Mon
Sep
22
9 am - 4 pm
ET
Re-Imagining Health through the Arts
The annual research symposium is presented by NYU Steinhardt as part of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) Healing Arts Week.
The WHO reminds us that true health integrates physical, mental, and social well-being—a vision that cannot be fully realized without the arts.
At a moment when empathy, scientific integrity, and human dignity feel increasingly fragile, the arts can provide essential nourishment—challenging assumptions, fostering resilience, and cultivating compassionate, connected communities.
This year's symposium will explore if and how participating in the arts can be understood as a health behavior, similar to sleep, nutrition, exercise, and time spent in nature.
Join researchers, practitioners, artists, and innovators in illuminating the transformative and intricate ways in which the arts and arts therapies enhance our minds, bodies, and communities.
Admission is free. Advanced registration is required.
Call for Proposals
We're calling for proposals that explore:
- How do the arts impact the mind, body, brain, and behavior?
- In what ways do artistic experiences support human development, civic and planetary health?
- How can we expand equitable access to the arts across communities, schools, and care systems?
And that engage themes like:
- Arts for Mental and Emotional Health
- Arts for Brain and Physical Health
- Arts for Community and Environmental Health
- Arts Engagements and Health Behavior Change
- Equity, Access, Economics, and Innovation in Arts and Health
Sumission Categories
- Panels (45-60 mins): Engaging conversations among 3-4 experts plus moderator.
- Performances (15-45 mins): Creative expressions aligned with symposium themes.
- Short Talks or Interactive Artistic Interventions (15–20 mins): Dynamic, focused presentations or artistic experiences for larger groups.
How to Submit
Submit your proposal by Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late submissions will not be considered. Each proposal should include:
- Title and proposed format
- Abstract (250-300 words)
- Names and bios (150 words max each)
- Any tech, spatial, or accessibility needs
Please note: While we cannot offer funding for presenters, conference registration will be free to ensure broad, inclusive participation.
Submit a Proposal Download a PDF of the Submission Guidelines
Learn more about UNGA Healing Arts Week 2025 at the Jameel Arts & Health Lab website.
Healing Arts is a global campaign produced by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, established by NYU Steinhardt, the World Health Organization, Culturunners, and Community Jameel. UNGA Healing Arts Week 2025 is supported by the Laurie M Tisch Illumination Fund.
NYU provides reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Please submit your request for accommodations for events and services at least two weeks before the date of your accommodation need. Although we can't guarantee accommodation requests received less than two weeks before the event, you should still contact us and we will do our best to meet your accommodation need. Please email
artsandhealth@nyu.edu for assistance.
