One of the Most Comprehensive Online Resources Related to Art & Healing
These Organizations Bring Positive Change to the World!
The following regional, national and international non-profit art and healing organizations use art and art programs to help individuals, their communities, and society at large. They work tirelessly to advocate positive change in the world. Please note: Most of the descriptions of the organizations came from their mission statements on their websites. Please visit their websites for additional information.
Do you know of an organization that should be listed in our Art and Healing Directory?
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Disclaimer and Request: Please note, we do our best to periodically check the current status and accuracy of resources in this database, especially since COVID has impacted many organization; however, there may be some that have temporarily or permanently changed. If you should find any listings that are no longer in existence, please alert us by writing a comment below. Thank you.
Caution: Before you decide to donate money to any charitable organization, check and see if is legitimate. First, find out if they qualify as a “tax exempt” organization with the IRS. These websites can help you find information about the legitimacy of a charitable organization: American Institute of Philanthropy; Charity Navigator; and GuideStar.
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Access Gallery
Access Gallery accessgallery.org is an inclusive nonprofit organization that engages the community by opening doors to creative, educational and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience and benefit from the arts.
Addiction and Art
Addiction And Art addictionandart.org shows the complexities of Addiction and Recovery through selected imagery on its site and also made available as downloads for use by schools, drug treatment centers, community organizations, addiction science professionals, medical professionals and the general public. Images are donated by artists to be shared for the good of mankind. Addiction and Art also presents exhibitions at professional substance abuse conferences and in local communities.
American Art Therapy Association
The American Art therapy Association arttherapy.org is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.
Art Feeds
Art Feeds artfeeds.org believes all children are artists. We exist to feed creative development and facilitate emotional expression in children through art and community. To do this, we provide free therapeutic art and creative education programs within schools & children’s organizations by mobilizing teams of community members to bring all forms of art into classrooms.
Art For Healing Foundation
The Art for Healing Foundation artforhealingfoundation.org is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring the healing power of art to hospitals and wellness facilities, transforming otherwise sterile public and patient areas into inspiring environments that encourage a sense of serenity and hope for patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
Art For The Hospital
Art For The Hospital artpourhopital.art.blog is a non-profit association located in Montboucher-sur-Jabron, France. It mainly aims to decorate the hospital free of charge using reproductions of paintings and drawings by contemporary painters. From photos of the works of painters, made available by them, we have reproductions made to decorate hospitals (entrances, waiting rooms, corridors, bedrooms, offices, etc.). These reproductions are then given to the hospital free of charge.
Art For Life Foundation
Each year Art For Life artforlife.org helps more than 20,00 children and their families. Its programs “help kids who are undergoing physical, emotional or mental crisis” and empowers them from an early age “to embrace art as a way of expressing how they feel during what is a very scary and difficult time for them.”
Art In Deed
The mission of Art InDeed art-indeed.com is to provide experiences to increase well-being and foster creative self-expression. It offers holistic arts-based programs that: Explore and experience art-making; Nurture and discover creativity; and Heal and connect mind-body-spirit. Art InDeed’s founder and owner Danah Beaulieu was nominated for “The Women of Influence” RBC’s 26th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
Art in Healthcare
The mission of Art in Healthcare artinhealthcare.org.uk is for original, contemporary art to be accessible to everyone in care environments for the enhancement of health and wellbeing. We will work towards this by sourcing, placing and managing art collections, and encouraging creativity to improve the lives of people across Scotland.
Artists First
Artists First artistsfirststl.org is an inclusive, non-profit art studio empowering artists of all abilities. “We believe in bringing art to the community as a means of integration, healing, support, and finding common ground. Our focus is on underserved populations individuals including those with disabilities (physical, cognitive and mental health), veterans and specifically veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and or substance abuse, elders with memory loss and their caregivers, disconnected youth, and those experiencing toxic stress.”
Art With A Heart
Art with a Heart in Healthcare awahih.org is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides personalized fine art experiences that enhance the healing process for patients and their families.
Artists With Autism Inc.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Artists with Autism artistswithautism.com is a nonprofit organization helping individuals with autism have meaningful lives with purpose. “It focuses on their talents and abilities and helps them build a business around those talents. Its unique consignment art gallery provides a platform for aspiring artists with autism to display and sell their artwork.
The Art of Autism
The Art of Autism the-art-of-autism.com started by Debra Muzikar, an author, storyteller, and curator, is “about shifting perceptions and creating futures in the arts for those on the autism spectrum by creating collaborations and a support network for creatives on the spectrum.” There is an online gallery and blog on the website.
ArtPride New Jersey
ArtPride New Jersey artpridenj.com is a statewide arts advocacy organization. One of its programs is the Alliance for Arts & Health NJ which connects artists and arts professionals and those who provide health and wellness services in order to educate, advocate, and advance best practices in arts and health.
ARTreach
ARTreach artreachtexas.org is a 501(c) 3 non profit in the greater Houston area. Established in 2003, it has been providing art program to under served populations for over 18 years. “At ARTreach, we use the arts to change lives. Through the power of connection, we deliver quality art programs to the most vulnerable populations in our communities: children and families at risk, special needs groups, and senior citizens. In partnership with professional artists and volunteers, we aspire to create a positive impact on the community.”
The Art Room
This is a charity theartroom.org.uk that helps 5 – 16 year old children who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. There are currently five Art Rooms in schools in Oxford and London, offering art as therapy to increase children’s self-esteem, self-confidence and independence.
Art Start
The purpose of ART START art-start.org is to nurture the voices, hearts and minds of at-risk historically marginalized youth, offering a space for them to imagine, believe, and represent their creative vision for their lives and communities. Inside homeless shelters and alternative to incarceration programs throughout New York City, consistent workshops are conducted with long-term partners, including youth organizations, schools, alternative sentencing programs, and residences for youth and families experiencing homelessness. “Art becomes the starting point of a larger life process, and the start of larger conversations about the future of our communities.”
Art Therapy Project
The Art Therapy Project thearttherapyproject.org is dedicated to helping trauma survivors through the creative process. Centered around challenges of Family, Violence and Health, we are the only nonprofit in New York dedicated solely to providing guided art therapy to those seeking hope and support. We go beyond traditional talk therapy. Our clients and art therapists work together to turn negative energy positive.
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Art to Change The World
Art to Change the World (ACW) arttochangetheworld.org is a non-profit, diverse coalition of artists, educators, scientists, topic experts, and other change makers who join forces in service of positive social change. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, “We employ the arts, education, audience engagement, and organizational partnerships to invoke positive discussion, reflection, and action.”
Artists For Trauma (AFT)
AFT artistsfortrauma.org is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of both civilian and military trauma survivors by pairing recovering patients with established artists from various disciplines. It was founded by trauma survivor Laura Sharpe in 2011, inspired by her personal journey to recovery, in which she connected with the world of art as a source of healing from her near-mortal wounds.
ArtVan
ArtVan artvanprogram.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and mobile program that offers the therapeutic arts to communities with the least social services and after school programs. Currently, the organization has a couple in-person neighborhood programs; however, until weather permits us to be outside, its “to-go ArtBags full of supplies and instructional prompts are how we check-in with our ArtVan community. All projects aim to inspire art-making with simple materials. If someone does not have access to supplies, we find a way to provide some!”
ArtWorks
Founded in 1996, ArtWorks artworkscincinnati.org is an award-winning non-profit organization in Cincinnati, that employs and trains local youth and talent to create art and community impact through three strategic programming areas: Public Art, including an extensive mural program; an art therapy division, ArtRx; and an entrepreneurial arm, Creative Enterprise.
ArtWorks ~ The Naomi Cohain Foundation
ArtWorks, artworksfoundation.org located in Englewood, NJ, provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, access to creative and performing arts programs that encourage the use of the creative process as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development.
Artz-to-Go
Artz-to-Go is under the auspices of City of the World, Inc., cityoftheworldlasvegas.org an educational, non-profit, community arts organization and art gallery that places an emphasis on children. Through Artz-to-Go they send out art teachers to a number of low income area parks to give free art lessons to the kids there.
The Australian Earth Laws Alliance
AELA earthlaws.org.au is a national not-for-profit organization based in Australia whose mission is “to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth centred governance in Australia, with a focus on law, economics, education, ethics and the arts.” AELA’s work is inspired by the theory and practice of Earth jurisprudence, which is a governance philosophy and growing social movement.
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Barefoot Artists
Barefoot Artists barefootartists.org “brings the transformative power of art to the most impoverished communities in the world through participatory and multifaceted projects that foster community empowerment, improve the physical environment, promote economic development, and preserve and support indigenous art and culture.”
Barr Foundation
Barr barrfoundation.org is a private foundation. “From our home in Boston, Massachusetts, we engage in three principal areas: Arts & Culture, Climate, and Education. We focus regionally, and selectively engage nationally. We are also concluding a Global program in 2015. Our mission is to invest in human, natural, and cultural potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts.”
Bereavement Artists
Bereavement Artists bereavementartists.com was founded in 2011, by Colorado artists Teresa Dunwell, Gina Klawitter and Anita Larson, to fill a need for the bereaved community to have a comprehensive, easy-to find, resource of bereavement art services. Membership is open to working artists creating original, custom artwork specifically for those who have suffered a loss.
Build a Bridge
Build a Bridge, buildabridge.org/programs, “Engaging creative people and the transformative power of art making to bring hope and healing to children, families, and communities in the contexts of crisis and poverty.” One of its programs is Artists-on-Call, a professional volunteer program (domestic and international) for a worldwide network of artists virtually connected in every country where BuildaBridge works.
C4W
Creativity For Wellbeing (C4W) is a free art resource, packed with creative ideas for everyone. Founded by Richard K. Potter, an artist, the website’s mission contains “wellbeing underpinning”, “designed to help people with a variety of issues in our challenging times.”
Canadian Art Therapy
The Canadian Art Therapy Association or Association Canadienne d’Art Thérapie (CATA-ACAT) https://www.canadianarttherapy.org was founded by Martin A. Fischer, a psychotherapist practicing art therapy. “We are the Canadian voice of art therapy. We bring together art therapists to raise standards and advance Art Therapy.”
Cavett Kids Foundation
Cavett Kids Foundation, cavettkids.org, is located in Oklahoma City, OK. “We offer camps and year-round programs completely FREE of charge, for kids with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Our programs allow them to have fun while also connecting to others with similar medical conditions. Our mission is developing character, coping skills and connection for children battling life-threatening or chronic illnesses.”
CoachArt
CoachArt.org is a nonprofit “focused on the emotional and social wellbeing of children impacted by physical chronic illnesses. We match children with volunteer coaches to learn an arts or athletics activity of their choice; we offer 1:1 private lessons as well as larger group programs. Any child between the ages of 5-18, as well as their siblings, with a qualifying physical chronic condition are welcome to apply – we currently service Los Angeles, San Diego & the San Francisco Bay Area but we are expanding to new cities very soon!”
Combat Paper
Combat Paper, combatpaper.org , is an organization that provides a creative space where veterans and the community transform military uniforms into handmade paper since 2007. It has affiliated paper mills in California, Nevada, New Jersey and New York.
Communities Create
Communities Create communitescreate.org is a non-profit organization founded by Karen Silton, artist and educator, in order to bring high quality arts programs to our most vulnerable communities in Los Angeles, those experiencing homelessness, intimate partner violence, incarcerated and post carceral, foster youth and veterans. Its mission is “to help reinstate a sense of belonging and empowerment through the healing power of art making and gathering alongside others in community.” The organization offers both hands-on and Zoom mixed-media expressive, healing-centered arts workshops.
Courage Art
Courage Art, courageart.org, holds The Art of Possibilities Art Show & Sale held every spring at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Local, regional, national and international artists with a disability submit their works for review in six categories – Graphic, Mixed Media, Oils and Acrylics, Photography, Sculpture and Watercolor.
The Crayon Initiative
The Crayon Initiative thecrayoninitiative.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children with the resources to express their creativity and individuality through the arts.
CREATE Arts Center
Based in based in Silver Spring, Maryland, CREATE Arts Center createartscenter.org serves people across the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Its mission is “to spark creativity, foster learning, empower individuals, and facilitate community connections through the visual arts.” Its licensed art therapists use a combination of talk therapy and art techniques, such as painting, drawing and sculpting, to deal with life’s challenges.
Creative Arts and Aging Network
This organization artfulaging.blogspot.com exists “to promote avenues and opportunities for all elders, artists and people in the aging network to explore the arts and humanities as a means of life enhancement.”
The Creative Center
The Creative Center at University Settlement thecreativecenter.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in New York, NY, dedicated to bringing the creative arts to people with cancer, chronic illnesses, and through all stages of life. Founded in 1994 on the belief that “medicine cures the body, but art heals the spirit.”
Creative Growth Art Center
Creative Growth Art Center creativeegrowth.org is a non-profit in Oakland, CA that serves artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a professional studio environment for artistic development, gallery exhibition, and representation. Many of the artists who have been affiliated with Creative Growth have had their art exhibited and/or enter permanent collections of museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Smithsonian, and the American Folk Art Museum. The center’s clients have exhibited in art fairs and galleries worldwide.
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Creative Wellness Journey CIC
This non-profit creativewellnessjourney.co.uk was founded Debbie Crouch, a creative wellness artist and facilitator who states “My ethos to share creative wellness FREE to those who need it most.” CIC shares information on various Facebook groups/website and provides a safe environment for members on how to learn to express emotions through creativity. CIC works with other communities to develop working alliances and partnerships and develops online courses and materials related to art for wellness.
Creativity at the Core
Arts and education experts from across California have developed an innovative series of online arts training resources for educators. Through the Creativity at the Core initiative, free online professional learning modules support 21st Century learning for California’s diverse students “through a focus on powerful arts teaching and learning. These modules build on and support the visual and performing arts with the California State Standards, including the Common Core.”
Crossing Point Arts
Crossing Point Arts crossingpointarts.org has a mission to bring the healing and restorative power of the arts to survivors of human trafficking. Through its workshops it is committed to helping those individuals overcome their trauma. “Since 2013, when we launched our workshops at Polaris Project in Newark, NJ, our work has been embraced by these agencies and noted for the creative and therapeutic approach we take, which has proven to be an integral aspect of survivors healing processes.”
Drawn to Help
Drawn to Help drawntohelp.com was created by artist Steve Barr to supplement existing art programs at hospitals, camps and treatment facilities around the country. This outstanding organization helps arrange “celebrity” appearances by successful cartoonists and talented artists who want to improve children’s lives. Read an article about this organization.
Faces Not Forgotten
Faces Not Forgotten, facesnotforgotten.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Christine Ilewski, an artist. Through the organization artists paint portraits of children (age 20 and under) lost to gun violence to give comfort to their families. A copy of the original portrait is printed on a FNF quilt (8 portraits representing the 8 children we lose nationally each day to gun violence) and exhibited virtually and physically to raise awareness of this horrific loss. Christine also offers a virtual program “the Power of Art to Shift Social Conscience”. Families can request a portrait through the submission link pinned to the top of its Facebook page: facebook.com/thefacesprojectstlmo/ Artists can contact the organization also via the Facebook page or website.
Foundation For Art and Healing
The mission of the Foundation artandhealing.org is “to explore the fundamental connection between the art and healing process, while providing active, ongoing support to communities and individuals”, Dr. Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, founder and president.
Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals
Founded by Elaine Poggi, the unique mission of the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals healingphotoart.org is to place large, framed photographs of nature and beautiful places from around the world in hospitals to give comfort and hope to patients and their families, visitors, and caregivers. Read an interview with Elaine Poggi here.
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona freeartsaz.org is a nonprofit in Phoenix, AZ whose mission is transforming children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. Free Arts staff, volunteer mentors, and teaching artists are trained to recognize the impact of trauma and approach their interactions with children and one another in a way that is empathetic, supportive, and resists re-traumatization.
Free Arts for Children
Free Arts for Children freearts.org was born out of the determination of two women Carolyn Sargent and Elda Unger who knew well the inherent therapeutic value of the arts. They conduct programs that inspire hope in the lives of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness.
Free Arts NYC
Free Arts NYC freeartsnyc.org is a volunteer based non-profit organization established to bring the healing power of the arts to children and families who face poverty, homelessness, and other risk factors.
The Gifts of Art Program
One of the first and most comprehensive arts in healthcare programs in the nation, Gifts of Art brings the world of art and music to Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan. Nine 2-D and 3-D galleries throughout the medical center are viewed by approximately 10,000 people a day and display over 30 exhibits a year. The Exhibition Program is designed to calm nerves, lift spirits, and engage minds. Find more information about Gifts of Art at Michigan Medicine go here.
Groundswell
Groundswell NYC groundswell.nyc, is a NYC, NY based organization that shares this vision: “By elevating youth vision, voice, and community collaboration, we aim to develop the next generation of changemakers.” The organization states, “Every Groundswell artwork begins and ends with a group of community stakeholders, such as teens, artists, organizations, funders, neighbors, and families, who come together to transform their streets. Through exposure to a high quality arts education rooted in social justice with social/emotional supports, Groundswell programs develop creative problem-solvers who use their radical imaginations to create personal and societal change.”
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HaGomel Foundation
HaGomel Foundation hagomel.org in Southern California is a 501(C)(3) organization with a mission to provide expressive arts programming that supports emotional and psychological healing for women who have experienced sexual trauma. HaGomel is dedicated to healing women through creative community. “We provide expressive arts programs to survivors of sexual trauma, by interweaving a variety of modalities, for online and in-person experiences throughout greater Los Angeles. Our programs offer a safe space to transform pain and shame into possibility and joy.”
The Harv Toback Scholarship Fund for the Arts
The Harv Toback Scholarship Fund harvtobackfund.org was founded by his son, Adam Toback, after releasing his award-winning documentary, “Harv”. Harv was an Artist, Ad Man and Curator with an art gallery at his dialysis center, showing the art of the patients and doctors. The Fund’s mission is to provide financial assistance to hospitals and care facilities to fund art therapy programs, and provide grants and scholarships to artists living with life threatening illnesses and/or disabilities.
The Healing Arts Program
The Healing Arts Program at Atlantic Health System atlantichealth.org/healingarts provides opportunities to experience health and well-being by bringing literary, performing and visual arts to AHS patients, staff and the communities we serve. Healing Arts offers over 30 programs and events, including therapies in literary, visual and performing arts, reaching over 8,000 people annually across Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area.
HEARTism
HEARTism heartism406.org is a Community Center in Corvallis, Montana. It offers programs in the arts for families of youth with autism and with other special needs. Its mission statement: “The mission of HEARTism Community Center is to provide education and socialization for children with special needs through exploration of the arts — music, dance, creative movement, yoga, a variety of activities and life skills — while supporting and educating parents and families.”
HEART: Save The Children
Save the Children savethechildren.org created HEART , an education approach that brings the proven power of artistic expression – drawing, painting, music, drama, dance and more – to children in need around the world. HEART helps children heal emotionally and learn critical skills.
Healing Farms
Healing Farms Retreat and Integrated Recovery Services Inc. aka Healing Farms, healingfarms.org, is a non profit corporation founded by Andre L. Beaudoin in August of 2007 to provide the combined power of all healing practices and modalities to anyone who needs them.
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Hospital Rooms
Artist Tim A Shaw and curator Niamh White founded Hospital Rooms hospital-rooms.com to transform cold sterile mental health environments with high quality artworks. “For every project we carefully select a roster of artists according to the needs of each community. Our artists work closely with patients, staff and the NHS Trust to create unique, world class and site specific artwork.”
International Arts in Healthcare
The International Art in Healthcare facebook.com/IntlArtsHealthCare is a U.S. 501 c3 and Colorado charity that works in Kenya. The IAH mission is to offer sustainable expressive arts therapy training for staff working in refugee camps and other remote areas in Kenya.
International League of Conservation Photographers
The International League of Conservation Photographers conservationphotographers.org, is a U.S. based non-profit organization whose mission is “to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography… to produce a body of images that fully captures the threats and opportunities faced by communities whose physical environments, fauna, flora, and/or cultural traditions are in peril from human activity.”
K12 Gallery & TEJAS
The mission of K12 Gallery k12tejasgallery.orgwas realized from a community need in 1993 to increase art accessibility for youth and adults from all walks of life. Initial programming of after school and Saturday art classes has grown to embrace inclusive programming for inner city youth, urban school students, at-risk youth involved with the juvenile court system, prisoners, the homeschool population, and promising low income students with aspirations in art careers. With the addition of TEJAS (Teen Education & Joint Adult Studio) in 2009, art outreach grew to offer art enrichment for older teens and adults.
The Kids & Art Foundation
This nonprofit organization kidsandart.org “provides Arts workshops to children with cancer and their care circles to improve their well-being during treatment, as survivors, and in bereavement.” Professional artists help families facing pediatric cancer with free art workshops at treatment centers and other locations.
Kids Kards
With over 20 years of experience, KidsKards, kidskards.com, is a well-established art-based fundraising program. We specialize in reproducing children’s artwork onto high quality note cards for schools and nonprofit organizations to sell as a way to raise funds.
The Laundromat Project
Based in Harlem, NY, The Laundromat Project laundromatproject.org supports artists to create new, community-engaged work based in laundromats. “We amplify the creativity that already exists within communities by using arts and culture to build community networks, solve problems, and enhance our sense of ownership in the places where we live, work, and grow.”
Lion’s Gate Hospital Foundation
Lion’s Gate Hospital Foundation, lghfoundation.com, has an Art Program. “We aim to humanize every wall of the Hospital and use the healing power of art to create a calming, therapeutic environment throughout the LGH campus. The end goal is enhanced patient care – the primary objective of the Foundation.”
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MASS Creative
MASSCreative mass-creative.org works with creative leaders, working artists, arts educators and arts and cultural supporters to empower creative organizations and the public with a powerful voice to advocate for the resources and attention necessary to build vibrant, connected, and creative communities.
National Center For Creative Aging
The National Center for Creative Aging creativeaging.org “is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging, and to developing programs that build upon this understanding.”
The National Initiative for Arts & Health in the Military
The National Initiative for Arts & Health in the Military advances the arts in health, healing, and healthcare for military service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.
National Organization of the National Organization for Arts in Health, NOAH
Founded in 2016 the mission of NOAH thenoah.net is “To unite, advance, and serve the field of arts in health.” It provides transformational leadership to bring the field of arts in health together. “Our focus is on the future of arts, health, and wellbeing; and creating tangible impact from our goals and initiatives.” NOAH has published two white papers and the NOAH Code of Ethics and Standards for Arts in Health Professionals, held two annual conferences and one leadership summit, and much more.
Ocean Artists Society
Ocean Artists Society, oceanartistssociety.org, was founded by the well-known environmental artist Wyland. The organization “uses ocean art to inspire people around the world to a greater awareness of our need to preserve our natural world.”
Open Studio Project
At Open Studio Project (OSP) openstudioproject.org our mission is “to provide a welcoming environment to create art for personal growth, social-emotional learning, and community well-being. In all that Open Studio Project does, we strive to promote positive social and emotional change. At our core, Open Studio Project is about making art and being of service.”
Operation Valor Arts
Operation Valor Arts ovarts.org is a non=profit organization that provides training and resources to enable post-911 Veterans to design and construct interperative public art. Through this process, Veterans have the opportunity to honor those with whom they served, use their personal stories as inspiration and educate the community about the issues facing post-911 Veterans.
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Painting A New World/Peindre un Nouveau Monde
The organization Painting A New World paintinganewworld.com, founded by artists Agnes Jorgensen and Andre Chatelain, focuses mainly on supporting artists in Africa and Haiti through a mural art program. The murals must be appropriate to the context of the community and present a socially conscious message. Murals are painted on school walls and/or community centers by local artists. The aim is to create positive change by employing local artists and educating communities about their environment and future.
Paintings in Hospitals
Established in London in 1959, Paintings in Hospitals paintingsinhospitals.org.uk, uses visual art to create environments that improve the health and wellbeing of patients, service users, carers and the public. The organization works across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Pure Vision Arts (PVA)
Pure Vision Arts purevisionarts.org is Manhattan’s first specialized art studio and exhibition space for artists with autism and other developmental disabilities. It provides studio space, art materials, exhibition opportunities, and career development for artists of all levels, and much more. It was founded in 2002 by The Shield Institute, a not-for-profit human-service agency that educates and supports New Yorkers with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Rehabilitation Through The Arts
RTA rta-arts.org was founded in Sing Sing in 1996. Today, we work in five New York State prisons with innovative programs in theatre, dance, creative writing, voice and visual art. RTA is dedicated to using the creative arts as a tool for social and cognitive transformation behind prison walls.
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SAORI Arts NYC
The mission of SAORI Arts NYC saoriartsnyc.org is “to inspire creativity, joy, and self-confidence through free-form weaving for people of all ages with disabilities or chronic illness.” The organization partners with other organizations “that provide programs and services to people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities or chronic illness together with their families and caregivers.”
Seewall Child
Seewall Child seewallchild.org, founded by artist Olga Stamatiou, believes “in the power to transform the human spirit through a fusion of art, play, education, gardening and healthy foods for children in rural and underserved communities.” It builds interactive installations for children’s crisis centers and children’s hospitals. It takes its EMSv Essential Mobile Service vehicle on the road with a mobile playground command center offering relief to children along with healthy meals throughout the U.S.
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Founded in 1996, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts smithcenter.org (formerly Smith Farm) is a Washington, DC-based health, education, and arts organization. We offer programs for the community and specialize in serving people with cancer and utilizing the arts in healing.
Splashes of Hope
Founded in 1996, Splashes of Hope splashesofhope.org is dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate healing. Our custom-designed murals and other artistic projects bring smiles to the faces of patients, staff and visitors of medical and social service facilities worldwide. This positive impact inspires others to join our mission.
Stars of HOPE USA
Stars of HOPE USA starsofhopeusa.org is a therapeutic arts program created with the mission “to respond to tragedies such as mass violence and natural disasters, we use art-making in the form of a star to give hope, show compassion, and promote healing. Stars of HOPE continue to work in communities such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Bernardino after human-caused tragedy and communities impacted by natural disasters such as the Florida Pan Handle and Puerto Rico.”
Studio in a School
The mission of Studio in a School studioinaschool.org is “To foster the creative and intellectual development of New York City youth through quality visual arts programs, directed by arts professionals. To collaborate with and develop the ability of those who provide or support arts programming and creative development for youth both in and outside of schools. It works exclusively with the visual arts: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpting, and photography. This commitment to programs solely in the visual arts has enabled the organization to develop a unique expertise in the field of arts education.”
Summer’s Way Foundation Healing Through the Arts
Summer’s Way Foundation established Healing Through the Arts, healing-through-the-arts in 2022 at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. “This program led by a Registered Art Therapist, is designed to provide pediatric cancer patients with individualized art therapy. Patients work one-on-one with the therapist to build emotional and mental resilience through clinically proven art projects. In its inaugural year, Healing through the Arts has shown encouraging results in alleviating pain, anxiety, and depression while promoting socialization and self-expression.”
The Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
The Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute trauma-informedpractice.com is dedicated to teaching trauma-informed, expressive arts-based intervention that integrates neurodevelopment, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and principles of positive psychology.
Twist Out Cancer
Twist Out Cancer (TOC) TwistOutCancer provides psychosocial support to anyone touched by cancer through creative arts programming. Our signature program, Brushes with Cancer (BWC) creates unexpected intersections between talented artists and those touched by cancer, our “Inspirations.” The intention is to create a unique system of support for both the artist and individual, which centers on the healing of the person and results in dialogue and education for the community at large.
University of Kentucky Arts in HealthCare Program
In this program ukhealthcare.uky.edu/arts-in-healthcare art in all forms is featured at UK Chandler Hospital and other UK HealthCare locations including art by artists with a Kentucky connection. “Our mission is to create an environment of care and to focus on the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of our patients, family, caregivers and staff. The program recognizes the arts and the artists as powerful and positive forces in the healing process.”
USVAA, United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance
This multi-disciplinary, 501 c 3 arts organization USVAA is dedicated to assisting veterans in the arts, humanities and the entertainment industry. They address such issues as the transition from military to civilian life, education, employment, the effects of wartime and military service injuries such as PTSD, TBI and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and homelessness among veterans. It is based in Culver City, CA.
VDay
The mission of V-Day VDay.org is “to end violence against women and girls, to break the silence, to make people aware of the violence that affects one in three women in the US and throughout the world. Growing from a singular play to a vast global movement of survivors, artists and activists, V-Day works at the intersection of art and activism to shatter taboos, create space for women and the most marginalized, and initiate community led culture and system change. V-Day is a movement of everyday grassroots leaders demanding change for their communities.”
The Veterans Art Foundation (VAF)
This is a non profit art foundation, veteransartfoundation.wordpress.com based in Connecticut started in 2009 by Michael Hawley, an Iraq War veteran. “Our mission is to provide programs and services that allow veterans to heal through the arts. Whether it is through film, music, writing, photography or painting, our goal is to assist veterans in re-adjusting to civilian life.”
The Veterans Art Project
The Veterans Art Project vetart.org is committed to changing lives through deep art engagement. VETART serves veterans, active duty service members, their families, and military caregivers. The organization provides art therapy, art education, art materials, equipment, and studio access free of charge. The organization has opened a ceramics and glass studio and a metal studio in North San Diego County, home to the highest concentration of US military personnel in the world. VETART is working with the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission of California to advocate for military arts engagement throughout the state.
Well Arts Institute
Well Arts wellarts.org is a nonprofit, arts organization in Portland, OR, that explores the health of our community and its members through the reflective lens of the arts. Its mission is to explore, develop and practice creativity as a means of wellness.
A Window Between Worlds
The mission of A Window Between Worlds, WBW, awbw.org is “To empower individuals and communities impacted by violence and trauma through a transformative healing arts program. WBW views art as a catalyst to release trauma, build resilience and ignite social change.” WBW has developed a nationwide network of 450+ active Windows Facilitators and reaches tens of thousands of survivors annually.
The Women With Wings Foundation
The Women with Wings Foundation womenwwings.org is a teaching non-profit and 501 (c)(3) recognized organization “that bridges the gap between the science and technology of medicine and patient care by offering healing arts programs, products and services that can easily be integrated into a provider’s existing protocol. Our products and services use all forms of art to inspire cancer, chronic pain patients and their families to heal emotionally, spiritually and physically. Discovering one’s creative instincts brings Joy, Faith and Hope to the healing process.” The Foundation was founded by Patricia Varga, CEO, who is a survivor of cancer herself.
Women Environmental Artists Directory (WEAD)
Focusing on women’s unique perspectives the purpose of WEAD weadartists.org is: “To provide information regarding the ecoart and social justice art fields to artists, curators, writers, art and public art administrators, educators in art and ecology, cross-disciplinary professionals and others.”
YALL Art Project
The YALL Art Project is a 2-part collaborative art project in Photography and Mural Painting with a mission to help children overcome the trauma of severe abuse. Students are encouraged to find their authentic voice and individual self-expression. They learn how to use a professional camera, get photographs for their portfolio, and prints that can be sold to fund-raise for their community, plus the rewards of collaborating on creating a mural with other students.
Youth Art For Healing
Youth Art For Healing youthartforhealing.org, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring works of art created by youth into healthcare environments to provide a sense of comfort, inspiration and healing for patients and their loved ones, and healthcare professionals.
Art with a Heart in Healthcare is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides personalized fine art experiences that enhance the healing process for patients and their families. This organization should be listed in this Art and Healing Directory.
Hello Brook, Thank you for your comment Art with a Heart in Healthcare, a wonderful organization, has been added to our Resource Directory.
Hello,
HaGomel Foundation in Southern California is a 501(C)(3) organization with a mission to provide expressive arts programming that supports emotional and psychological healing for women who have experienced sexual trauma.
We would love to be included on this list.
Thank you
Hi Susan, Thank you for your comment. I’m pleased and honored to add HaGomel Foundation to our Art & Healing Resources and appreciate the much needed support you give to women. Best wishes to you and everyone at HaGomel.
Hello,
HEARTism is a Community Center in Corvallis, Montana and we have been offering programs in the arts for almost 10 years for families of youth with autism and with other special needs. We have weekly art, music & music therapy classes, as well as a young adult group that gets together for visiting along with art and other activities, based on their interests. In addition, we partner with a dance instructor for special movement classes that culminate in a recital for families and friends. It is very joyful. Here is our mission statement:
OUR MISSION – The mission of HEARTism Community Center is to provide education and socialization for children with special needs through exploration of the arts — music, dance, creative movement, yoga, a variety of activities and life skills — while supporting and educating parents and families
We would love to be part of your organization list and look forward to learning more about your project and other organizations vested in the healing power of the arts.
Thank you,
Jennifer Wiezel, Board president and all-around helper
Hello Jennifer, Thank you for visiting and writing your comment. We added HEARTism to this page and appreciate the wonderful services you provide to help those in need. All the best to you and HEARTism, Renee Phillips, Founder, The Healing Power of art & ARTISTS
Please add Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona to your list. They are a nonprofit in Phoenix, AZ whose mission is transforming children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. https://freeartsaz.org/
Your organization Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona has been added to this page. Thank you for your service to help children who have experienced trauma transform their lives through art.
Dear Renee,
What a labor of love and a gift to the world this list is. I’d like to add the Threshold Choir, a world wide network of choral singers who use their voices and songs when invited in service at the bedsides of people who are dying. For 22 years now the Threshold Choir has sung with and for all people. We know that music has the potential to be a healing power and can be an instrument for peace and justice. We are committed to creating a harmonious culture of inclusivity, respect, and love. We affirm the beauty, dignity, and wholeness of all people and believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness from their first to their last breath.
http://www.thresholdchoir.org
All blessings, Kate Munger, founder
Thank you Kate for letting us know about the Threshold Choir and how you share the healing power of music. I am delighted to know about the organization.
Hello,
What an amazing list of resources and organizations!
I am the Executive Director of ARTreach (Katy ARTreach). We are a 501(c) 3 non profit in the greater Houston area. Established in 2003, we have been providing art program to under served populations for over 18 years. At ARTreach, we use the arts to change lives. Through the power of connection, we deliver quality art programs to the most vulnerable populations in our communities: children and families at risk, special needs groups, and senior citizens. In partnership with professional artists and volunteers, we aspire to create a positive impact on the community.
https://www.artreachtexas.org/
We would love to be added to your list.
Thank you!
Nicole Moraw
Thank you Nicole for visiting The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website and informing us about Art Reach Texas. We have added your organization to our growing comprehensive resource of art and healing organizations. Thank you all for your spirit of compassion and service. Best wishes, Renee
Hi- can you please add our organization to this list? Open Studio Project
Thank you.
Dear Sarah, Thank you for your comment and sharing the link to Open Studio Project. Your organization has been added to this page. Best wishes!
What a wonderful list! I am the Program Manager for SAORI Arts NYC, and would love it if our organization could be added. We are always looking for new partnerships, so if anyone is interested, you can reach out to me at danaleah@saoriartsnyc.org.
The mission of SAORI Arts NYC is to inspire creativity, joy, and self-confidence through free-form weaving for people of all ages with disabilities or chronic illness.
Our website is: http://www.saoriartsnyc.org
Thank you Danaleah for informing me about your wonderful organization. I have added SAORI to our directory.
Hi Renee,
What an incredible resource. We were amazed to see all these wonderful organizations! We would be so grateful to be included in your list of art organizations. Stars of HOPE USA http://www.starsofhopeusa.org, is a therapeutic arts program created with the mission to respond to tragedies such as mass violence and natural disasters, we use art-making in the form of a star to give hope, show compassion, and promote healing. Stars of HOPE continue to work in communities such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Bernardino after human-caused tragedy and communities impacted by natural disasters such as the Florida Pan Handle and Puerto Rico.
Hi Josh, Thank you for your healing work through Stars of HOPE USA and sending us information about it. As you’ll see, we have added it to our online directory. Best to you!
Thank you Renee! Thank you for the amazing resources you have put together. This is amazing!
Dear Renee,
This is an amazing compilation of resources! Thank-you so much for your dedication to such an important pathway to healing. I have been a longtime professional artist and educator and recently founded a non-profit, Communities Create in order to bring high quality arts programs to our most vulnerable communities in Los Angeles, those experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to help reinstate a sense of belonging and empowerment through the healing power of art making and gathering alongside others in community.
We hope you will consider our website and program for inclusion in the Art and Healing Directory.
https://communitiescreate.org
Warmly,
Karen Silton
Dear Karen, Thank you for founding CommunitiesCreate.org, an extremely valuable nonprofit organization. With pleasure, I have added you to our Resource Directory of Art & Healing Organizations & Programs. Thank you for reaching out and for being what we consider to be one of the “World Changers”! All the best to you, Renee
Thank-you so much Renee for all your efforts, for adding us and for all your kind words!
Warm regards,
Karen
You’re welcome Karen. I sent you an email with questions for an interview to add you to our series of World Changers on our website.
Hey there!
There is a nonprofit called House Of Roses N The Dark where they provide art therapy and art education to PTSD depression anxiety and substance abuse victims in NYC. They are doing there artist features in celebration of artist who do art and the healing elements of the creation process. Here is there link houseofrosesnthedark.org
Thank you Christine. We have now added House Of Roses N The Dark to our Resource Directory of Art & Healing Organizations.
I work for a ceramics company based in San Francisco. We have an organization that we work with in LA that takes our broken tile and dinnerware and creates murals. It’s an outreach program that helps homeless, formerly homeless as well as those with disabilities both physical and mental. I am hoping to find a similar organization in the Bay Area.
Any suggestions?
Thank you for the important work you with the outreach program in San Francisco. I hope your comment will generate a reply from an organization in the Bay Area.
Two wonderful arts and healing organizations are:
https://awbw.org/
Mission, Vision & Values
To empower individuals and communities impacted by violence and trauma through a transformative healing arts program. A Window Between Worlds views art as a catalyst to release trauma, build resilience and ignite social change.
And on a global scale, and very near and dear to my heart:
http://www.VDay.org
The mission of V-Day is to end violence against women and girls, to break the silence, to make people aware of the violence that affects one in three women in the US and throughout the world.
Dear Lesley, Thank you very much for informing us about the two wonderful arts and healing organizations. We visited their websites and created their listings which you will now see on this page. Thank you again, Renee
Hi, I am an art teacher in Atlanta and I work with young students. I’ve recently connected with an art therapist friend and we want to start an afterschool program for students to create art. Especially in this time in history, I feel compelled to offer students a safe, supportive space to be free to create and establish connections and friendships. Art can be so helpful tool in working through mental health issues.
How do we get started? Are there government grant opportunities we could look into to help for funding?
Christine, I applaud you for having a desire to help youths in Atlanta, Georgia. I suggest you begin your research locally and contact regional arts agencies and grants in your community and your state. Of course, this is where google is a good place to start. You may also want to reach out to similar programs in your area to gather your research. Unless you plan on establishing a nonprofit you may consider collaborating with existing nonprofit organizations and use them as an umbrella organization to raise funds. After you create a financial plan, depending on your financial budget you may also find that local businesses would be a sufficient source of finding and would be happy to support your endeavors, especially if they receive publicity. Best wishes!
Hello! I own a police station/jail/city hall building in a rural town in NE Georgia (U.S.). The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places. I have spent the past 8 months restoring and renovating it and am interested in connecting with one or more non-profits who orchestrate art therapy programs for first responders (particularly police) AND incarcerated individuals. I would love for my building to be a space to display pieces of art – for viewing/public awareness and/or potentially for purchase (to benefit the non-profit). I would love to be connected to such organizations if you or anyone you know can put me in touch. kudzoo.llc@gmail.com – THANK YOU!
Hi Jenna, Thank you for your comment. I hope you get some responses from organizations that might be interested in collaborating with you. Best wishes with your project.
What a fantastic resources list and site chock full of supportive information. I have recently founded an arts in recovery organization that speaks to so much of what you’re doing here. Thank you!
Thank you Samantha for informing me about The AIRS Project theAIRSproject.org that “offers a virtual space for anyone who has found catharsis, support, healing, expression, through ANY art form.”
Renee, what an incredible resource and showcase of all the healing work with art around the world. I’d like to introduce an organization I am part of in Maine – ArtVan, a mobile program that offers the therapeutic arts to communities with the least social services and after school programs. Right now, we have a couple in-person neighborhood programs however until weather permits us to be outside, our to-go ArtBags full of supplies and instructional prompts are how we check-in with our ArtVan community.
Website: artvanprogram.org
Instagram: artvan_program
Again, thank you for pulling together artists with such depth, inclusivity, and dimension.
Dear Shannon, Thank you for visiting the website and informing us about ArtVan https://artvanprogram.org/. We added the organization to the page. Thank you for your efforts to help others in need. All the best to you and ArtVan, Renee
Hi!
This list is great. I live in Dallas, Texas and am moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 7 months. I currently teach art part-time and want to get way more involved with the art + healing world. Where is a good place for me to start, as far as organizations in my area, national organizations that may be in my area, or organizations working virtually?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Aidan
Aidan, if you want to get more involved in helping others in the art and healing world, there are many resources available. You can reach out to organizations on this page that have satellite locations in several cities. You can contact artists and arts organizations on social media in the Grand Rapids, MI area. You may also find charities in your community or region through friends, associates and the local newspapers. You can use a valuable resource organization Idealist. You can also find lists of charities at: charitynavigator.org and wnycharities.org. You can also try to seek opportunities in Michigan through this search: https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/?s=michigan
The Veterans Art Project is committed to changing lives through deep art engagement. VETART serves veterans, active duty service members, their families, and military caregivers. The organization provides art therapy, art education, art materials, equipment, and studio access free of charge. The organization has opened a ceramics and glass studio and a metal studio in North San Diego County, home to the highest concentration of US military personnel in the world. VETART is working with the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission of California to advocate for military arts engagement throughout the state.
Thank you Thalia for sharing this valuable information about The Veterans Art Project. We have added the organization to our directory.
Hi. I believe my friend and Mentor, Patricia Varga’s, non-profit should be listed on your site. I met her through my journey trying to find my way through my cancer journey. She not only helped me center myself, she helped me rediscover my creative self and I have since written my first children’s book that I am hoping to have published. Without her Cancer Support Group, Create to Heal, I don’t know what I would have done as I was in a deep depression. Patricia has worked with domestic violence survivors, cancer patients, healthcare providers and most recently chronic pain patients. She selflessly gives her time and wisdom to help guide others through tapping into our creative selves and, in doing so, giving us a wonderful vehicle to use towards healing. Patricia is not only the CEO and Founder of The Women With Wings Foundation, she is a survivor of cancer herself. She can be contacted at pv@womenwwings.org. Thank you and I hope you will contact her.
Thank you Suzanne Schulz for informing us about The Women With Wings Foundation and the selfless contributions and compassion of its founder Patricia Varga. We added the Foundation to this directory.
Hello My name is Gabe and id like it if you included K12 Gallery & TEJAS (Teen Education & Joint Adult Studio) The mission of K12 Gallery was realized from a community need in 1993 to increase art accessibility for youth and adults from all walks of life. Initial programming of after school and Saturday art classes has grown to embrace inclusive programming for inner city youth, urban school students, at-risk youth involved with the juvenile court system, prisoners, the homeschool population, and promising low income students with aspirations in art careers. With the addition of TEJAS in 2009, art outreach grew to offer art enrichment for older teens and adults.
Absolutely, we have included K12 Gallery & TEJAS to our directory. Thank you for the work you do to help so many in need.
Best wishes to you, Renee
Twist Out Cancer provides psychosocial support to anyone touched by cancer through creative arts programming. (TOC) offers the platform, tools, and community for anyone touched by cancer to feel connected to a community, and for many to act.
Our signature program, Brushes with Cancer (BWC) creates unexpected intersections between talented artists and those touched by cancer, our “Inspirations.” The intention is to create a unique system of support for both the artist and individual, which centers on the healing of the person and results in dialogue and education for the community at large. Through an application process, artists are matched with inspirations and mentored over 5 months. The pairs collaborate to share stories of grief, hope, and humanity. The artist is charged with creating a work of art reflective of the individual’s cancer journey as it unfolds. The program concludes with an art exhibit and celebratory event for the participants, their families, and the public.
Bonjour Renee,
I would like PAINTING A NEW WORLD to be listed in the Art and Healing directory. The following is the mission statement and the link to the website.
Thank you for considering.
PAINTING A NEW WORLD / PEINDRE UN NOUVEAU MONDE
The organization focuses mainly on supporting artists in Africa and Haiti through a mural art program. The murals must be appropriate to the context of the community and present a socially conscious message. Murals are painted on school walls and/or community centers by local artists.
The aim is to create positive change by employing local artists and educating communities about their environment and future.
http://www.paintinganewworld.com
http://www.peindreunnouveaumonde.com
Andre, we added Painting A New World to the Resource Directory and also our Friends page. https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/friends/ Thank you for your spirit of generosity and bringing positive change to the world.
Hi,
I wanted to share with you the wonderful work happening at the University of Florida and the wonderful opportunities that are available to everyone wanting to know more about the world of “arts in medicine”. https://arts.ufl.edu/academics/center-for-arts-in-medicine/programs/arts-in-medicine/
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing this information with us.
Your website is wonderful and undoubtedly providing assistance to so many through arts healing and therapy. I am in search of resources requesting donations of artwork and wondered if you could direct me to any or point me in the right direction? I am looking for a way to donate the artwork I create each week, either to organizations or individuals, in order to spread positivity and beauty into the world or offer encouragement to others that may need it.
Thank you in advance,
Jana Clinard Harris
This is a wonderful resource. Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to add our organization’s mission to this list: CoachArt.org. We are a nonprofit focused on the emotional and social wellbeing of children impacted by physical chronic illnesses. We match children with volunteer coaches to learn an arts or athletics activity of their choice; we offer 1:1 private lessons as well as larger group programs. Any child between the ages of 5-18, as well as their siblings, with a qualifying physical chronic condition are welcome to apply – we currently service Los Angeles, San Diego & the San Francisco Bay Area but we are expanding to new cities very soon!
Dear Roxanne, Thank you for notifying us about CoachArt.org and for all the organization’s caring contributions to children’s wellbeing. The organization has been added to the page. May it continue to expand to help more people in need.
Access Gallery is an inclusive nonprofit organization that engages the community by opening doors to creative, educational and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience and benefit from the arts.
http://www.accessgallery.org
Thank you Andre. We have added Access Gallery to the list.
Hello Renee,
I have just recently come across your website and found it to be such an inspiration.
My artwork is part-time along with teaching artists to market their art and workshops that I find so much fun as some come for the socialization and “healing” (from loneliness or other).
I have been on a path to clean up our environment with much ocean and marine based artwork. Now, I will also add the healing power aspect to it.
Thank you so much,
Joyce
Hi Joyce, Thank you for your comment. Perhaps you’d like to write an article about SEO for Artists on my other website Renee Phillips, The Artrepreneur Coach. Let me know. Since your art is environmentally related you’ll also find an ebook of interest “Resources For Artists Who Care About Nature & The Environment”. All the best, Renee
Portrait Connection pairs seriously ill children with fine artists who each paint a portrait of child. Together the portraits go on exhibit to raise awareness and then are gifted to the children’s families/homes to be a sanctuary of peace, hope, joy, and healing. Our mission statement is: “Uniting the arts with children’s health in a meaningful way that engages communities bringing compassion to families in critical medical challenges, and advances the careers of diverse artists.”
Thank you Elaine!
Artists with Autism Inc is based out of Fort Lauderdale Florida and is a nonprofit organization helping individuals with autism have meaningful lives with purpose by focusing on their talents and abilities and helping them build a business around those talents. We Believe supported self-employment is a very viable alternative to traditional paid employment. With our unique Consignment art gallery we provide a platform for aspiring in emerging artists with autism to display and showcase their artwork
Dear Cynthia, Thank you for informing me about Artists With Autism. As you can see we’ve added your organization to this page and also to our ebook. Thank you for the positive and empathetic work you do on behalf of artists. Best regards, Renee
Please add our program to your list. Thank you.
University of Kentucky Arts in HealthCare program
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/arts-in-healthcare
“Our mission is to create an environment of care and to focus on the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of our patients, family, caregivers and staff. The program recognizes the arts and the artists as powerful and positive forces in the healing process.”
Dear Jason, Your wonderful program has been added to our Resource Directory of Art & Healing Organizations & Programs. Thank you for letting us know about it. How should artists contact you to participate? Best regards, Renee
Please could you share http://www.creativity4wellbeing.com (C4W) with your organisations? It is a free art resource, packed with creative ideas for everyone. It also has a wellbeing underpinning, designed to help people with a variety of issues in our challenging times.
I hope you can see the merit in C4W and find it useful. Richard
Hi Richard, I’m happy to know about C4W and have added your website to our Resource Directory of Art & Healing Organizations & Programs. Thank you for reaching out and connecting here. Please become a subscriber. Best wishes, Renee
Hello!
I am trying to locate an artist who could provide prints to furnish new office space for our behavioral health center.. Is there a directory available of resources/artists who are selling their work? I’ve been searching on Etsy trying to find someone who has work available for purchase but am having trouble finding the right feel. I”d like to show hope, healing, positivity, and even happiness expressed in artwork. Ideally, I would like to purchase 20-30 unique digital images of art that could be downloaded and framed.
Can anyone help direct me to the right place?
Cynthia, please visit the online art gallery, browse the online art exhibitions, and use the search box to find specific types of art you need. You should also visit our other website Manhattan Arts International. We have an online art gallery and an exhibition “The Healing Power of ART”. The artists’ websites are provided. If you need contact information for any of the artists let me know so you can purchase their art directly from them.
Renee, As usual, such an outpouring of resources and opportunity for the art community. For those of us
who especially seek art for healing this is invaluable and gives opportunity to extend if they need to be added. Thank you.
Greetings,
My name is Ayaovi Bright Homawoo, a West African immigrant, and currently pursuing a Master’s degree is Special Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I started my own company in July of this year. The Cultivated Fool (TCF) is a company founded on the notion that, we are all fools by nature, but we can cultivate our souls for nurture. F.O.O.L (Formulating Our Own Legacy) is a movement of living life by your own rules, being comfortable in your own skin, and proudly sharing who you really are with the world, while encouraging others to do the same. thecultivatedfool.org is designed to help bring attention to the People of Omaha and have them formulate their own legacy, one story at a time. Additionally, the website will serve to highlight selected members that go above and beyond not only cultivating themselves, but helping others reach this same level of success. TCF also utilizes its platform to advocate to matters such as Mental Health, Women’s Empowerment, Human Equality, Hidden Figures, etc… Much love, always.
We would like to be listed as an organization that supports art & healing.
Perry County Council of the Arts provides learning and sharing opportunities to expand creativity in every person and connect our rural community.
Our other social goals include fostering community development, providing job skills, promoting environmental conservation, fostering diversity and expanding the definition of the arts in our rural community.
Read a recent blog, here: https://namp.americansforthearts.org/2017/10/20/arts-and-cultural-solidarity
Hi Erika, of Perry County Arts. Thank you for reaching out and leaving a comment and for the wonderful work you do. Your organization has been added to our Resources page.
Thanks for all the work you are doing. My 16-year-old son with autism had an art teacher here in Qatar where we live as expats who changed our lives. In the past four years, he has been in several large exhibits and spoken in France and other places about art and autism. We have started a foundation called Art4Every1 here in Doha, Qatar for kids with disabilities. We bring art to kids with disabilities in Qatar and bring awareness of how art can heal in the Middle East.
I also write a blog about our experiences chronicled in http://www.openingthesky.com. It is a life-changing work that has truly “opened my sky.”
Dear Maryan, Thank you for your comment and for all that you do for children with disabilities through Art4Every1. We have added your wonderful foundation to our Resource Directory at https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/art-and-healing-organizations/
Using art as a catalyst to heal and empower victims of childhood abuse and trauma, we teach self expression and collaboration through the creative process of photography and mural painting. We are the Yall art Project
Dear Danny, Thank you very much for informing us about the Yall art Project. It’s a wonderful project. We added your organization to our Art & Healing Resource list. If you want to be a guest writer and write an article about your project for The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS let us know. We’d be delighted to promote your efforts to our audience. Best regards, Renee
I love your website. I am a recently retired public school teacher and some of my fondest memories are those of inviting all of my students to express themselves through art. Whether it was through poetry, music or visual art, the results were always amazing. When people ask me why I was retiring, my response was simple, “I am tired of quantifying human beings.” It especially seemed unnatural when dealing with artistic expression. The sooner we convey the power of art, for arts sake, the sooner we move forward in encouraging art as a therapy for everyone. I will be looking at volunteering soon and your website is my first step. Thanks again!
Dear M, I’m sure you’ll find organizations that will welcome your positive spirit, talent and desire to help. Keep us posted!
To Renee and staff of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS,
Thank you for the hard work and effort you put into creating this website with valuable resources at no charge to visitors. I have searched far and wide and there is no other website that offers an array of art and articles packed with information related to art and healing. As a healthcare practitioner I rely on resources like yours. I am a subscriber and bought your ebook. Keep up the wonderful work you’re doing.
I work at Colart the home of many leading art materials including Winsor & Newton & Liquitex – we have art materials we would like to donate to a worthy cause.
Please contact me on a.chamberlin@colart.co.uk.
Our head office is based in the UK however we have a warehouse in the US we can distribute from.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you very much Ajita for your offer to donate art supplies for a worthy cause. I have forwarded information about your interest and email address to some nonprofit organizations that may be very happy to accept your offer.
Operation Valor Arts is a non=profit organization that provides training and resources to enable post-911 Veterans to design and construct interperative public art. Through this process, Veterans have the opportunity to honor those with whom they served, use their personal stories as inspiration and educate the community about the issues facing post-911 Veterans.
http://www.ovarts.org
Would you be willing to list us on your website?
Thank you Allyson for this information about Operation Valor Arts. We’ve added your wonderful organization to our page. See it above. Thank you for your service to help healing for the Veterans who courageously and selflessly serve to protect us.
UCLArts & Healing transforms lives through creative expression by integrating the innate benefits of the arts with mental health practices, for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. We offer professional development programs in multiple art forms, for a variety of populations and settings. We also offer a Certificate Program in Social Emotional Arts for those who want to learn how to develop and deliver their own effective curricula.
April 26-29, 2018 is our annual conference on Creativity & the Arts in Healing, featuring 140+ experiential workshops facilitated by national experts on healing through art, dance, drama, drumming, music, writing, and play: http://expressivetherapiessummit.la
Thank you for sharing this valuable information about UCLArts.
First of all, Thank you for publishing this information. My daughter, began a 501 (c)(3) in May 2017 called A Work of heART. Since beginning we have traveled the country providing art sessions for children/youth that spend extended periods of time in hospitals due to pediatric cancer, life threatening/chronic illnesses or diseases and allow them a fun, relaxed art studio where they are able to express themselves creatively. This is all done in hopes that they are able to not only enjoy themselves and create a masterpiece (that they keep) but also be given the chance to just be a kid and forget about what ails them for a short time. We’d love to be added to your list. Although, the organization does not yet have a website, we do have a facebook, twitter and instagram page. A Work of heART
Dear Christy Mabou/Olivia Curhbert, Thank your daughter for contributing to make this world a better place. I’d love to share a story about A Work of heART on this website. I will check out your Facebook and Twitter pages and try to connect with you so we can begin the process. I’m so glad you found The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS. All the best, Renee
Hello,
I would like to add our art therapy studio.
Humeira Studios is a specialized creative space that offers therapeutic activities to women of all ages who have experienced traumatic experiences in their lives. The studio has space for art materials and exhibition opportunities. It was established in 2014 in Victoria, British Columbia.
Thank you for the wonderful resource list!
Just wanted to let you know the web address for The Art Therapy Project is incorrect.
The correct link is https://thearttherapyproject.org/
Thank you again!
Thank you very much Francesca,
I corrected the link.
All the best, Renee
I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist who today received an inquiry from a woman seeking a therapeutic retreat with a creative arts focus, or programming. She is looking for a long-term residential treatment program in New York, in a rural setting. She seemed to be calling from another residential setting and is apparently seeking a long-term transitional program where she can stay for a year. Please let me know if you have heard of anything like this, and I will provide the information to her when she calls me back next week. Thank you so much for this resource! Health insurance coverage is not necessary.
Dear Lesley,
Thank you for your visit and comment/question. Although we don’t know of a residency that matches your description, I suggest you visit The Artrepreneur Coach site and search for artists’ residencies there. You will find resources for organizations that also list residencies on their websites http://www.renee-phillips.com. For example, the Alliance of Artists Communities’ Residency Directory is a comprehensive online guide to residencies for visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, scholars, filmmakers, community artists, architects, and more – around the world and in your backyard. Hundreds of residencies, endless possibilities. To learn more visit http://artistcommunities.org/residencies
Has she heard of Brookhaven in NC?
My granddaughter, as a Girl Scout Project, is endeavoring to establish an art program in a local hospital for teenage patients. One of her challenges is to have the program continue to operate after it is started. Do you have suggestions how to keep the program going from a funding standpoint? A constraint is she is not allowed to sell anything. Thank you for considering this.
Dear Martin Heatlie,
Your granddaughter is remarkable for having a desire to establish an art program. Assuming she has already asked the local hospital for suggestions, she could consider creating a funding campaign using http://www.gofundme.com, an easy way to raise money online for art projects. She should also contact her state and regional art organizations and grant opportunities to find out their requirements for funding such projects. I wish your granddaughter much success! I was a girl scout in my youth and it provided a wonderful foundation for me in many ways. All the best, Renee
Please add I Still Matter in Jacksonville, FL! Our mission is to foster mental and emotional healing through art and creative expression!
Dear Carmen (and anyone else who wants to submit your organization to this Directory),
We would be delighted to consider adding your organization to our Resource Directory. Please leave a comment on this page with the organization’s mission statement and website address.
Best regards,
Alexandra, Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS
Hi !
I’m glad I found this directory. I’m a Social Journalism Master’s student and my community is going to be the arts for personal and social change. I would like to be in touch with the managers of these page for an interview and further collaboration 🙂
Regarding organizations to add, what about these ones: http://libertyunited.com/ http://artsandminds.org/ http://dontjuststare.com/our-mission/ (this one is in the UK, but lets go international 🙂
Dear Laura,
My assistant sent you an email directly regarding your request. If you would like for us to add any organizations to our Resource Directory please leave a comment with a brief mission statement.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Renee
Dear Renee Phillips,
My name is L.W., and I am a 19 year old freelance artist. However, no matter how healing I try to make my personal artwork, it seems only to develop destructive tendencies within myself. I am not a content person in terms of expressive art, and it often brings down my positive emotional state.
On this note, you have referenced many supportive healing art groups, and I was curious on finding out whether there are groups that will influence my own art into being healing as well. If you could recommend some specific groups, I would seriously appreciate the effort.
Dear LM,
The American Art Therapy Association is a wonderful organization that advocates access to professional art therapists. You will find a lot of information on their website including a list of art therapists by state by using this link: http://www.find-a-therapist.com/directory?cat=artther That should help you find someone in your area. I hope this helps you.
Greetings Renee,
Thank you for the comprehensive list. Our organization, Int’l Arts in Healthcare, is a US 501 c3 and Colorado charity that works in Kenya. The IAH mission is to offer sustainable expressive arts therapy training for staff working in refugee camps and other remote areas in Kenya. If appropriate, please add our organization to the IAH list of Arts & Healing Programs. [International Arts in Healthcare, Aspen, CO.
https://www.facebook.com/IntlArtsHealthCare/%5D
Thanks and keep up the good work,
Paula Taylor
Dear Paula,
Thank you for your visit and comment. Congratulations on the many contributions made with International Arts in Healthcare. I have added your outstanding organization to our Art & Healing Organizations Resource List at http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/art-and-healing-organizations/
Best regards,
Renee
Wow, this is an amazing resource! Thank you for providing such a comprehensive list. I hope you will continue to do research and update this.
Sincerely, Jamie Rosen
Expressive Arts THerapist, Intern
Dear Renee
I would like to introduce to you organisation Hope for victims of traffic accidents (HOVITA ) a new Ngo in uganda that supports road crash victims who are traumatised by road crashes by providing trauma counselling. I would like to connect with Artists, partner with organisations to help our victims by providing arts healing for traumatic victims /survivors.
Please advise the way forward .
thanks
sam Bambanza
Team leader
Hovita
Dear Sam,
Thank you for providing an important service through Organisation Hope. Please list your website address so I can learn more about the organization and help to spread the word about it.
Best regards,
Renee
Arts & Healing in South Africa is an initiative which is built upon the belief in the inherent healing powers of the arts. The mission is to create culturally relevant art programs that promote healing and enhance the lives of individuals in underserved communities in South Africa. These initiatives are promoted by international art therapists and South African Community Art Counelors.
Hi Becky,
Thank you for your comment and informing us about Arts & Healing in South Africa. We have added your organization to our Resource Directory of Art & Healing Organizations and Programs.
Best regards,
Renee
Dear Ms Renee
Thanks for representing artists and talking about their initiatives worldwide we really appreciate the great work and efforts you put in.
Streetlights Uganda is a community based organisation in Uganda that uses art to empower streetchildren in Kampala through teaching them basic hands on skills like making crafts, capacity building, building self esteem, unearthing potential and building their confidence .This is through engaging them into different art projects and workshops to help boost their confidence and encourage them to improve their standards of living through earning a living through the works they do. As Streetlights Uganda we believe that every child is born with a given potential so with such platforms, we help them discover their strengths hence making them better citizens We are looking for community based organisations to partner with and share ideas and also Art therapists to work with us in this noble cause. We would also love to be added to the Art and healing Directory
Our website is http://www.streetlightsug.org
Twitter handle @streetLIGHTSug
Facebook Streetlights Uganda
Thank you
Kiggundu Rodney
Co-founder
Dear Kiggundu Rodney,
Thank you for following me on Twitter and posting your comment. It’s a pleasure to learn about Streetlights Uganda and to add it to our Art and Healing Organizations Directory. You’re doing extraordinary work for children and what you do reminds me of one of my favorite inspirational quotes by Nelson Mandela “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Dear Rene,
I work as a homeopath and Bowen therapist. This is my 20th year of practice. In an effort to grow my practice beyond the one to one service model I have begun importing a line of topical homeopathic products which my patients love. I am now the Canadian distributor.
That is me by day. I also love colour and fibre and am a rug hooker 24/7. I have an idea that I can incorporate my experience as a healer into offering workshops that incorporate colour, fibre, creativity and healing. I have been searching for other people who work in this way and found your website.
Do you have any suggestions of who I might connect with to learn about what works and doesn’t in this area? I would appreciate your assistance.
Warmly,
Meryl
Hi Meryl,
Thank you for your visit and comment and for sharing a link to your homeopathic products website. There are so many wonderful art and healing individuals and organizations in Canada and the U.S. for you to network with. Many are very eager to share ideas with you. I encourage you to reach out to them. You’ll find them in the articles here and in the Resource Directory. I also find many helpful ideas and people discussing their practices on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Best regards,
Renee
I am a mixed media artist., My work combines traditional materials with found objects and recycled objects to create wall reliefs, sculpture and what I call “Tribute Portraits” (for family and friends who have lost loved ones as a way to help them heal.)
I retired in 05 after 25 years of working with children as a preschool teacher, classroom assistant and an After School Care Director. While raising my family I attended college part time and majored in Early Childhood. In 2001 I decided to take Fine Art classes and after completing several core art classes my husband was transferred to Texas. I decided to stop working on a degree, retire and pursue art full time. Art and creating art in some form has been part of my life since my own early childhood. After several life events since I retired, it has helped me heal and grow as a person. I look forward to reading the articles here.
Hi Kathryn,
I’m delighted you found us. Bravo to you for now pursuing art full time. Your mixed media “Tribute Portraits” must be very healing for you to create and also for those who are the recipients of your compassionate creativity.
Please visit often or subscribe to our Email News http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/subscribe/.
I wish you continued creative bliss,
Renee Phillips
Wendy, I suggest you search for local volunteer opportunities in your area at community centers, etc.. Another resource is http://www.idealist.org – “The world’s best place to find volunteer opportunities, nonprofit jobs, internships,
and organizations working to change the world since 1995.”
Hello,
What an amazing resources and Arts connection.
I would love to connect with other Artists , organization, and to help in my community to provide Arts Expression/Healing to children, young adults, and adults. I live in Oregon city, Oregon. What would you suggest a place to start??
thanks,
Wendy Little
Wendy,
Portrait Connection has a primary base in Oregon, and we are looking to add programming in your area. Do you want to help? Contact: theteam@portraitconnection.org I look forward to talking to you.