WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Dr. Jill Sonke, research professor and research director at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, in conversation with Lourdes Aceves, NLC’s director of Health and Wellbeing. The episode explores the growing body of research connecting arts participation to improved health outcomes and examines how local governments can use arts and culture as tools to strengthen community wellbeing in advance of National Arts & Health Day, which will be celebrated nationwide on July 25.
Drawing on nearly three decades of research and practice in arts and health, Dr. Sonke discusses how arts participation can reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical health outcomes and strengthen social cohesion. The conversation highlights innovative approaches cities are using to integrate arts into public health strategies, including arts prescribing programs, artist community health workers and policies that expand access to arts and cultural opportunities.
National Arts & Health Day is a celebration of how the arts contribute to public health and wellbeing. The theme of the 2026 celebration is “Healthy Cities are Creative,” and communities are invited to proclaim July 25 as National Arts & Health Day and to post a photo of a local arts institution or a work of public art to social media that day.
Highlights from the Conversation
On the growing evidence connecting arts and health:
“We know that people who participate regularly in the arts, particularly people over the age of 50 who do so just once a month or more, are very significantly less likely to develop depression. They’re less likely to develop age-related disability. We know that young people who participate regularly in the arts can have better educational outcomes. They’re more likely to have high levels of social wellbeing and flourishing.” — Dr. Jill Sonke, University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine
On why cities should view arts access as a public health issue:
“Our epidemiological evidence suggests that in so many ways, people who are engaging in the arts have opportunities for better health outcomes. So, we also need to think about that in terms of access. If we know that to be true, which we do, then access to the arts is a social determinant or driver of health. And if we don’t ensure equitable access for everyone in our communities, we’re actually doing harm in limiting health.” — Dr. Jill Sonke, University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine
On where local leaders should begin:
“I think they should look around their community and start having coffee or lunch with people in the arts sector, in the arts and cultural spaces in the communities and recognize them as partners. It’s not just about recognizing these very important arts organizations, but it’s also recognizing artists, independent artists who do incredible work that contributes to health and are a critical part of the health landscape in a community.” — Dr. Jill Sonke, University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
Listen to the full conversation, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
CitiesSpeak Podcast: The Science of Arts & Health with Dr. Jill Sonke
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