The current state of the world, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the critical importance of accessible and culturally-responsive programs that promote healing, well-being, and connection. The World Health Organization has recognized the role of the arts in promoting health and managing illness, and the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness and isolation as a public health epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for interventions that address these issues.
We aim to bridge this gap by providing free and affordable programs that empower individuals to utilize trauma-informed and culturally-responsive practices in their own communities. One such program, Recipes for Connection: Art for Social Emotional Learning, was recently offered as part of our monthly, free HOPE Series, which was created in 2020 to support the resilience of our global community through social emotional arts.
During the session, facilitators Dr. Jessica Bianchi, LMFT, ATR-BC and Amber L Cromwell, LMFT, ATR-BC, "cooked up" art-based social and emotional strategies designed to strengthen relationships and develop a culture of connection.
Have a few minutes to try one of these recipes out? Invite a family member (of any age!), friend, roommate, colleague and/or a significant other to experience the connecting power of the arts with the Blind Contour Partner Portrait activity! And if you would like to share your portrait for a chance to be featured on our Instagram feed, we’d love to see your creations! Simply email them over to us at info@artsandheadlinginitiative.org.
*Originally developed in partnership with Arts & Healing Initiative, Recipes for Connection is also available as one of our many customized programs. Interested in bringing your professional development vision to life? We work with budgets big and small with virtual or in-person delivery. For more information, contact Heidi Parker, our Community Initiatives Manager, at heidi@artsandhealinginitiative.org.