Prescribing Paintings
Taken from the second edition of Creative Copy, a service of the Wisconsin Arts Board, we delved into Social Prescription (Social Rx), an innovative and evidence-based practice in both the United States and across the globe where health providers prescribe arts, cultural, and nature activities free-of-cost for patients in community settings to holistically address an individual’s specific health issues and unmet needs such as poor mental health, substance misuse, chronic disease, and social isolation.
Especially if you’re a working artist, it’s important to know what resources are available that may help you manage professional stress, while engaging in activities (new or familiar) that nurture your creativity.
Social Rx is gaining traction in Wisconsin, and below we’ve included a few resources that you can use to further your understanding or share with friends and family. There’s also a few pieces of art within this page, gathered from virtual galleries from organizations across Wisconsin, think of them as our recommended medicine to you.
Circa '70 Tea and Coffee Service by Donald Colflesh
Social Rx Organizations
Social Rx Wisconsin
"The Wisconsin Social Rx Pilot steering committee is made up of arts, health, and policy leaders across the state, who are working to secure private donors and grant funding to launch the pilot. Dane County, Milwaukee County, and a multi-county rural area will be the initial pilot program locations, with the intention to scale Social Prescribing state-wide after the pilot is complete."
Social Prescribing USA
“Inspired by the power of social connection and community-based activity to improve health, we are committed to the advancement of social prescribing in the United States.”
National Organization for Arts and Health
“NOAH builds community to amplify, educate about, and advocate for the power of the arts to improve health and wellbeing for all people.”
Art Pharmacy
“Delivering evidence-based solutions for the dual mental health and loneliness epidemics.”
The Shepherdess by Jean-Honoré Fragonard
This information was first featured in the Creative Copy. Creative Copy serves artists and arts organizations in Wisconsin, and we want to connect you with useful, timely, and important resources. If you have suggestions, comments, or questions, send a message to vivienne.timchenko@wisconsin.gov!
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