WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast from the National League of Cities (NLC) features Amanda Lovelee, artist and U.S. Cultural Policy Fellow at Stanford University and member of the Cross-sector Artists-in-Residence (CAIR) Lab, in conversation with Georgia Gempler, Program Manager for Health and Wellbeing at NLC, ahead of National Arts & Health Day. The episode explores how artists can partner with local governments to strengthen community wellbeing, improve civic engagement and develop creative solutions to complex public challenges.
Drawing on her experience serving as an artist-in-residence with the City of St. Paul and other government agencies, Lovelee discusses how artists help local governments rethink systems, build trust with residents and create more vibrant, connected communities. The conversation highlights the growing role of arts in public health, community engagement and local innovation.
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 what artists-in-residence bring to local government:
“A key concept of an artist in residence in government is that an artist comes in, joins your team, listens, learns, shapes the work that a city is doing, collaborates and becomes a partner. And I think at this moment in history, we need cross-sector partners more than ever.” — Amanda Lovelee, Artist, U.S. Cultural Policy Fellow and CAIR Lab Member
On how artists help improve government systems:
“I loved when the work changed a system beyond that one project or that one moment. The art got to test an idea, got to be playful, got to do the thing that all the landscape architects dreamed of doing… and got to show that it could work.” — Amanda Lovelee, Artist, U.S. Cultural Policy Fellow and CAIR Lab Member
On why cities should think beyond public art installations:
“Think beyond just the object, because artists really do make great thought leaders and partners and engagement buddies, and can just transform how people think. And I think that’s the work that makes me really excited.” — Amanda Lovelee, Artist, U.S. Cultural Policy Fellow and CAIR Lab Member
On celebrating National Arts & Health Day:
“I think we can get real creative around what are we cheering for. I think we, at this moment, are pretty good at all knowing maybe what we’re against, but starting to think about as a community, what are we cheering for? And I think the arts can enliven that in a way that I think people can’t even imagine.” — Amanda Lovelee, Artist, U.S. Cultural Policy Fellow and CAIR Lab Member
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!
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CitiesSpeak Podcast: The Science of Arts & Health with Dr. Jill Sonke
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