Augusta, ME — The Maine Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Cultural Alliance of Maine, United Way of Southern Maine, Side x Side, MaineHealth, and community organizer Jessie Laurita-Spanglet, invites the public to take part in a series of virtual Arts in Health Roundtables this fall.  

These sessions will bring together Maine artists, arts organizations, and community partners who are engaged—or interested in becoming engaged—in the growing field of arts in health. Designed as regenerative spaces, the roundtables will provide opportunities to network, share resources, and foster partnerships, with the goal of identifying what is needed most to strengthen arts in health initiatives statewide. Both sessions are free and will be held via Zoom. Registration is required. Participants are encouraged to attend both, regardless of affiliation.   

 Roundtable Sessions 

Session 1 – Friday, Oct. 24 | 9–10:30 a.m. 

1. For arts organizations, artists, and teaching artists across all disciplines who are currently working in, or interested in, arts and health: Presentations & Q/A to follow. 

• Hogfish Regenerative Arts

• Jessie Laurita-Spanglet Creative Aging & Dance

• Side x Side – Arts Integration as a relates to Arts in Health 

• Portland Museum of Art – collaboration with healthcare 

• Teaching Artist – Katharine Doughty “Embodied Living” 
  
  Session 1 Registration Link or sign up at www.mainearts.maine.gov

Session 2 – Friday, Oct. 31 | 9–10:30 a.m. 

1. For community partners, including funders, healthcare providers, human service organizations, insurance agencies, state entities, and others interested in learning more about arts and health: Presentations & Q/A to follow. 

• Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) – Creative Aging 

• Maine Health, Brunswick Community Health and Wellness - Cate Parker  

• United Way of Southern Maine (UWSME)- Social Prescription 

• Zack25 – Transitional Youth Mentorship - Founder, Lisa Kuzma 
  
  Session 2 Registration Link or sign up at www.mainearts.maine.gov

Continuing Conversations

Outcomes from the October roundtables will guide the themes for a monthly series of virtual Arts in Health Maine Gatherings (November 2025 – March 2026), exploring issues such as social prescribing, creative aging, mental health, addiction and recovery, and veterans’ wellness.

Gathering Dates:  Friday, Nov. 21- Arts in Health Maine theme TBD - (example: Social Prescribing), Friday, Dec. 19 - Arts in Health Maine theme TBD - (example: Creative Aging), Friday, Jan. 16 - Arts in Health Maine theme TBD - (example: Mental Health), Friday, Feb. 20 - Arts in Health Maine theme TBD - (example: Addition & Recovery), Friday, March 20 - Arts in Health Maine theme TBD - (example: Veterans)  

The series will culminate in a half-day, in-person convening on Friday, April 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at MaineHealth Community Health & Wellness, 329 Main St., Brunswick.

About Arts in Health 

Arts in health—sometimes called arts in medicine or arts in healthcare—is a diverse, multidisciplinary field dedicated to enhancing health and the healthcare experience through creative expression. It integrates literary, performing, and visual arts, design, and other forms of creativity into healthcare and community settings to improve health and well-being.

Research shows the arts help treat Alzheimer’s, substance use disorders, chronic pain, and depression, while reducing isolation and loneliness. For example, a recent eClinicalMedicine study found that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risks for type 2 diabetes, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and premature death—risks comparable to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have similarly highlighted the profound health risks of social isolation, an issue particularly relevant in Maine, which has the nation’s oldest population and significant rural access challenges. 

“The arts play a vital role in addressing challenges by fostering community connection, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, reducing stress, and building resilience,” said Maine Arts Commission Executive Director Amy Hausmann. “Creativity is essential to health—it serves as a bridge connecting generations, communities, and regions. These roundtables are designed to inspire, provide resources, and foster new connections, creating a space to explore the possibilities in Maine if the arts and health sectors collaborate. By partnering with community wellness organizations, libraries, YMCAs, recreation programs, retirement communities, funders, schools, and state agencies, we can weave creative activities into daily life, strengthening well-being across the state.” 

For more information, please contact:  Khristina Kurasz, Program Director, Maine Arts Commission | Email: khristina.kurasz@maine.gov | Phone: 207-479-8229 

The Maine Arts Commission fosters and encourages public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and artistic expression of our state. We believe that all people deserve equal access and opportunities to participate in a vibrant and creative life. We fulfill our mission through partnerships and collaborations, outreach and advocacy, initiatives, information sharing and grants for organizations, artists and communities throughout this land we now call Maine.