Healıng wıth art

erkanykaya
Mar 31
2 min read

🎨 Healing Through Art: The “Arts on Prescription” Program Launches in the U.S.

One of the standout health trends of 2025 is prescribing art! Yes, you heard that right. In cities like Chicago and Portland, doctors are now writing prescriptions for art classes instead of medication. The pilot program, known as “Arts on Prescription,” is part of a growing movement to integrate creative activities into physical and mental health treatments.

🎭 What Is “Arts on Prescription”?

This innovative approach allows doctors to recommend artistic activities instead of—or alongside—traditional treatments. For example, someone dealing with anxiety might be prescribed a 10-week pottery course or free tickets to a symphony concert. Participation is free or low-cost, and the effects are monitored through patient surveys and basic health metrics.

💡 A Real-World Example: ArtsRx in Chicago

Launched in late 2024, the ArtsRx initiative is a collaboration between Northwestern Medicine and local art institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Second City theater group. It targets people with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and mild-to-moderate depression.

📊 Early results show:

68% of participants reported lower stress levels.
45% showed improvement in blood pressure or blood sugar readings.
A notable case: A 62-year-old diabetic patient who joined a community choir saw her A1C drop from 7.8 to 7.1, along with better sleep and fewer panic attacks.

🌍 Can This Model Expand to Other Countries?

This model is inspired by the UK’s “Social Prescribing” system, which has been in place for years. A 2025 study from University College London found that participants in similar programs had 37% fewer GP visits annually, suggesting potential cost savings. Given recent support from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., advocates believe the model could expand nationwide.

In countries like Turkey, there’s also growing interest in community-based health solutions. Local governments could combine wellness strategies with cultural programming to support mental health—especially in underserved populations.

🖌️ Art Is Affordable, Effective, and Accessible

Compared to the side effects of medications, the cost of therapy, or pricey gym memberships, art offers a more inclusive and sustainable solution. Whether it’s sketching at home, joining a neighborhood drum circle, or attending a free play, art boosts emotional resilience and activates feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin.

📌 Final Thoughts: Health and Art, Hand in Hand

The world is moving toward more holistic approaches to healthcare—and recognizing that medicine doesn’t always come in pill form. Healing through art nurtures the soul and strengthens community bonds. Who knows? Next time you visit your doctor, they might prescribe you a painting class or a music workshop.

Erkan Yalçınkaya