Interested in experiencing how the transformative power of art can support mental health and well-being? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve put together a list of free resources and events—both online and local, in-person events—that promote the use of the arts for wellness. Check it out at the link in our bio!
Featured Free Events
May 2: Healing with the Senses at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine
May 4: Nurturing Wellbeing Through Arts & Culture
May 13: Semel Digital Art Exhibition & Mindful Music opening event featuring The Continental Drips at UCLA
May 15: Steps Toward Emotional Wellness Conference, a free, in-person event focused on emotional wellness, family support, and practical tools for everyday life. Lunch will be provided.
May 15: Look and Listen: David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
May 16: Dear Mama, a free community healing festival for hope and mental wellness at Ladera Park
May 16: Draw & Explore: Light and Space at the David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), followed by Performance: Golden Hour with Lula Washington Dance Theatre at 5:30 pm
May 18: Immerse yourself in a music workshop from Urban Voices Project with participatory singing and wellness activities to improve mental health, amplify self-expression, and build community at the Little Tokyo Branch Library
May 18: Mindful Monday: Cultivating Empathy and Connectedness the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
May 19: Recovery in Motion, an arts healing workshop for all individuals and families affected by the 2025 Los Angeles Fires.
May 21: Join our virtual May HOPE Session, Color & Conflict: A Creative Exploration for Divided Times
May 24: Stories of Reclamation features live storytelling and a guided writing experience to center women’s voices and emotional wellness.
May 26: Turn stress into calm by creating spontaneous intertwined lines and transforming them into beautiful patterns of self-expression in this free Neurographic Art Workshop at the Manhattan Beach Library
May 28: Spend the evening listening to live music and storytelling for your nervous system at The Healing Power of Music in Santa Monica
Looking Ahead
June 6: Free Family Arts Day at Inner-City Arts
June 12: LA County Arts and Health Week Summit at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The Summit will feature arts and wellness sessions by our AHI team members, Ping Ho and Christine Manley Martinez.
For arts and wellness resources, visit our Resource Center section.
Know of any additional free virtual or local, Los Angeles-area arts and wellness events? Send them to us info@artsandhealinginitiative.org.