
“There is an array of compelling research indicating that arts participation — whether attending a concert or play, exploring a museum, or making art yourself — is a powerful tool for well-being,” said Mark Clague, executive director of the U-M Arts Initiative. “Michigan ArtsRx establishes a powerful bridge between U-M’s world-class health resources and our extraordinary arts ecosystem. The message is that art is not only beautiful, thought provoking, and fun, but it’s good for you too.”
“The arts are an incredibly potent resource for personal well-being and community connection, and UMS is deeply proud to be a partner in the Michigan ArtsRx initiative,” said UMS President Matthew VanBesien. “This program provides a vital bridge between U-M’s extraordinary arts and health services, helping students discover how engaging with music, theater, dance, and visual arts can not only enrich their lives, but also build resilience and foster a sense of belonging.
“At UMS we remain committed to making our live and digital performances accessible to all, and to ensuring that the arts are a source of inspiration and a fundamental part of a healthy, balanced life.”
The Michigan ArtsRx model is inspired by successful social prescribing programs in the U.K., and new arts-specific efforts in U.S. higher education, including at Stanford and Rutgers. What makes U-M’s program distinctive is its research focus in partnership with U-M’s health units and medical research staff, enhancing a campus-wide culture of care that can also inform and inspire social prescribing nationally and internationally.
“We are thrilled to contribute our clinical and public health expertise to this initiative,” said Lindsey Mortenson, UHC executive director and Student Life chief mental health officer. “The range of challenges our students face to thriving and success requires diverse, creative, and collaborative approaches. The health benefits of arts participation are well-established. I’m excited to connect students to these benefits in novel ways that are student-centered.”
Preliminary research already supports the program’s design. This past winter, the Arts Initiative partnered with UHC and Wolverine Wellness to survey more than 1,400 U-M students. Results confirmed that loneliness is a significant issue for two-thirds of U-M students and suggests that arts participation meaningfully improves students’ sense of connection.
Significantly, 74% of students said they’d be more likely to attend an arts event if they knew other U-M students would be there, and 64% said they’d be more likely to participate in the arts if a health professional recommended it.
Michigan already boasts a vibrant Nature Rx program, and a campuswide social prescribing collaboration is in development. Nature Rx at U-M highlights the evidence-based benefits of nature engagement through outreach and the free Nature Rx App of 100 student-curated nature break spots around the Ann Arbor campus. The initiative is advanced by an interdisciplinary project team and collaborators including ITS, MHealthy, Michigan Recreation, and MBGNA.
“This program is about lowering the social barriers to participation,” said Tessa Brinza, program manager and arts & health coordinator for the Arts Initiative. “We know the arts are here — what we hope to do with ArtsRx is help the community to see them as tools for connection, healing, and joy.”
