Art and medicine are a powerful combination in the pursuit of health equity.

Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and Michael C. Carlos Museum recently hosted events as part of Healing Arts Atlanta,a multi-day initiative of Jameel Arts & Health Laband Performance Hypothesis. These events focused on art as a tool to address systemic racism and promote public health awareness and health equity.

At Rollins, Emory professors and a diverse group of professional artists and health leaders collaborated to present “Arts in Health Forum: Research & Practice.” Panelists discussed engaging the arts in health research and practice; artistic genius in HIV spaces; and the healing power of creative expression for elders. Themes included using arts to enhance ethics and medicine, pedagogy, and health equity and education.

“Art is an incredible tool to address deep-rooted public health problems, including persistent health equity challenges,” M. Daniele Fallin, PhD, dean of the Rollins School of Public Health, said while emphasizing the promise that Atlanta holds during her opening remarks.

“Atlanta is at the forefront when it comes to using the arts for promoting healing and dismantling systemic barriers. This is an opportune place and time for this group of leaders to collaborate and craft new solutions for applying the arts to improving multiple facets of health,” Fallin added.

Rollins also hosted the launch event for Healing Arts Atlanta and a “Muscogee Arts in Healthcare” event focusing on the intersection of arts and health on Tribal nations. The latter was presented by Emory’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies and featured Rhonda Beaver, chief administrative officer for the Muscogee National Health Department, and Muscogee artist Bobby C. Martin as panelists.

The Carlos Museum hosted a call-and-response live event with celebrated author Lama Rod Owens and Grammy-winning violinist Melissa White that focused on arts and mindfulness. The High Museum of Art, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and Buteco in Grant Park also hosted portions of Healing Arts Atlanta.

Read the full article about art and health equity at Emory News Center.