KANSAS CITY, MO ArtsKC—Regional Arts Council hosted a luncheon featuring the renowned Soprano, Arts and Health Advocate, Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor, and NeuroArts Blueprint Co-Chair Renée Fleming. Fleming, a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health for the World Health Organization, is widely recognized for her extraordinary talent and commitment to advancing the connection between arts, health, and well-being through support and advocacy.
During the luncheon, Renée shared valuable insights into the benefits of art therapy and arts and health research. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the positive impact that artistic endeavors can have on individuals and communities alike.
In addition, our Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition members: Courtney Crappel, Dean of the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music; Andrea Dalton, Music Therapist and director of the Center for Trauma-Informed Innovation at University Health; and Enrique Chi, Executive and Artistic Director of Art as Mentorship, provided updates on the local advancements at the intersection of art and health within their respective sectors. Their contributions emphasized the progress being made and the potential for further growth in this important field in our region.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for Renée to connect with our Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition members who are leading initiatives about the intersection of art and health,” said Dana Knapp, CEO at ArtsKC. “We were honored to have Renée Fleming share her insights and support of research and practice at the intersection of music, health, and neuroscience.”
As the event came to a close, Christopher Bailey, the World Health Organization’s Arts and Health Lead, delivered an inspirational speech that left a lasting impression on all who attended. His words reinforced the significance of the work done by organizations like ours and highlighted the opportunities for continued progress and impact in the realm of arts and health.
We closed the event with a live performance by former students from the local art organization Harmony Project KC, showcasing the vibrant talent within the community.
The event provided a platform for artists, health practitioners, and business leaders to forge new connections, share best practices, and identify potential collaborations aimed at promoting arts-based wellness initiatives. As a driving force behind arts advocacy and the intersection of art, health, and wellness, ArtsKC continues to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue on the impact of art.
For more information about Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition, please visit here.
